The Next Phase
March 7th marks two years since the first case of COVID was confirmed in Iowa. The impact of this virus on our communities is something we will remember for a lifetime. Yet we are entering a new phase with adjusted guidance to help us move forward. Future surges and the emergence of new variants is likely, but with an increasing number of tools to fight this virus, we can lessen its effect on our daily lives.
A quick summary of this update –
New community transmission metrics and prevention measures by level are located here - https://www.cdc.gov/.../201.../science/community-levels.html
Use this site for Iowa updates every Wednesday - https://idph.iowa.gov/.../Novel.../COVID-19-Reporting. The HHS website for hospital admissions and inpatient data is here - https://protect-public.hhs.gov/pages/hospital-utilization.
How are we measuring COVID’s impact now?
CDC finally adjusted community transmission levels metrics and provided targeted actions for individuals and the community.
• New cases per 100k people over the past week
• New admissions over the past week
• Percent of hospital beds occupied by COVID patients
Cases per population provide a static denominator, which is better than percent positivity. Percent positivity is influenced by the availability of tests and test results reported. Cases per population tell us whether cases are surging, staying the same, or going down. This metric allows comparison between communities regardless of population size.
Tracking hospitalizations is essential as health systems face ongoing, substantial staff shortages and strain in caring for people infected with and recovering from COVID.
To check your community activity levels, go here: https://www.cdc.gov/.../201.../science/community-levels.html. Iowa data will be different on the IDPH website https://idph.iowa.gov/.../Novel.../COVID-19-Reporting as reporting to CDC does not align with what is published on the IDPH website. The IDPH website is currently more up-to-date.
Is it really safe to change?
Yes. The path forward still involves leveraging protections we know are effective – boosting (maybe later this year and/or with stronger, longer-lasting vaccines are on the horizon), masking, distancing, and reducing activities. There will be “seasons” of surge where we need to respond as we do with changes in weather.
What about masks?
Masks are no longer recommended for most people by the CDC unless community transmission levels are high. As case levels change, it is important to be aware of what you need to do individually and for your community https://www.cdc.gov/.../201.../science/community-levels.html. Keeping a mask on hand even when transmission levels are low is a good idea. Many people are susceptible to serious illness from COVID and may need to continue wearing a mask; others may choose to. K-12 schools are no longer recommended to use masks indoors unless community transmission levels are high.
Mask guidance and transmission levels are different for those working in healthcare - https://www.cdc.gov/.../infection-control-recommendations...
Testing
Home tests and continued community testing are valuable tools. Readily available at pharmacies and now through a second order from the government, testing when exposed and/or symptomatic is an excellent idea. If positive, it is still a good idea to follow up with a PCR test and be sure your case is reported to your local health department. If positive, isolate for five days from symptom onset then return to normal activities with a mask for five additional days. Here’s the link to order more free government tests - https://www.covidtests.gov/.
Ascertaining risk
My immediate and extended family, with a few exceptions, managed to avoid COVID for two years until recently. Our exposure may have been from brief interactions while on vacation or a family member who tested negative before arrival, then positive after leaving. It was scary to struggle to breathe, deal with intense fatigue, and challenges getting back into marathon training. As someone with asthma, the attack on my lungs was swift and intense. I went to the ER for breathing treatments and thankfully qualified for monoclonal antibodies the next day. Most of my family is still recovering a week or more past their onset dates. Remarkably, the teens and littles in our family did not get sick.
I cannot imagine this illness without immunity from the vaccine. The one big constant in assessing my decision to vaccinate and promote among my family (outside of copious science) – I knew what to expect from the vaccine. I knew how it would make me feel and that the reaction was temporary. I did not know how my body would handle COVID infection. Now that I know, I cannot fathom managing that illness without the vaccine.
Stay safe and healthy!