nostr:npub1ff25n9vw4l4sccgx9um63gee3r6zhp0vnv2v2xluln5m80cn6l7qz4hmyu I get the logic but under 18 cannot be held to contracts they signed.

Takeaways from multiple COVID articles in the USA:

1) Since people are not testing and not reporting, and the CDC is not tracking as before, the incidence of COVID illnesses and deaths is likely higher than shown in federal, state, or county data. The same is true for Flu and RSV.

2) CDC data shows a steady trend upward towards in COVID hospitalizations based on data from late July 2023 with EG.5 being the dominant strain. Recommendations include booster in the fall for over 60 and anyone who is vulnerable (and those who are living/working with or caring for anyone who is vulnerable). While the fall booster is not a vaccine for EG.5 strain, EG.5 is a descendent of XBB. Therefore, some protection against EG.5 is expected.

3) Wastewater analyses may be a better indicator of outbreaks but unfortunately this is not preventive. Super-spreaders are still happening and summer vacations/concerts etc are likely a factor in the upward trend of COVID hospitalizations even if not directly correlated yet. We don't know what we don't know.

4) While scientists say the symptoms are similar and the EG.5 virus is affecting upper airways more than the lungs, vulnerable people continue to be at risk for harm. This much we do know.

COVID is endemic but that doesn't mean we give up protecting each other. Some areas have some population immunity but the trends clearly show we are not out of the woods yet.

You don't know who is vulnerable, or who is living/working with someone who is vulnerable, by looking at them. You don't now if you have been exposed and are carrying the virus infecting others.

Prevention means mask up indoors and in crowds where close contact occurs (less than 6 ft distance with cumulative exposure of 15 minutes over a 24 hour period). Don't shame others who mask up - respect their "boundary" as they may be protecting you and others. Move 6 ft away and do not speak to them within 6 ft if you are not masked (to prevent exposing them if you have been exposed even if you don't have symptoms).

In our household, workplace, and family, we've been living this way for 4 years - it's become second nature and not a burden. Exposure is not a matter of "if" but a matter of "when". Our hope is vaccination and preventive measures lessen the impact of "when" - just like any disease prevention and vaccination before COVID. Here is a new article out today:

www.vox.com/health/2023/8/9/23…