Houston, Tx
Signs pointing toward another COVID-19 surge
Thousands and thousands of individuals are on lockdown in China because it experiences its worst outbreak since March 2020. Instances are additionally on the rise in Europe.
HOUSTON — COVID-19 transmission within the Houston space is as little as it has been in a very long time, however there are warning indicators within the U.S. and the world over that the lull might not final very lengthy.
“There is a lighter really feel proper now due to the low stage of transmission,” infectious illness skilled Dr. Peter Hotez mentioned.
Hotez mentioned there are many issues to be ok with two years after the pandemic started. Case counts have dramatically dropped: They now stand at lower than 10 new circumstances per 100,000 individuals.
Houston space wastewater solely exhibits a 3% positivity charge.
However this week, greater than a 3rd of CDC wastewater websites nationwide are reporting an uptick in COVID-19.
“This grace interval we’ve got shouldn’t be going to go on ceaselessly,” Hotez mentioned.
There are warning indicators overseas, too. Instances are on the rise once more in Europe. In China, they’re seeing the worst outbreak since March 2020. The BA.2 variant driving quite a lot of that unfold.
“It is extra transmissible than omicron, so our margin for error is much less,” Hotez mentioned. “If, or when, it hits us, it should actually hit us and actually go up quick.”
With thousands and thousands on lockdown in China and factories that make merchandise like iPhones and automobiles compelled to close down, the worldwide provide chain might take one other hit and inflation might worsen, too.
“The pandemic is much from over,” World Well being Group Director-Common Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus mentioned.
Hotez mentioned WHO’s warning needs to be taken severely right here in the USA.
“I believe it is actually vital that Congress act,” Hotez mentioned.
Hotez is asking on Congress to move extra COVID-19 funding and to do it rapidly to make sure there’s sufficient cash for exams, therapies and boosters earlier than the subsequent wave. Pfizer has already mentioned it plans to hunt approval for a fourth COVID-19 booster for seniors 65 and up.
“Simply pretending it is going away shouldn’t be useful,” Hotez mentioned. “We’ve to prepare.”
On Wednesday, Fort Bend County has introduced it plans to decrease its COVID-19 menace danger stage. KHOU 11 Information can have protection of that announcement and what it means Wednesday afternoon.