New Yorkers are being advised to consider wearing masks this Labor Day weekend due to the increasing number of Covid cases and the emergence of a new variant. The city’s health department spokesperson stated that it may be a good idea to wear masks in crowded indoor areas. Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the city’s health commissioner, emphasized the importance of staying updated with Covid vaccines and using preventive measures like masking, testing, and staying home when sick.
Although New York City is experiencing an uptick in cases and hospitalizations, it is not re-imposing mask mandates. However, it is reminding residents of the current guidance. Some hospitals and colleges in upstate New York and neighboring New Jersey have introduced mask restrictions.
It is advised to wear masks in crowded places like stations to reduce the risk of infection. Recent surveillance indicates a rise in cases driven by the more transmissible Covid variant EG.5. Additionally, a new variant BA.2.86, known as ‘Pirola’, has been detected in New York and four other states. While there is no evidence suggesting that it causes more severe illness or death, scientists are concerned about its potential spread.
Although face mask mandates have been relaxed in most areas, including crowded indoor spaces, city health officials have not ruled out a return to mandatory masking. However, they emphasize that it is unlikely to happen. Similarly, in Los Angeles, where Covid cases have doubled, health officials are not planning any changes to guidance.
National surveillance data indicates an upward trend in Covid cases, with a test positivity rate of 13.5% on August 19. Hospitalizations have also increased by 19% in the week ending August 19, compared to the previous week. Despite this, hospitalizations remain significantly lower than earlier in the year.
While fatalities have slightly increased, they are still relatively low. By region, the highest proportion of hospital beds occupied by Covid patients is in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The South and the area including Oregon and Washington also have high occupancy rates. New York ranks as the fourth-highest in terms of hospital bed occupancy.
In summary, individuals in New York are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor areas to reduce the risk of Covid transmission. Precautionary measures such as vaccination, testing, and staying home when sick are highlighted as the best defense against the virus.
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