With 2020 behind us and a vaccine currently being administered in the United States, there is hope for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the worst is perhaps not yet behind us. Not only do health experts believe that we will experience a “boom upon boom” as a result of the holiday season, but the detection of two new variants of SARS COV-2 – much more contagious than the previous one – is likely to lead to an increase in infections, hospitalizations and even deaths. So what can you do to avoid COVID-19 this year? In a new interview, Dr. Henry Walke, the CDC’s COVID-19 incident manager, everything you need to prioritize to stay safe. Read on – and do not miss it to ensure your health and the health of others Sure signs that you already have a Coronavirus.
Dr. Walke started with the new variants in the UK and South Africa. “Both people seem to be more easily infected,” he explained. “It is important to know that there is currently no evidence that any of these variants cause serious illness or increase the risk of death.” But because these variants seem to spread more easily, he stresses the importance of “still being vigilant in our prevention measures to slow down the COVID-19 spread.”
Dr. Walke insists that it is important to wear a mask. “If you wear a mask, you protect others as well as yourself,” the CDC says. COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person through respiratory drops. Respiratory drops move into the air when you cough, sneeze, talk, scream or sing. These drops can then get into the mouth or nose of people near you or they can get these drops inasem. ‘
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, social distance is key, recalls Dr. Walke. This means that ‘we have to live at least six meters from people we do not live with’, he says. The CDC adds: “A mask is NOT a substitute for social distance. Masks should still be worn if staying at least 6 meters apart, especially if they are indoors around people who do not live in your home. . “
“Avoid large gatherings” and crowds are also crucial, Walke says. Do not go. If you have to, “wear masks in public institutions, such as on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and wherever it will be at other people,” the CDC says. “Use social distance (stay at least 6 feet away from others). Call before you go, and ask what extra prevention strategies they use, such as requiring staff to wear masks.”
While the CDC and other health experts are constantly reminding that ‘outdoors is better than indoors’ when it comes to preventing the spread of coronavirus, dr. Walke insists that it is important to ‘ventilate indoor spaces’ if you prefer to be indoors.
Finally, practicing hand hygiene, or ‘washing our hands regularly’, is incredibly important if you come into physical contact with the virus.
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Also, if we have any hope of controlling COVID-19, it is incredibly important that people be vaccinated. “Commit to being vaccinated when it’s your turn and encourage everyone you know to do the same. I am confident that the covid-19 vaccine is the way we help,” Walke insisted. “Images of people being vaccinated are being shared on news and via social media, and staff are sharing stories of family and friends being vaccinated. I want to thank the men and women who have already rolled up their sleeves for a vaccine and I look forward to then to join their ranks when it’s my turn. ‘
“We firmly believe that our mitigation measures will now work in our direction” to prevent the spread of the latest COVID-19 variants, Walke recalled at the end of his V&A. Again, you can help end this upsurge no matter where you live – wear a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, do not go indoors with people you do not shelter with (especially in pubs), practice good hand hygiene, be vaccinated if it is available to you and around your life and the lives of others, do not visit one of this not 35 places you are likely to catch COVID.