Category: Covid-19

The top symptoms of the Omicron COVID-19 variant may differ from symptoms that were common at the start of the pandemic. Omicron may also be less severe than the Delta variant, a study out of the U.K. found.

People with Omicron often report sore throat and a hoarse voice, which were not as prevalent in Delta cases, aZoe Health Study found. This is true for vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.

People who contracted the Omicron variant were less likely to be hospitalized compared to those with the Delta variant, Zoe Health said in a press release about the study. Symptoms also lasted for shorter periods an average of 6.87 days, compared to 8.89 days.

Earlier COVID-19 variants often caused people to lose their sense of smell. The study found that symptom appeared in less than 20% of cases and often days after the first symptoms began. Other serious symptoms that used to be prevalent like fever, headaches, brain fog and eye soreness are less prevalent in Omicron cases. However, they can still occur.

The Zoe Health Study, which was supported by grants from the U.K. Government Department of Health and Social Care, tested people in the U.K. who were vaccinated. They tested participants between June 1 and November 27, 2021 when the Delta variant was dominant and between Dec. 20, 2021 to Jan. 17, 2022 when the Omicron variant dominated.

The study collected 62,002 positive tests and looked at those patients' symptoms. In addition to a difference in the length and types of symptoms between the two variants, researchers said Omicron is found far less frequently in the lower respiratory tract. This is where infection can cause more severe symptoms, potentially sending people to the hospital.

They also found Omicron symptoms do not last as long in vaccinated people.

Delta is better at infecting lung cells than Omicron, the study found. And while Omicron appears to be much more transmissible than previous variants, this variant affects fewer organs than Delta, other studies have found, according to Zoe Health.

The Omicron subvariant that was prevalent at the end of 2021 and the start of 2022 was labeled BA.1. There are now Omicron subvariants, labeled BA.4 and BA.5 that appear to be causing a loss of sense of smell or taste again, Dr. Celine Gounder told CBS News.

A similar study from Imperial College London also found that there was lower reporting of loss of sense of smell and taste for the Omicron variant. However, the study which is yet to be peer-reviewed, found there was higher reporting of cold-like and influenza-like symptoms.

The study used data from REACT-1, a widespread survey in the U.K. that collected at-home COVID-19 tests from about 1.5 million participants between 2020 to 2022, and analyzed how symptoms differed between variants and subvariants.

While it is perceived that newer variants like Omicron are milder, Omicron subvariant BA.2 was associated with reporting more symptoms, with greater disruption to daily activities, than the Omicron subvariant BA.1.

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Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift.

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How COVID-19 symptoms are changing: A sore throat and hoarse voice became top symptoms with newer variant - CBS News

Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

1. January 6

2. Covid-19

3. Extreme heat

4. Immigration

5. Ukraine

BREAKFAST BROWSE

Cats are going wild over this video game

'Nope' premieres in US theaters today

Prince George is 9! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge share a photo of him on the eve of his birthday

Australia's largest music festival sinks into the mud, forcing first day cancellation

One of Central Park's prettiest places is closing

QUIZ TIME

Which product remains difficult to find in many US stores due to a nationwide shortage?

A. Paper towels

B. Toilet paper

C. Baby formula

D. Toothpaste

TODAY'S NUMBER

13

TODAY'S QUOTE

Many of you may be too young to remember polio, but when I was growing up, this disease struck fear in families, including my own. The fact that it is still around decades after the vaccine was created shows you just how relentless it is.

TODAY'S WEATHER

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5 things to know for July 22: Jan. 6, Covid-19, Extreme heat, Immigration, Ukraine - CNN

Cairo, 20 July 2022 Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region have been reporting a continuous increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths over the last 6 consecutive weeks, with a daily average reaching 18 000 cases and 31 deaths. Easing or lifting the proven public health measures such as mask wearing and social distancing has been associated with increased transmission of the Omicron variant and sub-variants in 17 countries across the Region, contributing to an increase in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

This current trend shows that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, said Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari, the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. We try to forget COVID-19, but the virus has not forgotten us. In fact, it is taking advantage of our complacency to spread and mutate. I call on all countries to maintain compliance to effective public health and social measures and to increase vaccination coverage.

Booster doses must be taken when offered as these will help to protect lives, particularly among those most vulnerable, especially the elderly, those with co-morbidities and health workers. Although countries with high vaccination coverage are still seeing increasing cases, the severity of the disease is generally milder, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and deaths.

Complete vaccine coverage in the Region is still lagging the global target of 70% of the total population by mid-2022. As of 18 July 2022, 45% of the Regions population was fully vaccinated. Low-risk perception due to the decline in cases during the previous 2 months leads to hesitancy to take the vaccine. Lack of convenient access to the vaccine also contributes to the limited progress in coverage.

When a surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths occurs, we become extremely concerned that our health systems are put on further pressure. Vaccines gave us the upper hand over the virus now. Lets use them and protect the most vulnerable in our communities and alleviate the stress on health workers and intensive care units, Dr Al Mandhari added.

On 8 July 2022, WHOs Emergency Committee on COVID-19 concluded that the virus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The rapid circulation of Omicron sub-variants, reduced levels of testing and sequencing, and persisting vaccine injustice are sources of concern.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Region has reported more than 22 195 674 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 343 876 deaths. WHOs Regional Office is working with countries to maintain surveillance, testing, and genome sequencing capacities, accelerate COVID-19 vaccination to reach coverage targets and strengthen health systems resilience.

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COVID-19 cases rising in the Eastern Mediterranean Region - World - ReliefWeb

Oregon health officials on Wednesday urged Oregonians in the 21 counties with high COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations to mask up, warning that the states hospital system is again under extreme strain.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are significantly lower than at the peaks of past surges. But a combination of staff shortages due to burnout and summer vacations; a high volume of patients who delayed care for other conditions earlier in the pandemic, and elevated coronavirus infections likely due to the highly transmissible BA.5 subvariant has substantially reduced hospital systems capacity to care for current patients.

No area of the state is spared, Oregon Health Authority epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said during a news briefing Wednesday.

The state reported 424 people hospitalized with COVID-19 Wednesday, down from 458 one week ago. The peak of the current surge was expected to arrive last Tuesday, at 479 occupied beds, according to an Oregon Health & Sciences University forecast.

In light of the strain on Oregons hospital system, Sidelinger asked Oregonians to wear masks in indoor public spaces, particularly those in counties with high levels of spread, those at high risk of severe disease or those living with others at high risk.

Using some of the strongest language during this surge, Sidelinger also suggested people reconsider summer plans to protect themselves and others during what he called this extremely challenging time.

Central Oregon hospitals have been particularly hard-hit, Sidelinger said, citing the St. Charles Health System in Bend, in particular.

Of Oregons 36 counties, 21 have high levels of community spread, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. That designation is based on hospitalizations, hospital admissions and new case numbers. They include the three Portland-area counties.

Everyone in those counties should be wearing a mask when in an indoor public space, Sidelinger said.

Despite the warnings, Sidelinger said he expects hospitalizations to plateau over the coming days or week before declining. And mask mandates will remain a local, not a state-level, decision.

Fedor Zarkhin

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State urges Oregonians to mask up against COVID-19 as hospitals face another crisis - OregonLive

COVID-19 cases are continuing to surge in New York City and unvaccinated residents are bearing the brunt.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that, as of Wednesday, the Big Apple has a seven-day case rate of 369.8 per 100,000, the second-highest rate in the United States, only behind California.

On July 17, New York City recorded a seven-day average of 4,380 cases, 14% higher than the average of 3,828 cases recorded two weeks ago, according to the city's Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.

Additionally, the test positivity rate hit 14.46%, the highest seen since January 2022, during the omicron surge.

Doctors say that more than a year-and-a-half into the vaccine rollout, the majority of those getting sick, hospitalized and dying are unvaccinated people.

NYC COVID-19 rates in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated residents

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

DOHMH data shows that the average weekly rate of cases among the unvaccinated sits at 764.29 per 100,000.

This is nearly three times higher than the rate among those vaccinated and boosted at 278.93 per 100,000 and 3.5 times higher than the rate among those vaccinated and not boosted at 216.89 per 100,000.

COVID-19-related-hospitalizations are more than five times higher at 36.84 per 100,000 compared to 6.93 per 100,000 and 6.82 per 100,000 for the vaccinated without a booster and the vaccinated with a booster groups, respectively.

Deaths are also more than six times higher for the unvaccinated at 5.27 per 100,000 compared to 0.96 per 100,000 for the vaccinated but not boosted group and 0.77 per 100,000 for those vaccinated and boosted.

Dr. Roy Gulick, chief of the division of infectious diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, told ABC News that even though the case rate is lower among those vaccinated without a booster compared to those vaccinated with a booster, the real measure of protection is the rate of hospitalizations and deaths, which is lower among the boosted group.

"What's becoming apparent is that what we really want is to avoid severe disease and we define severe disease as requiring hospitalization or intensive care unit," he said. "Even if the vaccines don't prevent infection, if they protect against severe infection, then that's a big positive."

Gulick said that rising cases appear to be fueled by the highly infectious BA.5 variant.

BA.5, an offshoot of the original omicron variant, has become the dominant strain in New York City, making up more than 57% of cases as of July 2, according to the DOHMH.

"The BA. 5 variant is accounting for a significant number of infections," Gulick said. "This almost all certainly due to BA.5."

Evidence has shown that BA.5 is better at evading protection from both vaccines and previous infection including antibodies from BA.1 -- the original omicron variant -- and BA.2, the first subvariant.

The COVID situation in the city appears to be reflective of what's going on in New York State. BA.5 currently accounts for an estimated two-thirds of COVID cases in the New York region as defined by the CDC.

Gov. Kathy Hochul held a press conference Wednesday as the state hit 15% test positivity rate for the first time since January.

"We've seen the past and the past can become the present if we don't take the steps now," she said of the rising number of cases.

A medical technician administers a COVID-19 test to a man in Time Square in New York City, July 15, 2022.

Anthony Behar/Sipa USA via AP

Hochul said the mask mandate on public transit will remain in place until cases are "consistently lower" and issued several preparedness plans.

Among them include sending more than three million tests to schools ahead of the start of the fall semester and distributing at-home kits from the stockpile of 20 million.

Hochul said, at the moment, schools don't have mask mandates, but she kept open the possibility "if things change."

"I'm going to reserve the right to change this policy," she said.

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New York City COVID-19 cases surge as unvaccinated take the brunt - ABC News

COVID-19 patients are six times more likely than uninfected people to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and nearly twice as likely to receive a new diabetes diagnosis, but the risk begins to recede at 5 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively, concludes a UK study published yesterday in PLOS Medicine.

King's College London researchers analyzed the electronic medical records of 428,650 previously healthy COVID-19 patients and an equal number of matched controls seen at UK family practices from 2020 to 2021. Patients were followed from diagnosis to 4 weeks, 5 to 12 weeks, and 13 to 52 weeks. The median age was 35 years.

COVID-19 patients had 81% (adjusted rate ratio [aRR], 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51 to 2.19) more new diabetes diagnoses in the first 4 weeks after infection, and their risk stayed elevated by 27% (aRR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.46) for up to 12 weeks.

Infection was also tied to a 6-fold increase in new CVD diagnoses, including an 11-fold jump in pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs; aRR, 11.51; 95% CI, 7.07 to 18.73), a 6-fold increase in abnormal heart rhythms (aRR, 6.44; 95% CI, 4.17 to 9.96), and a 5-fold rise in venous thromboses (clots in blood vessels; aRR, 5.43; 95% CI, 3.27 to 9.01). Rates of heart attack (aRR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.00), heart failure (aRR, 5.23; 95% CI, 2.04 to 13.44), and stroke (aRR, 3.31; 95% CI, 2.05 to 5.35) also increased.

The risk of CVD, however, started to normalize after 5 weeks (aRR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.73) and returned to baseline or lower within 12 to 52 weeks (aRR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.16).

The authors noted that SARS-CoV-2 can lead to an outsized immune response and hyperinflammation, platelet activation, a damage to the membrane lining the inside of the heart and blood vessels, and blood clots affecting multiple organs.

Yet they said that the long-term outlook for COVID-19 patients with new CVD or diabetes diagnoses is good. "People without preexisting CVD or [diabetes] who suffer from COVID-19 do not appear to have a long-term increase in incidence of these conditions," they wrote.

Physicians should advise patients recovering from COVID-19 to lower their odds of developing diabetes through a healthy diet and regular physical activity, the researchers said.

"Whilst it is in the first four weeks that COVID-19 patients are most at risk of these outcomes, the risk of diabetes mellitus remains increased for at least 12 weeks," first author Emma Rezel-Potts, PhD, of King's College London, said in a PLOS news release, "Clinical and public health interventions focusing on reducing diabetes risk among those recovering from Covid-19 over the longer-term may be very beneficial."

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COVID-19 tied to new-onset, short-term heart disease, diabetes - CIDRAP

"As the pandemic progresses and continues to change, we must remain vigilant and be prepared for new strains as they emerge," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "With students returning to school classrooms in the fall, we need to have a plan in place to address future variants."

Background on Fall Action Planning

The State is actively preparing a Fall Action Plan to address potential pandemic surges later this year. Planning is being conducted in consultation with health policy experts and will also be informed by the voices of New Yorkers through a public opinion survey conducted by the State in mid-June that surveyed residents on issues related to the pandemic.

Fall planning will focus on addressing the below, but not limited to:

Governor Hochul's presentation on the Fall Action Plan is available here.

Background on Pandemic After-Action Review

Governor Hochul also announced a request for proposals to develop a pandemic After-Action Review, as part of New York State's ongoing pandemic preparedness efforts. The purpose of the After-Action Review is to review the State's COVID-19 response, identify what worked and what did not, and examine how the State could have improved its response. The Review will also serve as a guide for New York State and for other governments to use in order to respond quickly and effectively to significant emergencies, whether they are pandemics, natural disasters or other emergency conditions that create major disruptions to normal life.

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Governor Hochul Announces New COVID-19 Preparedness Initiatives to Protect Public Health and Support Ongoing Pandemic Response - ny.gov

The return of big events is bringing back a sense of normalcy this summer.

Were going to see the Journey concert, said David Eckstrom, who attended the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles on Wednesday with his partner of 20 years. Ive been a fan of Journey since high school.

He added, We want to have fun, and you can take precautions, and you can stay safe.

Despite all the excitement, health experts say it's not the time to forget about COVID-19.

We remain in an unstable time with COVID-19 right now, explained Tom Cuddy, San Luis Obispo County Public Health Public Information Officer. Our numbers remain higher than wed like to see.

SLO County saw a slight decrease in cases Wednesday compared to last week. The public health department reported 422 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the 14-day average to 93 cases, down from 98 last week. However, that is not counting rapid or at-home tests.

With cases climbing, they're underreported to a degree since the community who are now being treated are self-testing and not reporting all cases, so most likely, it is much more extensive in the community, said Dr. Stephen Sigmund, Twin Cities Community Hospital Hospitalist.

Partly to blame is the new variant which is finding a way to spread despite vaccinations and disease immunity.

This new variant, that is the BA.5, which is probably the majority of the cases in our area currently, is at this point much more spreadable, said Dr. Sigmund. It is highly more contagious than the last variant; however, the severity of illness has decreased. Wed like to continue with controlling the amount of people that become severely ill.

One way to help is practicing COVID-19 safety measures.

Masking up in large crowds, masking up when youre indoors, washing your hands. If youre sick, not going out, suggested Dr. Sigmund.

Especially not going to the fair, if you are feeling sick.

Wear a mask, ideally a KN95 mask in crowded, indoor spaces such as exhibit halls or restrooms, regularly wash your hands throughout your visit to the Mid-State Fair, always wash your hands after petting animals or touching areas where animals are housed, recommended Cuddy.

It is not just COVID-19 you want to be cautious of since temperatures are expected in the triple digits.

Check the weather ahead of your visit and dress for conditions such as wearing light weight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, added Cuddy. Lastly, stay hydrated with water.

Health experts recommend those who test positive for COVID-19 check in with their doctor to see if they are eligible for treatment.

Just a reminder, both the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County public health departments have Test to Treat sites available for the community to use. They do ask that you make an appointment ahead of time.

For information on COVID-19 resources in San Luis Obispo County, click here.

For information on COVID-19 resources in Santa Barbara County, click here.

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Recommendations from health experts to avoid COVID-19 in crowded places - KSBY News

Arlington County officials will now limit interactions with federal immigration officials and end the county's COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

One year after releasing details on its framework for interacting with immigrants living in the country without legal permission, Arlington County, Virginia, board members and County Manager Mark Schwartz passed a trust policy meant to limit interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Arlington County Trust Policy was passed unanimously Tuesday, following community feedback and public comment sessions dating back to September 2021.

Our vision is to be a welcoming and inclusive community where every person is important, and every person thrives, the policy says.

Under the new policy, county officials would consider the use of resources for the purposes of enforcing immigration policies inappropriate; restrict the ability of county police officers to share any personally identifiable information that could be used to further immigration enforcement efforts; and keep law enforcement from arresting, interviewing or investigating people just to determine if their immigration status.

Board Vice Chair Christian Dorsey described the policy as progress for the community, and said conversations would be ongoing.

This does not transform Arlington overnight, but I have come to appreciate and understand, based on the advocacy of many in our community, some of whom are in this room, that its a necessary step. A vital prerequisite, Dorsey said.

The policy was taken up with the goal of increasing the engagement of community members with county employees, county resources and government services as well.

This trust policy also requires reporting of violations to the Community Oversight Board with oversight from the county executive.

I am particularly pleased to see the compliance and accountability part of the policy. For me, reporting on the policy reporting on how we do, reporting on how we comply and asking our community to provide us with a continuous stream of feedback on that is absolutely critical, Board Member Takis P. Karantonis said.

Arlington officials, during their board meeting on Tuesday, also said the countys coronavirus pandemic emergency declaration will end on Aug. 15.

While Schwartz noted high levels of transmission across PCR tests and increased opportunities for vaccines among those age 5 and older, the need for those emergency authorities has dwindled.

The declaration has been an important tool offering the flexibility needed to better serve our residents, businesses and visitors, Schwartz said. The declaration will end 885 days after it was implemented, Schwartz noted.

The declaration allowed for virtual and online work, appointments and inspections, along with virtual county meetings for the board and commission. It was put in place on March 13, 2020, as the region entered its first COVID-19 spike.

The decision does not immediately end the countys temporary outdoor seating policies, which will stay in place through Feb. 2023.

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Arlington to limit ICE interactions, end COVID-19 emergency declaration - WTOP

Evidence in decision-making in the context of COVID-19 in Latin America  The Lancet

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Evidence in decision-making in the context of COVID-19 in Latin America - The Lancet