Geneology International

Tag: Update

  • State health leaders to update New Mexico’s COVID-19 trends

    State health leaders to update New Mexico’s COVID-19 trends

    NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – As New Mexico is reporting practically 2,000 new COVID-19 circumstances Wednesday, state wellness leaders say a record amount of people are currently being hospitalized with the virus heading into December. At the very least 643 sufferers have been receiving COVID therapies in New Mexico hospitals Wednesday as point out well being officials up-to-date the most current COVID-19 traits in a digital information convention.

    The briefing masking booster and youngsters vaccine administration, the omicron variant, changes to vaccine specifications and caseloads amongst the state’s growing older population marks the 1st update from well being leaders in roughly two weeks, considering the fact that in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday break. On Wednesday, New Mexico noted 1,887 new COVID-19 situations, 12 more deaths and 643 hospitalizations.

    Wednesday’s noted virus-relevant hospitalizations noted Wednesday marks the most hospitalizations for the virus in 2021 so considerably, in accordance to details delivered by NMDOH Acting Secretary Dr. David Scrase. For the duration of the information convention, Dr. Scrase highlighted Monday’s lesser amount of 633 hospitalizations as the most the point out has charted in 2021, shortly before the most up-to-date numbers had been launched.

    In Albuquerque, Presbyterian and the College of New Mexico Medical center claimed Tuesday their respective hospitals were at 120{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} and 140{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} capacity. Presbyterian states roughly 28{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of their existing client load is in the hospital for COVID-19 remedy, an boost from about 20{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} in the weeks prior. Of those people hospitalized, Presbyterian notes 85{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of all those sufferers are not vaccinated.

    Above the final month, condition totals show 79{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of people hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. The state described Wednesday conditions are increasing in each age team, but are climbing larger in age teams from 5 to 17 and 65 and more mature.

    Booster Doses, Young children Vaccines Ramping Up

    Though hospitalizations are on the rise, so too are booster doses which are now open to all people eighteen and more mature in New Mexico. Because August 1, 2021, New Mexico has dolled out far more than 370,082 COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, working forward of the national common.

    The latest knowledge reveals a lot more than a 15{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} maximize in the quantity of boosters presented out in the last 7 days, in comparison to the 7 days prior. Nevertheless, the point out suggests it is operating into difficulties in acquiring areas for larger sized vaccination clinics and more compact suppliers.

    “As we go into the booster phase of this, COVID vaccination actually ought to get started getting position in medical doctors and nurse practitioners and medical professional assistants’ offices,” explained Dr. Scrase. “One of our essential shortages correct now facilities in which to give vaccinations … specially in Santa Fe, Espanola, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, if you know of a facility that you would like to volunteer that we could use notably for a mass vaccination web-site, for a working day, or a day a 7 days, or each and every working day for that make a difference, you should allow us know.”

    In the realm of vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, the state said it was “on track” Wednesday with its projections on how a lot of doses would be supplied out to the youngest eligible age group. More than 30,246 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine have been specified to New Mexico’s kids aged 5 to 11 as of Wednesday. There are 188,866 young ones ages 5 to 11 in New Mexico.

    In the meantime, NMDOH’s Point out Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Ross claims the more youthful age teams amongst to 4 and 5 to 17 a long time aged remain an “area of vulnerability.” “We certainly have a means to go and hope to see continued uptake of vaccination in that age band and then we’ll see a lessened burden of condition in all those school-aged little ones,” Dr. Ross mentioned.

    Alterations to Vaccination Specifications Before long

    Dr. Scrase acknowledged Wednesday New Mexico health and fitness officers are practically all set to announce new requirements relevant to whole vaccination and booster doses. During Wednesday’s information meeting, Dr. Scrase explained though the state would keep the federal definition of “fully vaccinated,” indicating two doses of Pfizer or Moderna’s mRNA vaccine or one particular dose of Johnson and Johnson’s adenovirus vaccine. Having said that, Dr. Scrase claimed point out they will transform quite a few worker specifications.

    “We will be switching the specifications for well being treatment staff, educational institutions, and point out employees to contain a prerequisite for a booster if one is because of,” Scrase mentioned these improvements would be formally announced in the coming “days.”

    Omicron Variant

    As federal health officials declared Wednesday the to start with acknowledged circumstance of the new Omicron variant in the U.S. discovered in the areas of San Francisco, California, New Mexico overall health officials were reserved about expressing problem on the variant. Dr. Ross suggests the variant has not been detected in New Mexico to date.

    “We never have more than enough information and facts nonetheless on Omicron to declare a new section in the pandemic or a transform in approach,” Dr. Ross stated. “Scientists and different professionals are all in settlement that we seriously need to have to concentration on the tried using and real, in other phrases, the similar avoidance tips hold real correct now, and vaccination remains our greatest device to safeguard an particular person, a group and New Mexico.”

    Declared a “variant of concern” by the Entire world Overall health Group very last Friday, Dr. Ross elaborated on why there’s cause for problem around the variant. “There’s a huge variety of mutation … which sit in an spot named the spike protein, which has lifted alarms, in essence for the reason that exactly where individuals mutations are sitting down, and also mainly because of the sheer selection of mutations.”

    Dr. Ross says New Mexicans must nevertheless be involved with the Delta variant at this stage, noting the scenario surge New Mexico is at present suffering from has been solely induced by Delta. “We know that Delta is at the very least two periods as transmissible or contagious, and we feel it is a important contributor to what’s occurring in New Mexico with this existing surge.”

    Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Lifestyle Span

    Condition well being leaders introduced details Wednesday indicating a COVID-19 vaccine has helped insert as quite a few as 14-several years to the ordinary age span of individuals who’ve contracted the virus. The details is centered on the median age of those people who’ve died from a COVID-19 infection and their vaccination position. In accordance to state knowledge, the regular age of those who’ve died from a COVID-19 infection who are vaccinated is 78.9 years old. Meanwhile, the normal age of those people who’ve died from a COVID-19 an infection who are not vaccinated is 64.9 years old.

    “We get tons of questions about why really should I be vaccinated and is it actually important, I’m more youthful, do I truly will need it?” Dr. Scrase claimed. “I like to look at this data and imagine about the point that you can insert 14 decades to your everyday living by currently being vaccinated if you are in the unlucky party if you get COVID.”

  • ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES COVID-19 DATA UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 27, 2021

    ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES COVID-19 DATA UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 27, 2021

    ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES COVID-19 DATA UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 27, 2021

    ERIE COUNTY, NY – The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is providing an update on COVID-19 data. For the week ending November 27, 2021, ECDOH received reports for 4,271 new COVID-19 cases among Erie County residents, a 2{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} decrease from the previous week. This decline may be attributable to fewer tests occurring in the latter half of that week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. This also represents a 145{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} increase in COVID-19 cases in the past six reporting weeks, and a 59{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} increase in the past four reporting weeks. Erie County’s COVID-19 case rate of 448 cases per 100,000 residents in the past seven days for the week ending November 27 is slight decrease from the previous week’s case rate of 456. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set a case rate threshold of 100 or more cases per 100,000 residents in the past seven days for a community to be considered to have “high transmission.”

    30{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of new COVID-19 cases last week were among city of Buffalo residents. For reference, city of Buffalo residents make up 29{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of all Erie County residents. This past week the ZIP codes with the highest seven-day case rates per 100,000 persons were: 14025 (Boston, 32 cases), 14086 (Lancaster, 225 cases), 14141 (Springville, 52 cases), 14004 (Alden, 77 cases) and 14057 (Eden, 52 cases). 17 ZIP codes had a case rate of more than 500 new cases per 100,000 residents over seven days.

    Contact tracing case investigations continue to note family and household clusters of COVID-19 cases. With the holiday season approaching, ECDOH encourages people who plan to gather with friends and family to stay home and away from others if ill. Also, COVID-19 testing is a tool to make sure you know your COVID-19 status before small gatherings, especially if other guests are elderly, have chronic medical or immunocompromising conditions, are pregnant, or unvaccinated.

    About 43,200 COVID-19 test reports were received last week, a small decrease from the previous week’s total. Weekly test reports have remained very stable over the past four weeks. ECDOH and health care providers within Erie County still have substantial diagnostic testing capacity. People who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, should strongly consider a diagnostic COVID-19 test. The New York State Department of Health maintains a list of testing locations. ECDOH created a list of community COVID-19 testing resources for parents and caregivers. Free COVID-19 NAAT tests are available through ECDOH by calling 716-858-2929 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required for COVID-19 testing through ECDOH. Wait times for ECDOH appointment telephone line are longest in the morning. Callers may choose to call after 10 a.m. if they want to avoid a wait.

    The weekly positivity rate was 9.9{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, up from 9.4{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for the week ending November 20. This is the highest weekly positivity percentage since the earliest stages of the pandemic in May 2020. The 30-39-year-old age group had the highest number of COVID-19 cases last week, which represents a seven-day case rate of 693 per 100,000 persons in that age group. The age groups with the highest positivity rates were school-aged children: 12.6{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for 5-10-year-olds; 14.8{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for 11-13-year-olds; and, 13.7{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for 14-17-year-olds. These higher positivity rates may reflect lower relative numbers of tests in these age groups, and a higher likelihood that symptomatic children and adolescents will seek a COVID-19 test for return to school purposes. Every age group, except ages 80 and older, had a positivity rate of more than 8{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}.

    For children under age 18 years, case totals decreased by 53 COVID-19 cases last week from the previous week, to 1,072 COVID-19 cases. Cases among children under 18 years comprised 25{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of all cases reported for last week, an increase from October 2021 when that proportion was ~22-23{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}.

     

    The school team in the ECDOH Office of Epidemiology is managing a large volume of cases among k-12 students and school staff. Data for the week ending November 13 and November 20 are incomplete* because official test reports are pending. These weekly totals remain higher than at any other point in this academic year or the previous academic year.

    ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES COVID-19 DATA UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 27, 2021

    ECDOH announced that it was piloting a “Test to Stay” program with Grand Island Central School District starting December 6. Broadly, in a school using TTS, k-12 students who are not fully vaccinated and close contacts of a COVID-19 case from a school exposure would have a rapid COVID-19 test before each school day as part of a modified quarantine. Students with a household exposure would not be eligible, nor would school staff. The student would attend school that day if their test result was negative. A positive test result would mean the student is excluded from school and placed in isolation at home. ECDOH will evaluate pilot program outcomes and decide on next steps.

    With 334 COVID-19 hospitalizations reported in Erie County hospitals on November 28, 2021, the number of patients admitted to Erie County hospitals with COVID-19 has ranged from a low of 203 hospitalizations to a high of 334 hospitalizations over the past two weeks [See chart at end of release]. 211 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (63{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) were not fully vaccinated. Among those patients, 42 (69{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) of 61 patients admitted to the ICU were not fully vaccinated; and, 32 (70{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) of 46 patients with an airway assist were not fully vaccinated. Vaccines work to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) publishes statewide data for COVID-19 cases over time by vaccination status, and daily hospital admissions over time by vaccination status.                                                           

    ECDOH is reporting COVID-19 mortality data. ECDOH received reports of 8 COVID-19 associated deaths in the past seven days. Total COVID-19-related deaths from March 2020 to November 25, 2021 now stand at 2,151, with 875 reported in 2021. CDC publishes national rates of COVID-19 related cases, hospitalizations and deaths by vaccination status at https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#rates-by-vaccine-status.                        

    With data compiled by the ECDOH epidemiology office through November 29, 2021, 21{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of 5-11-year-olds in Erie County have at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Additional data, including vaccination estimates by ZIP code, are posted to the ECDOH web site. NYSDOH also updates vaccination data by demographics, by county and by ZIP code.         

    ECDOH has an active schedule of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, listed at www.erie.gov/vax. Clinics for 5-11-year-olds are listed at www.erie.gov/vax. ECDOH will also vaccinate any eligible Erie County resident at their home. Call (716) 858-2929 for the “Vax Visit” program.

    ECDOH encourages Erie County residents who are not fully vaccinated to begin their COVID-19 vaccine series. COVID-19 vaccination is especially important for youth and families attending school or child care.

    ECDOH vaccine clinics will provide a COVID-19 booster dose to anyone age 18 and older as long as enough time has elapsed from their initial series completion (6 months for Pfizer and Moderna; 2 months for J&J). ECDOH encourages people to review the recommended booster eligibility criteria, evaluate their risk factors and talk to their own physician with questions. NYSDOH has further information about booster doses.

    Chart: Erie County Hospitalization Data, last two weeks (November 15, 2021-November 28, 2021); data for Nov. 25, 2021 not available due to Thanksgiving holiday.
    Data Sources: New York State Department of Health and Erie County hospitals

     

    #

    ECDOH, COVID-19 vaccine info & clinic schedule: http://www.erie.gov/vax

    ECDOH, COVID-19 Information Line: (716) 858-2929 – foreign language interpretation available

    ECDOH, COVID-19 Weekly Data Updates: https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=covid-19-media-data

    New York State Department of Health, COVID-19 Boosters: http://ny.gov/boosters

    ###

  • Update on Omicron

    Update on Omicron

    On 26 November 2021, WHO selected the variant B.1.1.529 a variant of worry, named Omicron, on the guidance of WHO’s Technical Advisory Team on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE).  This selection was dependent on the evidence offered to the TAG-VE that Omicron has numerous mutations that may have an effects on how it behaves, for case in point, on how very easily it spreads or the severity of sickness it brings about. Here is a summary of what is currently identified.  

     

    Present-day awareness about Omicron 

    Scientists in South Africa and about the entire world are conducting studies to far better have an understanding of many facets of Omicron and will keep on to share the conclusions of these scientific studies as they turn out to be readily available.  

    Transmissibility: It is not yet crystal clear whether Omicron is much more transmissible (e.g., additional very easily distribute from person to person) in contrast to other variants, such as Delta. The range of men and women tests favourable has risen in locations of South Africa influenced by this variant, but epidemiologic reports are underway to recognize if it is simply because of Omicron or other variables.  

    Severity of illness: It is not nevertheless distinct no matter whether an infection with Omicron causes extra serious condition as opposed to bacterial infections with other variants, such as Delta.  Preliminary info implies that there are escalating fees of hospitalization in South Africa, but this may be thanks to rising total numbers of men and women getting to be infected, instead than a consequence of unique an infection with Omicron.  There is presently no information to propose that symptoms linked with Omicron are unique from all those from other variants.  Initial noted infections were being amid university students—younger people who are inclined to have additional moderate disease—but comprehension the level of severity of the Omicron variant will choose days to various months.  All variants of COVID-19, which include the Delta variant that is dominant around the globe, can lead to extreme ailment or demise, in individual for the most susceptible people, and so prevention is often critical. 

     

    Success of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection 

    Preliminary evidence implies there may well be an improved threat of reinfection with Omicron (ie, people today who have formerly had COVID-19 could turn into reinfected far more effortlessly with Omicron), as in contrast to other variants of concern, but information is restricted. Extra data on this will come to be obtainable in the coming days and months. 

    Effectiveness of vaccines: WHO is doing work with technological companions to realize the possible effect of this variant on our current countermeasures, including vaccines. Vaccines continue to be crucial to lowering significant ailment and death, which include versus the dominant circulating variant, Delta. Current vaccines keep on being powerful towards critical illness and death.   

    Success of present tests: The widely used PCR checks keep on to detect infection, such as infection with Omicron, as we have observed with other variants as perfectly. Reports are ongoing to figure out irrespective of whether there is any effects on other kinds of exams, which includes rapid antigen detection checks.  

    Performance of existing remedies:   Corticosteroids and IL6 Receptor Blockers will even now be efficient for handling patients with critical COVID-19. Other treatment options will be assessed to see if they are nonetheless as efficient provided the modifications to sections of the virus in the Omicron variant.  

     

    Research underway 

    At the existing time, WHO is coordinating with a large range of scientists all over the earth to superior comprehend Omicron. Scientific tests at the moment underway or underway shortly include assessments of transmissibility, severity of an infection (which includes signs and symptoms), functionality of vaccines and diagnostic checks, and efficiency of treatment options.    

    WHO encourages nations to contribute the selection and sharing of hospitalized client info through the WHO COVID-19 Medical Knowledge Platform to swiftly explain scientific attributes and client outcomes.  

    Much more information and facts will emerge in the coming days and months. WHO’s TAG-VE will continue to check and appraise the information as it will become obtainable and assess how mutations in Omicron alter the behaviour of the virus.  

     

    Advisable steps for countries 

    As Omicron has been selected a Variant of Issue, there are several steps WHO endorses countries to undertake, including maximizing surveillance and sequencing of cases  sharing genome sequences on publicly obtainable databases, such as GISAID reporting preliminary conditions or clusters to WHO undertaking discipline investigations and laboratory assessments to improved fully grasp if Omicron has diverse transmission or disorder properties, or impacts efficiency of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics or general public health and fitness and social steps.  More depth in the announcement from 26 November.  

    Nations really should keep on to apply the efficient general public health actions to lessen COVID-19 circulation general, making use of a chance investigation and science-based mostly technique. They should really boost some community health and fitness and clinical capacities to control an boost in instances.  WHO is offering countries with help and direction for each readiness and reaction.  

    In addition, it is vitally vital that inequities in entry to COVID-19 vaccines are urgently tackled to ensure that susceptible teams just about everywhere, including wellness personnel and more mature persons, acquire their first and second doses, along with equitable accessibility to procedure and diagnostics.  

     

    Recommended actions for people 

    The most powerful measures individuals can take to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to hold a physical distance of at least 1 metre from other folks don a effectively-fitting mask open up home windows to improve ventilation avoid badly ventilated or crowded areas preserve hands clean up cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue and get vaccinated when it is their change.  

    WHO will continue to supply updates as extra facts results in being offered, which includes subsequent conferences of the TAG-VE. In addition, information and facts will be obtainable on WHO’s digital and social media platforms. 

     

    Reference substance:  

     

     

     

  • Ohio singer Nightbirde gives update on health, future

    Ohio singer Nightbirde gives update on health, future

    COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Musical artist and Ohio native Nightbirde appeared on CNN with Chris Cuomo to talk about her health, the holidays, what she’s working on and maintaining a positive attitude while battling cancer.

    Cuomo introduced Zanesville native Jane Marczewski with one of her famous quotes, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy,” adding that she walks “the walk” when it comes to being happy in the face of adversity.

    Then a clip was played of her shining moment this summer when she auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” while struggling with her cancer, earning Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer for her performance. 

    Since that performance, Nightbirde has kept a low profile, stepping aside from the “America’s Got Talent” competition to focus on fighting her life-threatening illness.

    “Well, you know what, I wish we would get a faster miracle, but it’s happening slow, little by little day-by-day I’m getting a little better,” Nightbirde told Cuomo when asked about how she is doing. “I did get a scan result back and a bunch of stuff that was there has now disappeared and a bunch of the really big stuff has gone down in size so, we’re on the way.”

    Cuomo then asked if she was comfortable enough with her struggle “to continue to dare to dream about what happens next?”

    “I think life sometimes is a game of, choose your pain, so the pain of continuing or the pain of giving up. So, the pain of continuing, there’s a lot more uncertainty that way, but I think the pain of giving up is so much worse.”

    The conversation also touched on Nighbirde’s holiday plans when Cuomo asked her to reflect on what Thanksgiving means to her this year.

    “Every year that I get to gather around the table with people that I love, it’s such a — it’s such an honor and a gift,” she responded. “I shouldn’t, I should not be alive right now based on the usual statistics. So every year when this time comes around, it’s special for the whole family.” 

    Nightbirde went on to describe her attitude toward life when Cuomo pressed about her “heavy truth.”

    “Well, I think every, every moment that we breathe is a miracle and a gift,” she said. “Most people don’t know what a joy it is to wake up in the morning without pain, ’cause they’ve just experienced, you know, maybe a normal life. But those like me who face death on a day-to-day basis.

    “Sometimes I think we’re the luckier ones because if we get to really see the sweetness of life and the miracle is to love and be loved. And to, to dream and to have a, you know, the chance at a future. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the weight of that, or I don’t know if I’ll ever, I don’t know if it’ll ever become casual to me again, just to live.”

    Near the end of the interview, Nightbirde discussed her current plans when it comes to making music and what is happening in her life professionally.

    “I am so proud of everything I’m writing right now,” she said. “Uhm again, pain can be a gift because it really, really drives you to deep places to, to dig for gold. Sometimes you gotta dig really, really deep for gold. And, and that’s, that’s what I’ve been doing. I’m really proud of the stuff that I’m, I’m working on. And the voice is getting there. Today I actually sang a lot and even it, even though it’s not up to 100{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, I am just so happy to be singing. I could not stop smiling today.” 

  • Augusta Health Vaccine Clinic Update: November 22, 2021

    Augusta Health Vaccine Clinic Update: November 22, 2021

    In partnership with the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD), Augusta Health continues community vaccinations for COVID-19.

    Current Vaccination Dose Count at Augusta Health:

    • Total doses given at Augusta Health Vaccination Clinics: 102,167
    • Community member fully-vaccinated at AH Vaccination Clinics: 45,227
    • Boosters 14,753
    • Children age 5-11 1,144

    Current Situation
    Our community numbers and statistics remain steady just before the holiday weekend.

    Our Augusta Health testing positivity rate is 14{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}. Our current inpatient COVID-19 census is 10, with two deaths over the past week. The percentage of our COVID-19 patients who are critical care/ICU level patients is 40{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of hospitalized COVID patients.

    In the 24 hours preceding 9:00 am on Monday, November 22, 9 new positive cases of COVID were diagnosed at Augusta Health testing sites.

    Please vaccinate, wear masks indoors even if vaccinated, wash hands frequently and stay socially distant from others when possible—especially during indoor Thanksgiving gatherings.

    Thanksgiving Thoughts
    At Thanksgiving, we all pause to remember the reasons we have to be grateful. There are so many things we have learned since the start of the pandemic—things that give us hope. This Thanksgiving, we are grateful that:

    • We know how to care for COVID patients.
    • We know who is vulnerable and how to protect them.
    • We have COVID vaccines that can prevent hospitalization and death.
    • The COVID vaccines are safe, free and readily available.
    • Herd immunity is developing through both vaccines and infections.
    • We know that wearing masks and social distancing can protect others when COVID is prevalent.
    • We have monoclonal antibodies that reduce hospitalizations.
    • A new oral anti-viral medicine (Molnupiravir) is coming, which reduces hospitalizations by 50{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}.

    We wish you a healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

    Vaccination Eligibility
    Augusta Health is vaccinating everyone age 5 and older who lives, works or goes to school in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for individuals age 18 and over. Pfizer vaccine is authorized for individuals age 5 and older; a parent or legal guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of those under the age of 18. Booster criteria vary by vaccine, so please be aware of the criteria for the vaccine selected.

    Children Age 5-11 years old:
    To ensure patient safety and in awareness of the different dosage for the 5-11 year old age group, there are separate clinics for ages 5-11 only at the on-campus location. Again, a parent or legal guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of those under the age of 18.

    Please make appointments at vaccinate.augustahealth.com

    Booster Eligibility Information:
    Anyone over the age of 18 can receive third-dose COVID-19 booster shots.

    When can you get the booster?

    • At least 6 months after you completed your Pfizer or Moderna series
      • If you’re immune suppressed and have completed either the Pfizer or Moderna series, you can get a 3rd dose in 28 days
    • At least 2 months after Johnson & Johnson vaccination

    Which booster can you get?
    • You can get any booster shot you prefer.

    PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR VACCINE/BOOSTER at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.

    For patient safety concerns, vaccines will be offered on specific days. Please be sure make an appointment for a clinic that is offering the vaccine you want. If you are registering for a booster, and are switching vaccine, make an appointment for the type of booster you want. For example, if you originally received a Pfizer vaccine, but would like a Moderna booster, make an appointment in a Moderna clinic.

    If you have questions about eligibility, please call Augusta Health’s Vaccination Call Center at (540) 332-5122.

    Please bring your COVID Vaccination Record Card to the booster appointment.

    Vaccinations in Primary Care Offices
    Vaccinations for COVID-19 continue in all Augusta Medical Group primary care offices. Patients who prefer to receive a vaccination from their personal physician should contact their doctor’s office to be scheduled into the next available vaccination appointment block.

    Community-Based Clinics
    This week, Augusta Health’s Community Vaccination Team is providing boosters and vaccinations at schools and to other vulnerable populations in shelters, congregate living communities and apartment neighborhoods.

    Community organizations that would like to partner with Augusta Health for a Vaccination Clinic can contact VaccinationTaskForce [at] augustahealth.com for more information on the requirements.

    Large on-campus Vaccination Clinics
    Please make an appointment for on-campus clinics.

    Go to vaccinate.augustahealth.com to view the links and schedule an appointment. Information about new clinics, the links and the criteria for each link, are posted as available. On-campus clinics this week are:

    • Monday, November 22: Pfizer Clinic for ages 12 and over from 9 am to 1 pm.
      For first dose, second dose or booster of Pfizer vaccine; available to those age 12 and older. Please verify criteria for boosters. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
    • Tuesday, November 23: Pfizer Clinic FOR AGES 5-11 ONLY from 3 pm to 7 pm.
      This clinic is for those ages 5-11 only. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of the child under the age of 18. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com

    THANKSGIVING BREAK

    • Thursday, December 2: Moderna Clinic and Johnson & Johnson Clinic from 9 am to 1 pm.
      For first dose, second dose or booster of Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines; available to those age 18 and older. Please verify criteria for boosters and register for the desired vaccine.
      The links are open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
    • Thursday, December 2: Pfizer Clinic for ages 12 and over from 3 pm to 7 pm.
      For first dose, second dose or booster of Pfizer vaccine; available to those age 12 and older. Please verify criteria for boosters. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com

    Vaccination Call Center
    Not everyone has access to the internet. Others just have questions. For assistance, call Augusta Health’s Vaccination Call Center at (540) 332-5122. The Call Center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm to answer questions and help to schedule vaccination appointments.

    Homebound patients are being vaccinated through a pilot program with Central Shenandoah EMS. Contact the Vaccination Call Center for more information.

    We appreciate our continued partnership with CSHD as we work together to provide vaccines to all in the community who need them.

  • Tiger Woods swings golf club in video with outstanding health update

    Tiger Woods swings golf club in video with outstanding health update

    Tiger Woods posted an amazing update on his health months after suffering a devastating leg injury in a Los Angeles car crash that put his professional golf career in jeopardy.

    Woods posted a video with a two-word message: “Making progress.”

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Tiger Woods lines up a putt during the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club on Dec. 19, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. 

    Tiger Woods lines up a putt during the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club on Dec. 19, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. 
    (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

    The video showed him swinging a golf club and looking like he still has it. It appeared to be the first visual evidence of him hitting a ball and swinging a club since the February crash. He still had the black compression sleeve on his right leg while he was on the course.

    He’s been spotted in plenty of pictures and video in recent months walking around. Last week, he was seen with his girlfriend Erica Herman. Woods was walking very carefully while getting out of his car and heading into a hotel.

    TIGER WOODS CAN HAVE ANY PRESIDENTS CUP ROLE HE WANTS, US CAPTAIN DAVIS LOVE III SAYS

    Questions have surrounded Woods over whether he would continue to pursue Jack Nicklaus’ record for most major titles.

    Tiger Woods during the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, on Feb. 21, 2021. 

    Tiger Woods during the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, on Feb. 21, 2021. 
    (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    Justin Thomas revealed recently that Woods was “going to try” a comeback.

    “I mean, I know that he’s going to try. I just, I don’t see him ever playing if he can’t play well. He doesn’t strike me as a guy that’s like, he’s played at home and he’s shooting a bunch of 75s and 76s and he’s like ‘Alright, I’m gonna give [the Masters] a try this year.’ Like that’s not really gonna be him, at least to my understanding, or from what I know of him,” Thomas said on the “No Laying Up” podcast.

    “I think he knows that there’s a pretty good chance that that was the last chance he really ever had, before that, of making another run, but at the same time, I know how determined he is and I know he’s going to want to at least try to give something again.”

    Tiger Woods on the 15th hole during the final round of the PNC Championship on Dec. 20, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. 

    Tiger Woods on the 15th hole during the final round of the PNC Championship on Dec. 20, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. 
    (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

    Thomas said, ultimately, Woods wants to be the best dad he could be to Charlie, 12, and Sam, 14.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    The 2021-22 PGA Tour is already underway with a December break on the horizon. There are 15 tournaments on the docket before the 2022 Masters in April. It appears there’s hope Woods could be back by that time.