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The CDC eases the guidelines on COVID-19. Although they note that the virus isn’t done running its course, the agency embraced the notion that it’s time to learn to live with the virus. Thus, signaling that it may be time to return to our pre-pandemic lives. However, every time federal guidance is relaxed, cases rise, and Americans lose protection from COVID-19.
The agency still recommends indoor masking in counties with high community transmission. In addition, the CDC no longer recommends testing in most cases and ended the “test-to-stay” programs in school. This program allowed students exposed to COVID to avoid quarantine as long as they were asymptomatic and continued to receive a negative test. It is doubtful that if you’re vaccinated and boosted, you will become severely ill or die from COVID.
The pandemic started over two years ago; more than 92 million people have contracted COVID, and one million have died. Fortunately, we have surpassed the time of running out of ventilators, and fewer Americans are dying. There are still more than 34,000 hospitalizations and about 400 deaths per day, and those numbers remain constant.
Are The Updated Guidelines Good for the Immunocompromised?
Since the updated guidelines were released, the CDC has received mixed reviews. Is it too soon? This pandemic shook the nation, so when is the “right time” to return to a new normal? There are over seven million people in the country who are immunocompromised. Therefore, many wonder how these updated guidelines affect those with weakened immune systems. When the pandemic first hit, special shopping hours and accommodations were made for those at greater risk. And unfortunately, the relaxed criteria could leave behind chronically ill people.
Furthermore, the guidelines come at a critical time – schools are opening up, and COVID funding is drying up. They now leave the responsibility of staying safe against COVID up to the people. Sadly, individuals who continue to wear masks and isolate themselves may be subjected to increased ridicule.
Hopefully, everyone continues to do their part to prevent another surge and lockdown. That means to continue monitoring infections, hospitalizations, and death. Lastly, people should continue to give officials support to protect everyone in the community.
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