The case of Omicron variant “seems to be on the plateau”

Mayor Greg Fischer has joined Dr. Salamoyer and Dr. Sarabeth Hart Large, Directors of the Louisville Metro Public Health and Welfare Department (LMPHW). LMPHW Associate Medical Director, and Dr. Edward Miller, Maternal-fetal medicine doctor and high-risk maternal-fetal doctor For UofL Health, we will discuss new parenting guidance and the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant mothers to provide the latest information on COVID-19.

“Currently, very shocking numbers continue to come out,” Mayor Fisher said. “But I hope that this record surge we are seeing will soon begin to decline here. We seem to be on the plateau.”

The mayor said global scientific data show that vaccines and boosters are working.

“Late last week, the CDC reported that Moderna and Pfizer boosters were 90% effective in promoting hospitalization. Some people said,” It looks like boosters are in the hospital, Why bother? ” “Well, the chances of going to the hospital are much lower, and those who are backed by the hospital usually have an underlying medical condition.”

The key COVID-19 data metrics for January 25, 2022 are:

• Louisville has an incidence of 265.3 cases per 100,000 population and the alert level remains red.
• There were 14,244 new cases last week.
• Seven newly reported deaths were reported.

Hospitalization data:

• 490 patients currently hospitalized
• 80 patients in ICU
• 52 patients wearing ventilators

vaccination:

• 73.9% of Louisville residents have been vaccinated at least once
• 63.5% completed the vaccine series
• 42.8% have boosted immunity

Dr. Hartlarge said the number of cases of Omicron variant waves appears to be increasing, but precautions are still needed.

“We are still ten times the deficit limit, which is the case throughout the county,” said Dr. Hartlaj. “By the nature of the statistics, we can see that as often as the front side of the curve is on the back side of the curve.”

She encouraged people to take advantage of layered protection such as masks, vaccinations and booster shots.

“Boosters are available in more than 100 locations in the city, so if you haven’t already, go out and get one. You’ll be able to survive the end of this Omicron surge in the coming weeks. Maybe, “says Dr. Hart Large.

New childcare and day care guidance

Dr. Moyer, a mother of four, said this latest COVID-19 surge could be related to the tensions she had on infants and nursery parents. She said the new childcare guidelines have been relaxed, but are still strict as children aged 0 to 4 are not yet eligible for vaccination.

“There is a lot of quarantine. There is a lot of isolation, which is causing problems especially for parents of children aged 0-4. They have to take a break from work many times during the last month. Instead, the number of cases has increased, “Dr. Moyer said.

Dr. Moyer introduced detailed new childcare guidance hereThe purpose is to reduce the burden on childcare facilities and parents and improve safety.

Change of separation

Children under the age of 2 should be quarantined completely for 10 days or those who cannot always wear a mask indoors. Children under the age of 2 should not be masked.

People who test positive but remain asymptomatic for 5 days can return to day 6 if they can wear the mask consistently indoors.

People who test positive but who have completely resolved their symptoms after 5 days can return to day 6 if they can wear the mask consistently indoors.

Quarantine changes

No need to quarantine:

• Children aged 5 to 17 years who have completed the primary dose and are more than 14 days prior to exposure do not need to be quarantined.
• Over 18 years old up to date There is no need to quarantine with their vaccine. That is, if you qualify as a booster and have not received it, you need to quarantine it.
• No change However, how someone may not need to quarantine: A person whose COVID-19 disease (PCR or antigen) has been recorded within 3 months prior to exposure.

Quarantine can be stopped:

• After 5 days, if you are asymptomatic and can wear the appropriate mask for 10 days.
• If an individual shows symptoms, they should be quarantined (zero days begin). Or, if you can’t wear a mask, you’ll need to complete a 10-day quarantine at home.

Dr. Moyer praised the day care staff and staff who worked hard to protect the children in childcare. She said one way to help protect our youngest people is to make sure that the people around them are vaccinated.

“Make sure that people over the age of 5 and other siblings are vaccinated as well as their parents and grandparents,” said Dr. Moyer. “We have confirmed that all visitors are vaccinated against the flu or tetanus, just as they did when they had a newborn baby before COVID.”

Expected mothers encouraged to be vaccinated

Dr. Moyer said COVID-19 vaccination protects both mothers and babies when it comes to those who expect it.

Dr. Miller specializes in high-risk pregnancy and childbirth for UofL health. Throughout the pandemic, he has taken care of his mother who became ill with COVID-19. He said unvaccinated patients had more serious problems than vaccinated patients. Dr. Miller said severe COVID-19 infections sometimes caused preterm birth.

“Some women have been vaccinated and sick and hospitalized, but no women are in the ICU or have ventilators during pregnancy,” said Dr. Miller. “All patients who were mechanically ventilated and were in the ICU due to COVID infection during pregnancy were not vaccinated.”

Dr. Miller said studies show that there are no childbirth-related concerns when it comes to vaccines.

“”One of the studies We found that the only change associated with childbirth was in a man who had a COVID-19 infection 60 days before the woman’s menstrual cycle, “says Dr. Miller. “We know that COVID can cause very high fever, which can affect male sperm count, so it can reduce their chances of conception. I can do it.”

Dr. Miller encouraged mothers to expect to talk to their healthcare providers about questions and concerns about COVID-19 and vaccines.

reminder

If your COVID-19 test is positive, we recommend the following:

• Follow Kentucky Quarantine guidelines.
• As much as possible, isolate yourself from the rest of your home. If you cannot quarantine or need equipment for safe storage, call the helpline for safe housing and important needs. 502-912-8598..
• Please tell your close contacts that you may have been infected with COVID-19. Infected individuals can spread COVID-19 48 hours (or 2 days) before symptoms appear or the test is positive. By letting your close contacts know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone.

Watch this week’s COVID-19 briefing with public health authorities here..

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The city’s COVID-19 data dashboard, complete list of COVID-19 testing sites, vaccine information, prevention, and more can be found at: www.louisville.gov/covid19.. The LOU HEALTH COVID19 helpline is also available: 502-912-8598.