Philadelphia health officials closely monitor new COVID-19 variant, suggest masking indoors

Despite the fact that COVID circumstances stay low in Philadelphia, well being officers are actually encouraging folks to put on masks indoors as they see a rise in circumstances.

Epidemiologists have at all times stored a watch on Europe, usually an indicator of what is going to occur in america in terms of COVID.

What they’re seeing now could be a spike within the BA.2 variant.

“Simply once we thought we have been all clear, the BA.2 variant is beginning to improve particularly in Europe,” mentioned Dr. Angela Nicholas, chief medical officer of Einstein Medical Middle Montgomery. “It is about 50% now of all the circumstances in america.”

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It is regarded as much like the Omicron or BA.1 wave we noticed in late 2021, or early 2022. Which will supply a shiny spot for individuals who have been extra not too long ago contaminated.

“As a result of so many individuals had BA.1 it’s doubtless that you have already got some immunity to BA.2,” mentioned Nicholas.

Philadelphia circumstances have elevated greater than 50% within the final 10 days with a median of 94 new circumstances per day.

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Well being officers in Philadelphia are conserving the “All Clear” standing, however are suggesting masking indoors once more.

In Middle Metropolis, main firms are navigating the return to in-person work on the workplace.

“The property managers are saying 25-30% of the individuals who usually have an workplace are there every single day. I anticipate that within the subsequent 6 months, that may ramp as much as 50-75%,” mentioned Todd Monahan, of Wolf Business Actual Property.

Monahan handles workplace leasing in Middle Metropolis, he predicts a completely in-office workforce will likely be uncommon.

“I feel it is protected to say the five-day workweek within the workplace is over,” mentioned Monahan.