It's undoubtedly become harder in 2024 to materially track COVID-19 levels in a certain area. As of May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer requires hospitals nationwide to report the number of patients admitted with COVID-19. This had been one of the remaining indicators of rising COVID-19 levels in an area, along with PCR tests. Now, health officials must rely on a combination of wastewater data and hospital deaths of patients with COVID-19.
During a rise in COVID-19 levels locally, this might include bringing a well-fitting N95 mask along to indoor spaces that you know could be crowded, like the grocery store or BART during rush hour. Or, if you're hosting people indoors in your home, ensure the space has good ventilation by taking measures like opening windows...If the weather allows, you might also consider favoring outdoor hangouts and meetups with friends and family at this current time.
And if you're at higher risk for serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19, it's an especially good idea to take extra precautions against the virus during a rise in COVID-19 locally. These groups can include older people, immunocompromised and disabled folks, and people who aren't up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
One more reason you might consider being extra cautious about COVID-19 right now is if you've got upcoming travel plans. Even if your symptoms are mild, a COVID-19 infection can require isolation from other people for well over a week. And you can double that timeline if you get a rebound (i.e., second) infection.
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