Holiday Reminder: COVID-19 Is Not Done With Us

With the local COVID-19 color code at Orange and test positivity holding steady in the single digits, folks seem to be getting too damn comfy. Maskless mass events continue as if this thing is done with us. As we near the holidays, half the country is seeing an uptick in positivity and in hospitalizations. Bottom line: The pandemic is not over.

Here in Texas, 28 hospitals were out of ICU beds and staffing is still affected by the pandemic–no matter what the numbers tells us. People, especially the unvaccinated, are getting sick. We’re still singing the same tune:

The vast majority of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and ICUs are unvaccinated. Doctors say mask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing are the best ways to slow down the hospital numbers in the short term, and that monoclonal antibody therapies for people with COVID-19 symptoms can keep them out of the hospital in many cases. They also say the only way to permanently slow down the spike in hospitalizations is to vaccinate a majority of the state.

Texas Tribune

Although the numbers and the worry are low for breakthrough cases, those who live with autoimmune disorders and other comorbidities still live in danger if they are not careful–masked, hands washed, etc.–and insist on hanging out with the unvaccinated. And breakthrough cases are a lot more common than folks think and the Feds and Greg Abbott are sucking at keeping an accurate count. This is why it’s important to get a booster or a third vaccine (if immunocompromised with doctor’s advice) before Thanksgiving gatherings.

The Thanksgiving holidays will be a test for those gathering. The responsible thing is to ensure your guests are vaccinated to protect the rest of your household. Also, distance and hand-washing help!