According to ABC News, “Seventeen states are seeing high numbers of levels of respiratory illness activity as COVID-19 and flu hospitalizations increase.” Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that new hospital admissions increased by 3% during the first week of December.
Health officials are urging individuals to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and others around them. The CDC advises Americans to receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccines annually for optimal protection. However, the current vaccination rate is rather disappointing. CDC Director Mandy Cohen reveals that only approximately 16% of Americans have received updated COVID-19 vaccines.
A senior at Kenwood conveyed a sense of unconcern about the return of Covid, stating, “I’m not really worried about COVID. I don’t think it will be like how it was in 2020. I do believe that it’s still an issue, but I’m not too worried about it.”
Conversely, another student emphasized the significance of the issue, saying, “Yeah, People should be worried about it. I ain’t trying to deal with another Covid outbreak. With people coughing, sneezing and not washing their hands, it’s insane how people don’t practice basic hygiene anymore.”
The CDC strongly recommends that we all take steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This means washing hands regularly, wearing face masks if experiencing flu or COVID-19 symptoms, and avoiding large gatherings if necessary. Additionally, individuals should undergo testing for the virus if they have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms.
In the current circumstances, it remains crucial to acknowledge the significance of taking preventive measures to protect ourselves and our communities from Covid-19.
