New Case of COVID-19 Drops Across New York, Country | News, Sports, Work

The photo on the left on Monday morning is Dr. Stanley Marks, Chairman of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Dr. Donald Jerry, Chief Medical Officer of UPMC. The number of new COVID-19 cases is declining throughout New York State and elsewhere in the country.Submitted photo

New COVID-19 infections are declining or leveling off in New York State and across the country.

A panel of UPMC doctors and administrators provided updates on the status of the virus and the new drug Evusheld on Monday morning. It has been reported to help prevent COVID-19. Dr. Donald Jerry, Chief Medical Officer of UPMC, said there was a reduction in infectious diseases and hospitalizations in all communities served by UPMC.

“Omicron variants emerged quickly and are declining rapidly after very intense activity, as seen elsewhere in the world.” He said. “It still has the ability to do harm and remains in our community today. We still don’t know what the future of COVID infections and serious illnesses in our area will be. Life after Omicron I don’t know what it will be, but for optimistic reasons. No matter what happens, the basics for managing a pandemic remain the same and we shared this with you throughout the pandemic. It’s not time to give up. “

Many people may, “It ended with a pandemic” The pandemic is not over because of the fatigue of the drastic changes brought about by the virus.

“The pandemic isn’t over yet.” He said. “Mitigation efforts such as masking and vaccination against COVID-19 are still the most effective way to protect yourself and everyone around you from serious illness. , Hospitalizations are still more than 19 months out of the last 22 months. “

The good news is that the Omicron variant appears to cause less severe symptoms than the Delta variant, especially in vaccinated individuals.But Yealy has a variant “Exceptionally contagious.”

“Still, it can cause serious illness in unvaccinated and most vulnerable people, especially those with weakened immunity.” He said. “Think again. Vaccination dramatically reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death. What was previously true is now even more true at Omicron. Don’t let the mild experience of another person’s Omicron give you a false sense of security. If you are not vaccinated, this virus causes serious illness in unvaccinated people. It is possible and often causes. Unvaccinated people under the age of 60 are 9 times more likely to be hospitalized and 14 times more likely to die. COVID-19 currently in the hospital. Over 75% of patients are not completely vaccinated. Almost all of the rest are weakened immunity. That is the story of the benefits of vaccination. “

By wearing face masks, getting vaccinated, getting booster shots, staying at home and being tested when sick, I encouraged the masses to protect myself and those around me.

Governor Kathy Hokul issued a statement on Monday agreeing to UPMC’s presentation. Hochul reports a reduction in the number of new cases in New York “Almost 50% from last week.” Similarly, the governor reported that hospitalizations were down one-third from last week.

“We are closing the moon in a better place than we started. We would like to thank the New Yorkers for their role in helping stop the spread during this challenging wave. . “ Hochul said. “We haven’t survived this winter surge yet. I encourage New Yorkers to continue to use tools that help keep our community safe and our schools and businesses open. If you have not yet obtained a booster dose, vaccinate your child, give them a booster when qualified and continue to mask. Stay alert and make all the progress we have made. Don’t risk reversing. “

Dr. Stanley Marks, Chairman of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, provided the latest information on the new drug Evusheld, which is believed to help prevent COVID-19 infection.

“This is actually two monoclonal antibodies we give before someone gets infected with COVID-19.” He said. “It lasts for months in their body and is ready to stop the virus. Like a vaccine, it is given by intramuscular injection. Like a vaccine, it takes you from a very serious illness. We provide Evusheld to patients whose immune system is not functioning properly, or to patients called immunosuppression. These patients have very serious consequences when infected with COVID-19. Is at the highest risk. “

According to Marks, these patients are generally taking underlying disorders or immunosuppressive drugs, such as those who have had an organ transplant, who have connective tissue disease such as lupus, or who have a variety of cancers. It is immunosuppressed because it is. He added that this drug is not a substitute for vaccination. Even people with weakened immunity need to be vaccinated and boosted.

Tami Minnier, UPMC’s Chief Quality Officer, said the hospital “Speak out” Make sure that the drug is accessible to those who need it.

“Our community has a knowledgeable team that calls qualified patients, answers questions, and schedules appointments.” Minier said. “How do you know if you received any of these calls? It starts with an automatic message,” Hello, this is the UPMC calling to share information from your doctor about Evusheld. ” Then comes an explanation of what it is. If you think you are eligible, you will be prompted to press one and will be called to schedule your booking. Within a few days, someone at UPMC will call you and schedule a location near your home. “

According to Minier, the drug is available in most areas of service, such as Erie, Pennsylvania and Chautauqua County. When she was asked if the drug would cost, she said the government was supplying Evusheld, but there is usually a cost to administer the drug. She said it was a benefit covered by the UPMC Health Plan and many other insurance companies. She said that those who feel they may be eligible for Evusheld should check with their insurance company to see how much it will cost.