Why California isn’t planning new lockdowns or restrictions for the Omicron variant
planning new lockdowns or restrictions for the Omicron variant
When news of the new Omicron variety broke last week, there was concern that it would prompt governments to explore new restrictions as the holidays approached.
While the new strain of the coronavirus has been detected in California, officials do not believe that significant new restrictions will be necessary, stating that travel plans can be pursued and that policies already in place around masks and vaccine verification are the best way to combat the new strain of the coronavirus.
“This has been an exceptionally long and difficult time, and people are entitled to be tired,” said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “I think the best way to put it all in perspective is that we have a lot more powerful tools at our disposal right now than we did last year,” says the author.
What is the reasoning for this strategy?
Officials are keen to point out that the pandemic is in a much better place this year, thanks to an abundant supply and availability of vaccines that are likely to provide at least some protection against Omicron, notably against severe sickness and death.
The approval of medications that can lessen the risk of severe disease is also on the horizon.
The fundamental strategy is to get more unvaccinated people — including small children — injections and to encourage eligible vaccinated adults to receive boosters.
“Boosters are critical, especially for people who haven’t been vaccinated in a long time,” Ferrer added.
Officials from the Bay Area’s health department concurred.
“There are many questions about how easily it spreads and how transmissible it is….” But here’s the thing: we now have a plethora of instruments that we didn’t have earlier in the pandemic. We also understand how to do it.
“I genuinely believe we are in a significantly better position than at any previous point in the epidemic to face this new uncertainty,” Cody added.
After the first incidence of the Omicron variety was confirmed in California on Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said there was no reason to believe the state will face more lockdowns.
“As long as we maintain our nation-leading efforts, I see no sign that that is in our foreseeable future,” the governor said, adding that citizens’ decisions will “determine our fate and future.”
The California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health issued a joint statement saying that while monitoring against the variation is required, its introduction in the state is “not a reason for alarm.”
“We understand that everyone is tired, and the news of a new variation might be daunting,” according to the statement. “It is critical that
Vaccinations are an important tool.
The need of a multi-layered approach to combatting the coronavirus has long been emphasized by health professionals. While wearing masks in public, avoiding crowded indoor environments, and, most importantly, getting vaccinated all provide some protection, they work best when done in tandem.
“We urge people to be rational and careful, and we’ll pay close attention to the science,” Ferrer added. “Of course, if new material emerges that causes us to rethink our safety messaging, we’ll update both the board and the public.”
In Marin County, demand for booster injections is so high that some individuals are having trouble getting an appointment this week at local pharmacies. According to KGO-TV, a Marin County pharmacy ran out of vaccination on Friday, requiring appointments to be canceled until Sunday.
It’s a logistical problem. Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County’s health officer, told KGO-TV that demand has grown so quickly that not all of the county’s pharmacies have been able to keep up with it in terms of just receiving supplies through regional distribution networks. Walgreens and CVS were mentioned by the TV station as claiming they were working on refilling their stores with extra shots.
Officials are hoping that, in the wake of the new Omicron danger, demand for the vaccination — and booster shots — will increase across the state this week.
According to The Times’ vaccine tracker, about 64% of Californians are completely vaccinated, yet that number is insufficient to prevent a sixth COVID-19 outbreak this winter. Although there has been an increase in demand for vaccinations among children aged 5 to 11, and interest in booster doses is growing, officials are concerned about low immunization rates among young adults.
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