Category Archives: COVID-19

COVID-19 is Spreading in U.S. with Pandemic Fatigue, Cooler Weather, Eased Restrictions

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Coronavirus cases are surging again across the U.S.

New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in the U.S., which could be an indication of a ‘fall surge’ of respiratory virus infections predicted by public-health officials.

For multiple times since October began, newly reported cases nationally ticked above 50,000, fueled by infectious outbreaks in several regions of the country.

The seven-day moving average of new U.S. infections, which smooths out day-to-day fluctuations, was above 50K, the highest since mid-August. The 14-day average stood at 47K. When the seven-day average is higher than the 14-day average, as it has been since early October , it suggests cases are rising.

While circumstances differ locally, many regions across the U.S. have a seven-day average of new cases greater than their 14-day average, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of Johns Hopkins figures.

Hospitalizations also have increased across the U.S. in recent weeks, though deaths haven’t surged at a similar pace. Deaths often lag behind new cases and hospitalizations, given the duration of the disease. The seven-day average of daily deaths attributed to Covid-19 has been hovering around 700 for about three weeks, down from around 1,000 two months ago.

Thanks to improved detection, most people infected in the summer had mild or no symptoms. But as cases soar, hospitalizations and deaths are also expected to rise.

U.S. has more fatalities than any other country in the world

The U.S. has more fatalities than any other country in the world—more than 217,600 since the pandemic began. But it doesn’t have the highest percentage of cases that are fatal. About 2.7% of reported cases in the U.S. have been fatal, according to data from Johns Hopkins. That figure has declined in recent months as treatments have improved and testing has expanded, allowing more mild and asymptomatic cases to be detected.

“I long for the day when each and every day we see fewer cases than the day before,” said David Aronoff, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. “But if you were to ask me when that day would be, I don’t honestly know.”

Daily case-count tallies are likely to increase or remain at high levels without concerted use of such strategies as enhanced testing, widespread mask-wearing and clear, consistent messaging, epidemiologists and public-health researchers said.

Since summer, younger people make up a growing share of new U.S. infections.

Despite the rising numbers of infections, many have grown tired of restrictions on their social life and say they would rather risk catching the virus than stop seeing family and friends.

Additionally, mixed and inconsistent messaging from federal and local officials over preventive measures has sowed confusion and complacency. Some local governments have eased restrictions on businesses and requirements to wear masks. Meanwhile, college students returned to campuses, leading to some spreading of the virus, and the onset of cooler weather has led many Americans indoors, where the virus is more transmittable, public-health researchers said.

References:

  1. https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-covid-19-is-spreading-again-fatigue-colder-weather-eased-restrictions-11602759601
  2. https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19s-global-divide-as-west-reels-asia-keeps-virus-at-bay-11603186202

Regeneron’s REGN-COV2 Antibody Cocktail

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Regeneron Pharmaceuticals REGN-COV2 Antibody Cocktail Reduced Viral Levels and Improved Symptoms in Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Regeneron’s neutralizing antibody cocktail is still being studied in clinical trials as a treatment for non-hospitalized patients with milder and more moderate forms of the disease.

A vaccine can protect but cannot treat an already infected person. In contrast, laboratory-made antibodies (Y-shaped proteins that can help fight a foreign substance) can do both – protect and treat.

Regeneron is developing monoclonal antibodies for prevention and therapy of COVID-19. According to information on the company’s website, these antibodies would be injected into an infected individual; the antibodies would recognize and inactivate the coronavirus. Such a therapy would bridge the lag until the patient’s immune system was able to produce enough of its own antibodies; some patients with weak immune system may never produce antibodies to fight the virus.

“Regeneron’s antibody cocktail REGN-COV2 has shown efficacy by reducing viral load and associated symptoms in infected COVID-19 patients,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron.”

The greatest treatment benefit was in “patients who had not mounted their own effective immune response”, suggesting that REGN-COV2 could provide a therapeutic substitute for the naturally-occurring immune response.

Regeneron confirmed it provided a single, 8-gram dose of its REGN-COV2 treatment for use by the president, who was diagnosis with coronavirus.

Regeneron’s antibody cocktail is experimental and has not received emergency use approval from the FDA, but it was provided in response to a compassionate use request.

CNBC reported that a “limited number of patients” had also received the drug on that basis after speaking with Regeneron’s chief scientific officer, Dr. George Yancopoulos.

Last week, Regeneron said its REGN-COV2 treatment improved symptoms and reduced viral loads in non-hospitalized patients who have mild to moderate Covid-19. That was based on results for the first 275 trial patients. At the time, the company indicated it plans to “rapidly” discuss the early results with regulatory agencies, including the FDA.

Monoclonal antibodies are viewed by experts have viewed as a promising potential Covid-19 treatment.

Regeneron’s REGN-COV2 is an experimental shot of lab-generated antibodies that mimics how the body would mount a reaction to a foreign invader. The goal is to boost the immune system’s defenses, rather than to wait on human biology to do its job.

References:

  1. https://www.finanzen.net/nachricht/aktien/regeneron-s-regn-cov2-antibody-cocktail-reduced-viral-levels-and-improved-symptoms-in-non-hospitalized-covid-19-patients-9344010
  2. https://patch.com/us/across-america/human-antibody-has-potential-work-prevention-therapy-coronavirus
  3. https://www.finanzen.net/nachricht/aktien/regeneron-s-regn-cov2-antibody-cocktail-reduced-viral-levels-and-improved-symptoms-in-non-hospitalized-covid-19-patients-9344010
  4. https://www.regeneron.com/antibodies

Vitamin D might make sense

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recommends getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding or alleviating stress as the three most potent ways to keep your immune system strong. 

He states that “it is much more healthy living than giving yourself supplements of anything”.

Recently, when responding to a question, Dr. Fauci told the actress Jennifer Garner that he takes two supplements: vitamin D and vitamin C.

Fauci states consistently that the best ways to control the pandemic are: good hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

Vitamin D might make sense.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. It comes in two main forms, D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms are well absorbed in the small intestine.

Yet, regarding vitamin D, “there is good evidence that if you have a low vitamin D level, you have more of a propensity to get infected”, Dr. Fauci commented.

Several scientific studies have concluded that being deficient in vitamin D can put you at greater risk of infection, and it appears anecdotally that finding has held true again during the coronavirus pandemic.

“There is good evidence that if you have a low vitamin D level, that you have more of a propensity to get infected when there are infections around,” Fauci said. “Those data are pretty good data.”

In addition to reducing inflammation in the body, vitamin D also helps our bodies absorb calcium, keeping bones healthy and strong, so it’s good for people of all ages and races to make sure they’re getting enough.

Sources of Vitamin D

Few foods naturally contain vitamin D. The flesh of fatty fish (such as trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources.

References:

  1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/Health/wellness/forget-vitamins-fauci-says-the-3-best-things-to-keep-your-immune-system-working-optimally-cost-nothing/ar-BB199xsP?li=BBnbfcL&ocid=overlayclose
  2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

COVID-19 vs Seasonal Allergy

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For allergy sufferers, hay fever season is upon us and the treaded ragweed pollen has arrived with a vengeance causing eyes to itch, noses to run, and serious sinus congestion and sinus headaches.

During the fall allergy season, it may be hard for sufferers to tell the difference between COVID-19 and allergies. Allergy symptoms happen partly because of inflammation within a sufferer’s body, according to the CDC.

The allergy symptoms are caused by your body overreacting to things like pollen or mold. Common signs of allergies include:

  • Runny nose and sneezing
  • Dry, tickly cough
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Sinus Congestion

And, COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share many symptoms, but there are some key differences between the two. For example, COVID-19 can cause fever, which is not a common symptom of seasonal allergies. Additionally, the new coronavirus doesn’t cause sneezing. But if you do sneeze, it’s important to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue to keep the virus from spreading. Wash your hands right away.

Furthermore, if you get allergies every year, watch for symptoms that are different from what you’ve had before.

Learn more about the differences in COVID-19 and seasonal allergies, and ways to protect your health: https://bit.ly/3j8vLUL.

References:

  1. https://www.webmd.com/lung/covid-allergies#2

Experimental Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Lowers COVID-19 Hospitalizations

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Eli Lilly reports a reduced rate of hospitalization for coronavirus patients using its neutralizing antibody treatment

Eli Lilly said its experimental monoclonal antibody treatment (LY-CoV555) has helped patients rid their systems of the coronavirus sooner, potentially preventing them from hospitalization. The monoclonal antibody was identified from a blood sample taken from one of the first U.S. patients who recovered from Covid-19.

Eli Lilly said it tested three different doses of LY-CoV555 against a placebo in a trial enrolling roughly 450 patients. The middle dose of 2,800 mg met the trial’s target of significantly reducing the presence of SARS-CoV-2 after 11 days.

“The results reinforce our conviction that neutralizing antibodies can help in the fight against COVID-19.” Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific officer and president of Lilly Research Laboratories.

Most study hospitalizations occurred in patients with underlying risk factors (age or BMI), suggesting a more pronounced treatment effect for patients in these higher-risk groups. Ongoing studies will seek to confirm this finding. Across all treatment groups (including placebo), no patients progressed to mechanical ventilation or died. Exploratory analyses indicated a more rapid improvement in symptoms for patients treated with LY-CoV555 versus placebo, supporting the hospitalization effect.

“These interim data from the BLAZE-1 trial suggest that LY-CoV555, an antibody specifically directed against SARS-CoV-2, has a direct antiviral effect and may reduce COVID-related hospitalizations,” said  Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific officer and president of Lilly Research Laboratories. “The results reinforce our conviction that neutralizing antibodies can help in the fight against COVID-19,” Skovronsky said in a statement.

References:

  1. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/16/coronavirus-eli-lilly-reports-a-reduced-rate-of-hospitalization-for-patients-using-its-antibody-treatment.html?__source=iosappshare%7Ccom.apple.UIKit.activity.Message
  2. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-announces-proof-concept-data-neutralizing-antibody-ly

C.D.C. Testing Guidelines for People Without Covid-19 Symptoms

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“It is critical that science, evidence and data continue to serve as the foundation of every C.D.C. recommendation.” Dr. Mary Pittman, president and chief executive of the nonprofit Public Health Institute

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its earlier controversial recommendation suggesting people who have had close contact with a person infected with the coronavirus do not need to get tested if they have no symptoms.

The new guidance recommends that anyone exposed to an infected person for more than 15 minutes needs a test. The change comes after widespread criticism of the earlier guideline.

Those who have been within 6 feet of a person with the coronavirus for at least 15 minutes, and those without symptoms, “need a COVID-19 test”. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The previous phrasing, which suggested asymptomatic people who have had close contact with an infected individual “do not necessarily need a test,” now clearly instructs them: “You need a test.”

Public health experts welcomed the change as consistent with research showing that people without symptoms can spread the virus to others.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/world/covid-coronavirus.html

References:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html
  2. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article245840460.html#storylink=cpy

America’s Mental Health Epidemic

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“Be sure to give each other a lot of grace and be kind and forgiving to each other. We’re all experiencing heightened levels of uncertainty and anxiety right now. Giving an extra beat of patience to others is critical.” Dani Fallin, chair of the Department of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

The mental health impact of COVID-19 are real, widespread and growing exponentially. The immense stress and emotional trauma experienced by vulnerable individuals, families and households amid the pandemic has given rise to an unprecedented mental-health crisis. Additionally, there’s strong evidence showing that social isolation and distancing can increase symptoms of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Data is staggering

The latest data reveals some of the most frightening and staggering spikes in anxiety, depression, substance use, drug overdose and suicide rates that behavioral-health experts have ever witnessed, according to Babette Hankey, president/CEO of Aspire Health Partners in Orlando.

A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on adult mental health found that more than 40% of U.S. adults have reported at least one mental health issue during this pandemic, and more than 1 in 10 adults had seriously considered suicide. During this period, 7 out of 10 young adults (18-24 years old) reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression and more than 25% have seriously considered suicide.

In the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, many people may feel anxiety or stress.

Everyone responses differently

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations such as the seemingly enduring COVID-19 pandemic infectious disease outbreak. It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions. Yet, it’s important for people to take care of themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally.

According to the CDC study, the rate of substance abuse and/or suicidal thoughts among unpaid caregivers more than tripled between May and the end of June.

Older Americans appear to be more resilient to the strain of the pandemic compared to the young: The study found rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts were most prevalent among those aged 18 to 24, and the prevalence of these issues “decreased progressively with age.”

Black and Hispanic Americans tended to have higher rates of mental health issues tied to the pandemic than did whites, the study also found.

Of course, unemployment or the threat of it is a major source of anxiety for millions in 2020. So, efforts aimed at “strengthening economic supports to reduce financial strain” should be part of an effort to boost mental health, the researchers said.

According to the CDC, reactions during the outbreak can include:

  • Fear and worry about your health status and that of your loved ones who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • Increase levels of stress, anxiety, hopelessness and depression.
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
  • Worsening of chronic health problems.
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Learning to cope with anxiety and stress

Figuring out ways to cope with anxiety and stress can help you, your loved ones and your community. If stress begins to interfere with your daily life, reach out to your healthcare provider.

These numbers, although startling, are unsurprising to mental health experts given the emotionally taxing measures local and state governments have taken to reduce the spread of the virus: children and grandchildren have been separated from their parents and grandparents; students are prevented from attending school; and the sick and dying have been denied the embrace of loved ones.

During this unique moment in the nation’s history, American society and economy have slowed down, we’re experiencing unprecedented social unrest and political rancor, and, many have been left feeling powerless and uncertain about their physical health and financial wellbeing as well as that of their loved ones.

https://youtu.be/60kGONUJSRY

The importance of self-care during this challenging time.

“Seek out ways to have social and professional engagement while adhering to social distancing…can help people feel connected socially with their colleagues, family, and friends, and maintain a sense of belonging.” Dani Fallin, chair of the Department of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

  • Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. Be aware and conscious of your news and media intake. The more time you spend consuming news about the pandemic, the more likely you are to feel anxious and concerned. That’s especially true at home, when you’re able to access news media 24/7.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to return to your healthy life.
  • Learn a new hobby or skill like gardening, a foreign language or a musical instrument. Devote yourself to learning and growing everyday.
  • Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships.
  • Maintain a sense of hope that “this too shall pass” and maintain positive outlook and thinking. Have faith in your inherent resilience to persevere and overcome life’s extraordinary challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Take care of your mental health

Mental health is an important part of overall physical health and emotional wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It may also affect how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices during uncertain situations or an emergency.

Again, we stress to contact your healthcare provider if you think you have new or worsening mental health symptoms or stress (or anxiety) gets in the way of your daily activities for consecutive days.

References:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
  2. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/guest-commentary/os-op-coronavirus-mental-trauma-aspire-health-20200914-xw7kcjahvbfrlgcd2s4bmvbmzi-story.html
  3. https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200813/levels-of-anxiety-addiction-suicidal-thoughts-are-soaring-in-the-pandemic#1
  4. https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/04/06/dani-fallin-mental-health-challenges-coronavirus/

Vitamin D: The supplement Dr. Fauci takes to help keep his immune system healthy | CNBC

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS  | CNBC
Date Tue, Sep 15 20208:00 PM EDT

“Vitamin D is a key nutrient for your immune system.” Dr. Anthony Fauci

According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, most “so-called immune boosting supplements” actually do “nothing.” However, there are two vitamins Fauci does recommend to help keep your immune system healthy.

“If you are deficient in vitamin D, that does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection. So I would not mind recommending, and I do it myself taking vitamin D supplements,” Fauci said during an Instagram Live on Thursday, when actress Jennifer Garner asked Fauci about immune-boosting supplements.

“COVID-19 infection is more prevalent among African Americans, older adults, nursing home residents and health care workers—populations who all have increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.” University of Chicago Medicine

Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine recently found a link between vitamin D deficiency and the likelihood of being infected with COVID-19.   Those with an untreated deficiency were more likely to test positive. Half of Americans are thought to be deficient in vitamin D, with much higher rates seen in African Americans, Hispanics and individuals living in areas where it is difficult to get enough sun exposure in winter.

“Vitamin D is important to the function of the immune system and vitamin D supplements have previously been shown to lower the risk of viral respiratory tract infections,” said David Meltzer, Chief of Hospital Medicine at UChicago Medicine and lead author of the study. “Our statistical analysis suggests this may be true for the COVID-19 infection.”

The research team looked at 489 patients at UChicago Medicine whose vitamin D level had been measured within a year before being tested for COVID-19. Patients who had vitamin D deficiency (defined as less than 20 nanograms per milliliter of blood) that was not treated were almost twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 compared to patients who had sufficient levels of the vitamin.

In addition to vitamin D, Fauci said that vitamin C is “a good antioxidant.” “So if people want to take a gram or two at the most [of] vitamin C, that would be fine,” he said.

Vitamin C “contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions” of the body’s immune systems, according to 2017 study published by The National Institutes of Health, and vitamin C also appears to prevent and treat “respiratory and systemic infections.” according to researchers.

But “any of the other concoctions and herbs I would not do,” Fauci said.

During another interview with actress Tiffany Haddish released on Sept 4., Fauci said in clinical studies most “so-called” immune-boosting supplements didn’t really help people unless they had some sort of a deficiency. If fact, a lot of these herbs “either do nothing, or, if you take too much of them, they harm you,” Fauci told Haddish.

Overall, the best way to boost your immune system is to get good sleep and exercise, Fauci said. “Those are the things that are so much better than a bunch of herbs that really have never really been shown to do that,” Fauci told Haddish.

To read More:  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/14/supplements-white-house-advisor-fauci-takes-every-day-to-help-keep-his-immune-system-healthy.html

References:

  1. https://news.uchicago.edu/story/vitamin-d-deficiency-may-raise-risk-getting-covid-19-study-finds
  2. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/14/supplements-white-house-advisor-fauci-takes-every-day-to-help-keep-his-immune-system-healthy.html

Without another round of financial assistance, Black business owners facing tough choices | Bizwomen

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Without another round of financial assistance, Black business owners facing tough choices

Caitlin Mullen, Bizwomen contributor, Sep 14, 2020, 9:01am EDT

The pandemic has presented challenges for most business owners, but new research indicates recovery could take longer for Black-owned businesses. 

About 4 in 10 Black small business owners who received Paycheck Protection Program loans have had to lay off staff or cut worker pay as that money has run out, Goldman Sachs discovered. By comparison, 32% of all respondents said they had done so. 

Although just 16% of all business owners surveyed reported less than one-quarter of their pre-Covid revenues have returned, more Black business owners said this — almost 33%, reports Business Insider. 

The situation has prompted Grammy-winner Alicia Keys to create a $1 billion fund to support Black-owned businesses; the NFL is one of the organizations contributing to the fund, per Billboard. 

“As an artist, I’m always thinking about how can I use my platform to further racial equity. This fund is one of the answers and our goal is to empower Black America through investing in Black businesses, Black investors, institutions, entrepreneurs, schools and banks in a way to create sustainable solutions,” Keys told Billboard. 

Keys acknowledged the initial $1 billion goal won’t close the economic gap, but it’s a start.

“The next steps are to reach out to different industries to invite them to invest in racial justice and create a multi-billion dollar endowment across business sectors,” Keys told Billboard. 

A National Bureau of Economic Research working paper released earlier this year indicated the spring’s pandemic lockdown was particularly devastating for Black business owners: The number of working Black business owners went from 1.1 million in February to 640,000 in April. 

Black business owners also have faced discrimination as they’ve sought coronavirus-related financial assistance. About 95% of Black-owned businesses had little chance of receiving funds in the first wave of PPP loans, the Center for Responsible Lending said. 

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition found Black business owners had a tougher time securing loans at banks and faced bias their white counterparts did not, reports The New York Times.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently noted counties with the highest concentration of Covid-19 also have the highest concentration of Black businesses and networks, and there were clear PPP coverage gaps in those communities.   

“Covid has basically been a very severe, devastating scenario for Black-owned businesses that were already struggling to survive,” Kenneth L. Harris, national president and CEO of the National Business League, a trade association representing Black businesses, told the Detroit Free Press.

The NBER working paper noted the pandemic’s effect on these businesses could result in near-term impacts on economic advancement and job creation, and long-term effects on wealth inequality. 

Congress has yet to agree on legislation that would provide another round of funds and unemployment benefits. If Congress doesn’t take action this month, 43% of Black small business owners say their cash reserves will run out by the end of the year, Goldman Sachs found; 30% of all respondents said this. 

And 40% of Black small business owners said they’ll have to cut wages or lay off workers without another round of stimulus funds; 36% overall expect they’ll have to do this.

Babson College and David Binder Research conducted the Goldman Sachs survey of 860 small business owners in the U.S. and U.S. territories in early September; 55% of respondents were women.

Main Street America has said almost 7.5 million businesses could close permanently this year due to the pandemic, leaving 35.7 million workers without jobs.

Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2020/09/without-more-assistance-black-business-owners-fac.html

Family Gatherings and House Parties Account for Majority of COVID-19 Transmissions

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In Maryland’s Prince George’s County, family gatherings and house parties have accounted for sixty-seven percent (67%) of COVID-19 transmissions, according to county officials. County officials say that contact tracers have determined that 44 percent of people who contracted COVID-19 reportedly attended family gatherings and 23 percent reportedly attended a house party.

Maryland Governor confirms that the trend is the same across the state of Maryland, saying that the number one cause of virus transmission in the state is family gatherings, followed by house parties, and then outdoor events.

Additionally, the Texas Medical Association released a chart breaking down the risk of contracting COVID-19 from certain activities ranging from grocery shopping, having parties at some else’s house and swimming in a public pool. Activities such as going to a hair salon or barbershop, traveling by plane, attending family gatherings like weddings and funerals, and going to a bar are considered moderate-high to high risk even for those wearing masks, maintaining six-feet of distance when out and washing hands thoroughly.

Texas Medical Association “Know Your Risk”

Currently, those at greatest risk of infection are individuals who have had prolonged, close contact with symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals infected with COVID-19 and those who live in or have recently been to areas with sustained transmission, according to Texas Medical Association and CDC. Keep in mind that many Americans have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected and not feel sick.

According to recent scientific findings, age is a strong risk factor for severe illness, complications, and death. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

References:

  1. https://wjla.com/news/local/prince-georges-house-parties-family-gatherings-coronavirus
  2. https://www.tpr.org/post/know-your-risk-covid-19-chart-released-texas-medical-association
  3. https://www.texmed.org/uploadedFiles/Current/2016_Public_Health/Infectious_Diseases