News That Matters

Tag: COVID-19

Hawaii is ditching strict entry requirements: No more COVID tests, vaccine proof or quarantine
16Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

Hawaii is ditching strict entry requirements: No more COVID tests, vaccine proof or quarantine

Governor Ige announced that as of March 26, 2022, Hawaii will be lifting their strict COVID-19 entry requirements. While proof of vaccine of negative test is no longer required, it is still required that masks are worn while in doors. When making this decision, the board took into account the declining number of cases for the area and declining hospitalizations. To read more, click here.
Read More
16Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

Experts worry a lack of data is obscuring which kids aren’t getting the COVID-19 shot

Due to minimal data, some experts wonder if their efforts in targeting strategies are effective. Children of color are suffering more sever illness in higher amount and lack access to the vaccine and booster shots. Only 7 states are releasing this data by race which is making it difficult to establish trends for the entire nation. More data is still needed to decide which counties need targeted outreach. To read more, click here.
Read More
COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide
15Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide

In the first year of the pandemic there was a sharp rise of about 25% in regard to anxiety and depression worldwide. A major reason for this increase is due to the stress that was brought on by self-isolation while we were in quarantine. Young people and women were amongst the groups that were negatively impacted the most. The gaps in healthcare overlapped with the existing mental health problems leaving vulnerable populations even more exposed. WHO continues to release resources to address the mental impacts due to COVID-19. To read more, click here.
Read More
The next COVID subvariant is here and may be even more contagious than Omicron
15Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

The next COVID subvariant is here and may be even more contagious than Omicron

A new variant has been detected in every U.S. state. Due to its similar high transmissibility, it has been named, “Stealth Omicron.” In late January 2022, this variant was first detected in Europe and made its way around the globe. This strain is the leading strain in at least 18 countries. Data has not been able to confirm whether this strand is more serious that Omicron, however it could be up to 30% more transmissible. To read more, click here.
Read More
Do not assume COVID pandemic reaching “end game,” warns WHO
15Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

Do not assume COVID pandemic reaching “end game,” warns WHO

An attendee of a WHO executive board meeting, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warns WHO against lurching between panic and neglect when it comes to the attitude towards the COVID-19 virus. We are currently in the third year of the pandemic, with no clear end in sight. Within the span of the pandemic, there have been nearly 6 million deaths globally. Omicron is unlikely to be the last variant of this crisis. To read more, click here.
Read More
After the Omicron wave, here’s what experts say could come next in 2022
14Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

After the Omicron wave, here’s what experts say could come next in 2022

If we as a society approach COVID the right way, there is an end in sight. Epidemiologists and infectious disease experts are trying to figure out what the next part of the pandemic will likely look like. They are looking into Omicron and considering how it emerged and the implications it had on society. They noted that it peaked in areas where the variant first hit like in Boston or New York. It is suspected that the next variant will be equally or more transmissible that Omicron is. Symptoms can range from no-existent to more severe. Regardless of what happens next, we know how to stop sever Covid. To read more, click here.
Read More
NFL reaches agreement with NFLPA to suspend all COVID-19 testing, protocols for 2022
14Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

NFL reaches agreement with NFLPA to suspend all COVID-19 testing, protocols for 2022

The weekly Reserve/COVID-19 list is now a thing of the past. The NFL has notified all 32 teams that all COVID-19 testing has ceased. This news also includes that guidance that COVID-19 protocols in general, such as mask wearing and contact tracing, will also stop immediately. Players, coaches, and office personnel are still required to adhere to the protocols set by their counties; but back to pre-COVID protocols as far as football is concerned. To read more, click here.
Read More
With mask mandates expiring, businesses bet on their own policies
11Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

With mask mandates expiring, businesses bet on their own policies

One salon owner opted to open her own shop in order to limit exposure for herself and her clients. Even with the CDC relaxing guidelines on masking, business owners are taking control of mask mandates for their own, private businesses. Polls show that there is almost an even split over mask mandates. This split is mostly due to opposing political views. To read more, click here.
Read More
It’s safe to unmask in many places, says the CDC. These experts aren’t quite ready
11Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

It’s safe to unmask in many places, says the CDC. These experts aren’t quite ready

Even though the CDC has given new guidance that says we are able to ditch the masks, infectious disease specialists surveyed by NPR are choosing to keep their masks on. When you are deciding whether you should ditch you mask, or not, look at more than the infection rates globally or even nationally. It is important to take into account the risk calculations for your local county. For now, infection instances are at about 24 people per 100,000 per day and experts are looking for that number to decrease to about 5 to 10 cases before they take masks off. To read more, click here.
Read More
How long COVID sheds light on other mysterious (and lonely) chronic illnesses
11Feb By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

How long COVID sheds light on other mysterious (and lonely) chronic illnesses

COVID-19 cases have a steep decline, however, it is difficult to say how many people will develop lingering symptoms. Long COVID-19 is very difficult to detect as the symptoms are commonly associated with other, more mild sicknesses. Additionally, the symptoms can come and go at unexpected times, so lab tests are not always able to pick up on the presence of the sickness. O’Rourke advertises her book, The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness where she outlinesher personal experience with hopes that it helps someone else. To read more, click here.
Read More