As we continue to experience the COVID-19 Global Pandemic that officially began in the United States in March 2022, we find ourselves after 2 ½ years with rising numbers and a new variant. Below are some talking points and recommendations in light of our current situation.

(from the CDC and Ohio Department of Health)

1. Another booster is available and recommended to fight all known strains including omicron

2. To protect yourself and others, get the original vaccine and available boosters

3. People 60 and over and those who are immuno-compromised or/and with respiratory conditions are still at greater risk for the virus and conditions aggravated by the virus

4. Ohio’s rate of COVID-related deaths and hospitalizations is lower, yet COVID cases and conditions that are aggravated by COVID-19 symptoms are still a matter for concern and precautions.

5. Continue to wear masks indoors

6. Continue to social distance in public, especially indoors

7. Continue to sanitize hands and surfaces

8. Stay current with your annual doctor’s appointments and follow doctor’s orders to manage chronic conditions

9. Continue to get flu shots, pneumonia shots and shingles shots.
10. People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.