As Covid hospitalizations approach a record high, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “milder doesn’t equal mild.”
Covid-19 is present in around 155,000 patients in American hospitals, according to the most recent official statistics, surpassing the previous winter’s record level.
According to statistics delivered by Johns Hopkins University, the United States is also reporting an average of around 2,260 Covid fatalities each day during seven days, the highest amount since February.
“We cannot look past the strain on our health systems and substantial number of deaths,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky argued during a press briefing.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, issued a warning on Wednesday against relaxing Covid-19 safety protocols. The omicron variant continues to drive cases and hospitalizations to record highs, even though it produces milder infections than previous strains.
“Milder does not mean mild and we cannot look past the strain on our health systems and substantial number of deaths,” Walensky stated during a press briefing with the White House Covid response team.
According to a seven-day average of Department of Health and Human Services statistics, as of Tuesday, around 155,000 patients in U.S. hospitals are treated for Covid, breaking the previous record high set last winter. According to statistics provided by Johns Hopkins University, the United States is also reporting an average of around 2,260 Covid fatalities each day during seven days, the most significant number since February.
‘Mild’ but Many Makes It Harder for Docs
A significant increase in cases puts further pressure on the already stressed healthcare system. Several thousand employees have left their jobs in the last year. Those still working in the field have been suffering as they contract breakthrough cases, which has forced them to spend days at home in isolation and away from their workplaces.
“I know many people are tired, but many of our hospitals are still struggling beyond capacity,” Walensky claimed. “It’s been a long two years. However, please now do your part to lean into this current moment.”
Despite efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce isolation time for health workers and the Biden administration’s deployment of hundreds of military doctors and nurses to assist overburdened hospitals, workers have said they are still struggling to cope in their jobs.
Yes, an end to the omicron wave may be approaching. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House’s senior medical advisor, said earlier this week that most states would reach a high in the number of omicron infections by the middle of this month. Already, reports of decreases in incidence have been received from many states.
Although as the curve descends, several thousand infections a day in the United States may occur on the opposite side of the peak. Moreover, as the virus mutates, health experts predict that it may produce other varieties. In addition, Walensky emphasized that Americans should continue to follow stringent Covid preventative measures, including wearing protective masks and receiving a booster.
“I know many people are tired, but many of our hospitals are still struggling beyond capacity,” Walensky said. “It’s been a long two years. However, please now do your part to lean into this current moment.”
