LAWRENCE – As of Feb. 25, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its framework to monitor the level of COVID 19 and communities.
Dr. Walensky, the Director at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that “the COVID-19 community level chart will inform CDC recommendations on prevention measures like masking and CDCs recommendations for layer prevention measures and depend on the COVID-19 level in the community. This updated approach focuses on directing prevention efforts towards protecting people at high risk for severe illness and preventing hospitals and healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. Please remember that some people remain at higher risk for COVID-19 and need additional protection. Those who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions, those who have disabilities, or those who live with people at risk. Those people might choose to take extra precautions regardless of what level their community is in.”
Prevention steps that should be taken depending on the community risk level;
The CDC no longer recommends universal indoor mask-wearing in areas with a low or medium COVID-19 Community Level using this new framework. The CDC is also not requiring that people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs. As of March 7, Van Buren and Cass counties are in a medium COVID-19 Community Level.
CDC has stated that the new recommendations do not apply in healthcare settings; instead, healthcare settings should continue to use community transmission rates and follow CDC’s infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare settings. Businesses and organizations may still ask that masks be worn when entering their establishments.
COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and mask-wearing are all tools that effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep risk levels as low as possible. Van Buren/Cass District Health Department offers free testing at Van Buren and Cass counties locations. Hours and locations are below;
Ascension Borgess Lee Hospital – 420 High St, Dowagiac. Every Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m.
Bangor High School – 801 W. Arlington St, Bangor, Every Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.
For more information and resources on COVID-19, visit https://vbcassdhd.org/covid-19/. For the most up-to-date information from CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov /whats-new-all.html.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
