Health

Americans can now order four more free at-home Covid-19 tests
Health, Science

Americans can now order four more free at-home Covid-19 tests

When the government first announced that they would be sending four free tests to homes, Americans thought that would be the last of the tests they would be given. However, it has been announced that Covidtests.gov will allow another four tests to be ordered for all households. This decision was brought on by the effort to move back to the normal before Covid. To read more, click here.
Here’s how to get free antiviral medicine if you test positive for Covid-19
Health, Science

Here’s how to get free antiviral medicine if you test positive for Covid-19

The test to treat program is well underway and many pharmacies have started ordering shipments of Covid-19 antiviral pills. Paxlovid and molnupiravir are free and available in the United States. However, access to the drugs may not be as easy for some. The Biden Administration has ordered pharmacies to give rapid tests, provide results within minutes, and to send the patient home with an antiviral pill the same day. This pill will reduce chances of covid-19 related hospitalizations by 90%. To read more, click here.
Health experts warn Florida’s plan to recommend against Covid-19 vaccine for healthy kids is irresponsible
Health, Science

Health experts warn Florida’s plan to recommend against Covid-19 vaccine for healthy kids is irresponsible

Florida has issued a statement that urges parents to not vaccinate their children. This goes against CDC guidelines and officials highlighted how dangerous that guidance could be. While kids are less likely to be infected, they can still be infected and suffer severe cases of the covid-19 infection. However, the governor of Florida stated, " We are not just going to follow the CDC in the state of Florida. We're going to do our own thing. To read more, click here.
A federal program to ease access to Covid-19 antivirals rolls out, but pills have been going unused in many parts of the United States
Health, Science

A federal program to ease access to Covid-19 antivirals rolls out, but pills have been going unused in many parts of the United States

A middle aged man nearly died of a Covid-19 infection due to his health state and not having access to the life saving drug, Paxlovid. The federal government has a solution to that problem as they are now rolling out a program called "test-to-treat." Citizens will now be able to take a rapid test, receive their results in minutes, and take medication home the same day. Some states are struggling to keep the drug on the shelf while other have several units available. However, these pills will not be redistributed. To read more, click here.
Hawaii will drop its mask mandate this month, the last state in the nation to do so
Health, Science

Hawaii will drop its mask mandate this month, the last state in the nation to do so

Governor David Ige has officially announced that the COVID-19 mask mandate for Hawaii will end on March 25, 2022. They are the last state to drop the indoor mask mandate. This decision came by looking at the decline in covid related hospitalizations and lowered case counts. He warned, however, that this mandate will be reinstated in needed. To read more, click here.
Covid-19 safety tips to consider as you return to work
Health, Science

Covid-19 safety tips to consider as you return to work

As COVID restrictions continue to loosen up, many employers are requiring that their employees come back to the office. This has people wondering if they should continue to wear a mask in the office, is it safe to sit in conference rooms, and is it okay to take public transportation. Experts say that you should ask yourself the following important questions: What is your current health condition? What is the level of Covid-19 in your particular community? What are the conditions in your work environment? To read more, click here.
New Florida Department of Health guidance says Covid-19 vaccine ‘may not benefit’ healthy 5- to 17-year-olds
Health, Science

New Florida Department of Health guidance says Covid-19 vaccine ‘may not benefit’ healthy 5- to 17-year-olds

Children that are 5 to 17 years old may not benefit from the vaccines that are currently available. However, children in this age group that have underlying health conditions are the best candidates for the drug. Florida has decided to not follow CDC guidelines that advise parents to vaccinate their children that are 5 years and older. There are more risks than there are benefits for those that take the vaccination without having underlying issues. Therefore, it is critical to follow the guidance that has been given by the CDC. To read more, click here.
Pfizer begins Phase 2 and 3 trial of Covid-19 antiviral Paxlovid in children ages 6 to 17
Health, Science

Pfizer begins Phase 2 and 3 trial of Covid-19 antiviral Paxlovid in children ages 6 to 17

The new trials will evaluate how safe and effective the treat will be for children that have confirmed cases of Covid-19. This trial will consist of 140 people and they are to be separated into two different cohorts in order to determine how Paxlovid will effect them based on weight. In addition to evaluating the safety, experts are making it a point to study how the drug moves throughout the body. To read more, click here.
This is the date the pandemic will feel like it’s over for many Americans
Health, Science

This is the date the pandemic will feel like it’s over for many Americans

There has been much speculation as to when the pandemic is over. Politically speaking, the date is March 25, which marks the day that Hawaii ends its indoor mask mandate. Hawaii will return to masking if needed, however, it is unlikely that any state will return to indoor masking. State governors are very optimistic about the end of the pandemic being near. To read more, click here.
Coronavirus wastewater data, CDC guidelines can give mixed signals on whether to mask
Health, Science

Coronavirus wastewater data, CDC guidelines can give mixed signals on whether to mask

The CDC has announced that most of the country no longer needs to wear a mask. The Biden administration is in agreement and has implemented additional steps to take in order to return to a pre-Covid normal. However, the wastewater is telling a different story. In many communities, wastewater surveillance has detected elevated levels of the coronavirus in water. People living in those communities are encouraged to stay vigilant. To read more, click here.