A few weeks ago in the US, as every year, Thanksgiving was celebrated. Many people moved, while most family and friends gathered around a common table. Correspondingly beautiful habits Greek society wants to experience at Christmas and New Year. But what have we learned from the Thanksgiving season in the US about coronavirus?
According to recent epidemiological data, at least 34 states have a higher average case rate today compared to before Thanksgiving. The highest increases were observed in the northeast of the country. The 7-day national average for new cases has risen more than 120,000 a day, jumping about 22% in the last 2 weeks. Hospital admissions are also starting to rise, by about 20% compared to late November. Some states, such as Michigan and New Hampshire, reported record numbers of hospitalizations last week and called on the U.S. military to help support hospital staff. In addition, COVID-19 deaths rose by about 5% last month, to more than 800,000 nationwide during the pandemic. Three-quarters of those deaths, or 600,000 out of 800,000, involved people over the age of 65.
In fact, in several states, sewage samples show that coronavirus concentrations are rising and it is predicted that the numbers are likely to worsen next month. Scientists are trying to understand how the new Omicron mutation has affected the increase in cases. Most cases have been reported in most states, at least 75 known in 30 states, although the Delta mutation continues to account for 99% of new cases.
What can we do in anticipation of our Christmas holidays and learning from the Thanksgiving example in the US?
We encourage all our fellow citizens:
1) to be vaccinated
2) those vaccinated to receive a booster dose
3) perform a coronavirus test prior to family or friendly gatherings
4) use a mask, especially indoors
5) to follow general rules of hygiene with frequent hand washing
It has been a year since the US FDA approved the first of three coronavirus vaccines. Science did its duty and in a short time delivered to society a powerful and safe “weapon”. Let us all do our duty, let us have patience and let us wish it to be this last Christmas that the issue of the coronavirus bothers us so much.
* The article was edited by the Doctors of the Therapeutic Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Easter Cross (Assistant Professor of Endocrinology), Theodora Psaltopoulou (Professor of Therapeutic-Preventive Medicine) and Thanos Dimopoulos (Professor of Therapy-Hematology-Oncology and Rector of EKPA).
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