You or someone you know has likely become infected with COVID-19 in the past few weeks, and many are confused on what to do about it.Medical experts said virus levels in the U.S. have been on the rise for weeks, and it’s hard to tell how worried people should be.Federal data suggests that the current increases have stayed far below earlier surges. The data also shows that there are probably more infections than current surveillance systems can capture.Dr. Miriam Alexander is the medical director of employee health and wellness at Lifebridge Health.”We are seeing more cases in our employees and slightly more cases here at the hospital,” Alexander said.Lifebridge officials said they are also seeing a definite increase in cases at Expresscare locations. Alexander said there is a lot of confusion about the uptick.”Many have home kits so many are testing at home, and that data would not get transmitted by any authority, so that’s some of the confusion. The cases that get reported might just be the tip of the iceberg,” she said.Alexander said, as of now, the public does not need to wear a mask during general activities.”If you’re in tight quarters, some people are masking up again, and if you are in a high-risk population, it may be worthwhile masking up again,” she said.If you test positive for COVID-19, Alexander suggested taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.”(Lifebridge is) continuing to follow the same protocol. We are having people stay home for five days after they start getting sick, and then after those five days, we then have people mask for another five days,” she said.With constantly changing variants, Alexander said you should be sure to vaccinate and get the latest booster.
You or someone you know has likely become infected with COVID-19 in the past few weeks, and many are confused on what to do about it.
Medical experts said virus levels in the U.S. have been on the rise for weeks, and it’s hard to tell how worried people should be.
Advertisement
Federal data suggests that the current increases have stayed far below earlier surges. The data also shows that there are probably more infections than current surveillance systems can capture.
Dr. Miriam Alexander is the medical director of employee health and wellness at Lifebridge Health.
“We are seeing more cases in our employees and slightly more cases here at the hospital,” Alexander said.
Lifebridge officials said they are also seeing a definite increase in cases at Expresscare locations. Alexander said there is a lot of confusion about the uptick.
“Many have home kits so many are testing at home, and that data would not get transmitted by any authority, so that’s some of the confusion. The cases that get reported might just be the tip of the iceberg,” she said.
Alexander said, as of now, the public does not need to wear a mask during general activities.
“If you’re in tight quarters, some people are masking up again, and if you are in a high-risk population, it may be worthwhile masking up again,” she said.
If you test positive for COVID-19, Alexander suggested taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
“(Lifebridge is) continuing to follow the same protocol. We are having people stay home for five days after they start getting sick, and then after those five days, we then have people mask for another five days,” she said.
With constantly changing variants, Alexander said you should be sure to vaccinate and get the latest booster.