The Delta variant has changed how we look at Covid.
The New York Times has looked at how seven states are handling breakthrough infections. Those are the ones that affect people who are vaccinated.
The states are California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. Why these states? The Times says these keep the most Covid data.
The findings are troubling. Breakthrough infections in vaccinated people account for at least one in five newly diagnosed cases. Also, higher percentages of total hospitalizations and deaths.
What’s the takeaway? Those of us vaccinated may need to re-think how we look at things. With the Delta variant, the vaccine may not give us all the protection we hoped.
Still, the numbers are relatively low and getting vaccinated is the best protection.
Booster shots. Just tell me where and when?
Locally, the Delta variant is doing a real number on people and resources.
The Hillsborough County school district will meet today to try to figure out how to curb the growing Covid numbers in schools.
Staggering numbers. Nearly 1,700 Covid cases. 8,400 students and 300 teachers quarantined.
The school board will meet to consider its options. This includes going against Governor Ron DeSantis and instituting a mandatory mask order with no opting out.
Here’s how bad things are. The American Academy of Pediatrics says there were 121,000 new child Covid infections last week. That’s about 18 percent of new cases.
Hospitals in Florida are filling up quickly. Sixteen thousand Covid patients with nearly 92 percent of ICU beds occupied.
It’s so bad that Pasco County officials are telling residents to only call 9-1-1 for real emergencies. My TV station, Fox 13, is reporting that non-emergency Covid calls are jamming the system. There’s an ambulance shortage, too. Many are being used to hold patients at the hospital until bed space opens.
I could go on, but I won’t. You see where we are. In the thick of it. A long way to go before we are out of it, too.