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Up-to-date Information
Up-to-Date Info: To find the latest CDC information on this topic go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
COVID data tracker weekly review : interpretative summary for December 16, 2022
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December 16, 2022
[PDF-3.28 MB]
Details:
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Alternative Title:’Tis the Season for Good Health
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Description:’Tis the Season for Good Health
In the midst of the holiday season, U.S. COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased in recent weeks. More than 44% of U.S. counties are experiencing medium to high COVID-19 Community Levels. At the same time, this cold and flu season has been a severe one. The trio of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is continuing to stress the healthcare system, resulting in decreased hospital capacity and staffing shortages.
Vaccination remains the best way to stay protected against severe infection from COVID-19 and flu, protect loved ones, and keep our communities safe. But uptake of the COVID-19 updated (bivalent) booster has been low—150 million people ages 5 years and older are eligible for the updated booster but have not yet gotten it. Among adults ages 65 years and older, who are at highest risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19, 28 million people are eligible but have not yet gotten an updated booster. Two new CDC studies1,2 show that these vaccines can significantly reduce people’s risk of getting hospitalized for COVID-19. With rising COVID-19 rates, now is the time to get your booster if you haven’t already.
CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible get an updated (bivalent) COVID-19 booster. They’re safe, effective, and provide extra protection even if you’ve already gotten two or more doses of the original vaccine. It’s never too late. Find a vaccine.
People can also protect themselves and others by wearing a mask or respirator in indoor public settings, improving ventilation when indoors, and using other layered prevention measures. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested. If you test positive, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. COVID-19 Community Levels can help you make an informed decision about how best to protect yourself and others based on the latest information. Stay safe this holiday season.
Note to Readers: CDC will not publish COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review on December 23, 2022, or December 30, 2022. Publication will resume on January 6, 2023. To find the latest COVID-19 data, visit CDC’s COVID Data Tracker.
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Content Notes:It’s time to pick out your costume and get ready to celebrate Halloween! Over the past two-plus years, we’ve learned new ways to enjoy pandemic holidays, and “outside is always safer” has been the mantra for these holiday gatherings. Luckily, that’s easy to do on Halloween, because trick-or-treating generally involves plenty of outdoor time. But that doesn’t mean it’s totally risk-free. Here are some more tips for staying COVID-safe this Halloween.
• Stay home if you’re sick. Skip the Halloween party if you aren’t feeling well.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Take precautions in crowded or indoor events as informed by your county’s COVID-19 Community Level, like wearing a high-quality mask (and Halloween masks don’t count). Consider making the mask part of the costume—like a doctor, nurse, ninja, or cowboy.
• If you’re hosting celebrations, review options for improving ventilation in your home. This can help you reduce virus particles in your home and keep COVID-19 from spreading.
• Keep your hands clean. If you’re out trick-or-treating, bring hand sanitizer. If you’re giving out candy, wash your hands frequently.
And of course, the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness from COVID-19 on Halloween (and every day) is to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations! Use this tool to find out when you can get a booster.
Note to Readers: On October 12, 2022, CDC recommended updated (bivalent) COVID-19 boosters for children ages 5 years and older in the United States, making the updated boosters available to millions of children in this age group.
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