(elsevier)
President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently recuperating at his home in Delaware, experiencing reportedly mild symptoms. This development comes amidst a significant rise in coronavirus cases across the Washington D.C. area.
The summer heatwave has driven more people indoors, where the risk of virus transmission increases due to shared air and close contact. Maryland, in particular, has seen a surge in cases, as indicated by recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to CDC findings based on wastewater analysis, Maryland is among seven states facing “very high levels” of COVID-19 transmission, while neighboring Virginia reports “high levels”.
Wastewater testing has become a crucial tool for gauging community spread, revealing the presence of viruses like COVID-19 that are shed through bodily fluids such as urine and feces. Before treatment, samples are examined to assess viral loads, providing insights into infection levels within specific areas.
Sean O’Donnell of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services noted a significant increase in outpatient visits to emergency departments in recent weeks. While hospitalizations have not yet surged dramatically, there is a noticeable uptick, suggesting a potential escalation in severe cases.
Nationwide, the CDC reports an 11% positivity rate in COVID-19 tests, up nearly 2% from the previous week. In response, health officials advise taking precautions, especially in crowded indoor settings or during travel on planes and buses, recommending the use of masks, particularly for those at higher risk.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the importance of vaccination, urging unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated alongside their annual flu shots. With new, less severe but highly contagious variants circulating, the CDC plans to roll out updated vaccines in the upcoming months, prompting discussions about whether children should receive current shots now or wait for the new version.
“It can be a personal decision to wait or not for that latest one,” O’Donnell remarked, stressing that vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 and above. Children who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to get the current vaccine to gain some immunity, with the option to receive a booster when the updated version becomes available later this year.
As Virginia and Maryland grapple with rising case numbers, health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination and continued vigilance to curb the spread of COVID-19. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the virus, even as efforts to vaccinate and adapt to new variants remain ongoing priorities.
