Tag:

Delta variant

COVID-19: New Study Reveals How Long 'Durable Protection' May Last After Catching Virus COVID-19: New Study Reveals How Long 'Durable Protection' May Last After Catching Virus
Covid-19: New Study Reveals How Long 'Durable Protection' May Last After Catching Virus A past COVID-19 infection provides "durable" but temporary protection against getting severely sick no matter the variant, according to a brand-new study. Researchers from the University of Washington say it's the most comprehensive data compiled so far showing national immunity protection against the virus. The findings were released Thursday, Feb. 16 in the peer-reviewed journal, The Lancet. The research identified and analyzed 65 studies from 19 different countries.  "Our meta-analyses showed that protection from past infection and any symptomatic disease was high for (COVID-19) an…
COVID-19: CT Cancer Patient Has Been Infected With Virus At Least 471 Days, Case Study Says COVID-19: CT Cancer Patient Has Been Infected With Virus At Least 471 Days, Case Study Says
Covid-19: CT Cancer Patient Has Been Infected With Virus At Least 471 Days, Case Study Says A Connecticut resident experienced a chronic COVID-19 infection for at least 471 days, researchers reported. Researchers from Yale University found that a patient, who is diagnosed with lymphoma, has been testing positive for the virus for at least 471 days and that the virus rapidly mutated during their infection, according to the Daily Mail. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, can be found here. Researchers reported that their surveillance system captured 30 nasal swabs from the unnamed individual, and sequenced COVID-19 genomes from day 79 through 471, which was between Feb…
COVID-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US COVID-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US
Covid-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US With the new “stealth” COVID-19 sub-variant emerging from the shadows in the US and overseas, researchers are concerned that one subset of Americans could potentially lead to a possible new surge of infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Omicron, which is known as B.1.1.529, has three sub-variants: the original BA.1 that remains the dominant strain, the “stealth” BA.2, which is picking up steam, and the more elusive BA.3. The new “stealth” variant - named for its difficulty to identify due to a lack of certain genetic characteristics - has been becoming more of a co…
COVID-19: New 'Deltacron' Variant Identified For First Time COVID-19: New 'Deltacron' Variant Identified For First Time
Covid-19: New 'Deltacron' Variant Identified For First Time A new hybrid COVID-19 strain combining the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus has been confirmed for the first time and is being tracked by the World Health Organization (WHO). Researchers reported that they now have solid evidence regarding the first confirmed case of “Deltacron,” though it is not believed to be considered a cause of concern as the number of vaccines and people with natural immunity continue to rise across the globe. The “Deltacron” variant had previously been suspected in several countries, but scientists in Paris submitted a full genomic sequence on Tuesday, March 8…
COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Think Pandemic Is Getting Worse, New Poll Says COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Think Pandemic Is Getting Worse, New Poll Says
Covid-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Think Pandemic Is Getting Worse, New Poll Says While some Americans have expressed optimism about the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic being over after the post-holiday surge of infections, the majority still believe that the pandemic is getting worse, according to a new poll. Gallup released new data that found that optimism about the trajectory of the pandemic in the US has fallen precipitously in recent weeks and months, to the highest level in a year. The latest Gallup poll depicting how worried Americans are about the pandemic.Gallup According to the latest poll, which was conducted between Monday, Jan. 3 and Friday, Jan. 14 foun…
COVID-19: CDC Reveals If Getting Vaxxed Is More Effective Than Natural Immunity COVID-19: CDC Reveals If Getting Vaxxed Is More Effective Than Natural Immunity
Covid-19: CDC Reveals If Getting Vaxxed Is More Effective Than Natural Immunity Top federal health officials have dispelled the long-standing question regarding the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations versus natural immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report of a new study that found that both vaccinations and prior infection help to protect against new COVID-19 infections, though the former has proven far more effective in preventing virus-related hospitalizations. In the study, researchers evaluated more than a million COVID-19 cases in California and New York to analyze the risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalizations among fou…
COVID-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says COVID-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says
Covid-19: Wave Of Omicron Cases In US May Be At Turning Point, Virus Expert Says The wave of COVID-19 cases in the United States triggered by the highly contagious Omicron variant may be at a turning point, an infectious disease expert says. Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb says parts of the nation may be about to pass the peak phase of the outbreak, while other regions will likely soon be hit hard. "f you look what's happening across the East Coast right now in New York City, Washington, DC, Maryland, probably Florida as well have already peaked, maybe Delaware and Rhode Island," Gottlieb said Sunday, Jan. 9 on CBS-TV's "Face the Nation." "You start to see t…
COVID-19: Researcher Discovers 'Deltacron' Strain Combining Parts Of Both Variants COVID-19: Researcher Discovers 'Deltacron' Strain Combining Parts Of Both Variants
Covid-19: Researcher Discovers 'Deltacron' Strain Combining Parts Of Both Variants A COVID-19 strain that combines both the Omicron and Delta variants has been discovered by a researcher, according to a brand-new report. The strain has been labeled “Deltacron” by the researcher, Leondios Kostrikis, a biological sciences professor at the University of Cyprus because of its omicron-like genetic signatures within the delta genomes, Bloomberg reported on Saturday, Jan. 8. Kostrikis told Sigma TV that "we will see in the future if this strain is more pathological or more contagious or if it will prevail” over Delta and Omicron. To date, 25 cases of Deltacron have been identif…
COVID-19: FDA Expands Pfizer Booster Eligibility Among Adolescents As Omicron Cases Skyrocket COVID-19: FDA Expands Pfizer Booster Eligibility Among Adolescents As Omicron Cases Skyrocket
Covid-19: FDA Expands Pfizer Booster Eligibility Among Adolescents As Omicron Cases Skyrocket As the Omicron COVID-19 variant rages across the country, federal health officials have expanded the eligibility for booster shots in younger Americans. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday, Jan. 3 that it is expanding the eligibility for Pfizer and BioNTech booster shots to American between the ages of 12 and 15 years old as children return to school amid a surge of new COVID-19 infections. FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said in a statement the agency made its decision because a booster “may help provide better protection against both the delt…
COVID-19: Study Reveals How Likely Omicron Patients Are To Be Hospitalized Compared To Delta COVID-19: Study Reveals How Likely Omicron Patients Are To Be Hospitalized Compared To Delta
Covid-19: Study Reveals How Likely Omicron Patients Are To Be Hospitalized Compared To Delta While the wildly spreading Omicron COVID-19 variant is believed to be more transmissible than previous strains, a new study found that patients are less likely to be hospitalized with severe infections if they contract it. Researchers found that those who contract the Omicron variant are 80 percent less likely to be hospitalized, compared to other strains, according to a new study released by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Once admitted to the hospital, the risk of severe disease doesn’t differ from other variants; however, the researchers led by scientists Nicole Walter…
COVID-19: Cases Spike In Maryland, Omicron Presents New Threat COVID-19: Cases Spike In Maryland, Omicron Presents New Threat
Covid-19: Cases Spike In Maryland, Omicron Presents New Threat Maryland's health department reported a spike in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state. As of Dec. 20, the Maryland Department of Health reported that “top-line” COVID-19 data was restored and it showed that an additional 28,541 cases have been confirmed since Dec. 3, the last day of full reporting before a cyberattack was discovered that disrupted operations.  The website also showed the seven-day average for the testing positivity rate had jumped from 5.4% on Dec. 3, to 10.2% on Dec. 20. Not all of Maryland's COVID-19 data has been restored however, the state still doe…
COVID-19: Info Released On First US Omicron Death; Biden To Announce 500M Free At-Home Tests COVID-19: Info Released On First US Omicron Death; Biden To Announce 500M Free At-Home Tests
Covid-19: Info Released On First US Omicron Death; Biden To Announce 500M Free At-Home Tests Less than three weeks after the first case of the highly transmissible Omicron COVID-19 variant was identified in the United States, the first death in the nation connected to the strain has been confirmed in the Houston, Texas area. The patient was a man in his 50s who was not vaccinated and had an underlying health condition, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said, according to KHOU-11, a CBS-affiliated television station in Houston. Houston Methodist said on Monday, Dec. 20 that 82 percent of its new cases are omicron after just three weeks of testing for it, KHOU reported. Omicron …
Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say
Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say Just when you think you've dodged the coronavirus, up pops a new variant: Omicron.  The good news is that the new COVID-19 variant is milder than the Delta variant, but chances of reinfection are nearly five times higher, according to a recent study by the Imperial College London. Experts say that a "viral blizzard" could be upon us in the coming weeks, all thanks to Omicron. That means that Omicron might actually be helpful in achieving herd immunity faster. Officials are still urging everyone to get vaccinated, which can prevent life-threatening symptoms of the COVID-…
COVID-19: Here Are Penalties In Place, Info On Vax Requirements As NY Mask Mandate Takes Effect COVID-19: Here Are Penalties In Place, Info On Vax Requirements As NY Mask Mandate Takes Effect
Covid-19: Here Are Penalties In Place, Info On Vax Requirements As NY Mask Mandate Takes Effect Harsh penalties for those refusing to wear a mask indoors and new vaccine requirements are now in effect in New York as the state fends off new variants of the virus as the number of new cases soars. Beginning on Monday, Dec. 13, masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement due to the rise in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state. The new requirements will be in effect through Saturday, Jan. 15, at which point the state will reassess the situation based on the conditions statewide at that time. …
COVID-19: First Omicron Cases Identified In Nassau County COVID-19: First Omicron Cases Identified In Nassau County
Covid-19: First Omicron Cases Identified In Nassau County The first cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant that has been spreading across New York have been identified in Nassau County on Long Island. Over the weekend, the number of Omicron cases on Long Island rose to six, as two cases of the variant were reported in Nassau to join the four in Suffolk County. The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus remains the dominant strain in the US, accounting for approximately 99 percent of all new cases, though nearly half of the states in the country have reported cases of the Omicron variant. In Suffolk, there have now been a total of 267,652 confirmed CO…
COVID-19: FDA Expands Booster Vaccine Eligibility To Include Ages 16 & 17 COVID-19: FDA Expands Booster Vaccine Eligibility To Include Ages 16 & 17
Covid-19: FDA Expands Booster Vaccine Eligibility To Include Ages 16 & 17 The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded eligibility for Pfizer's COVID-19 booster vaccines to include 16- and 17-year-olds. The FDA said in an announcement on Thursday, Dec. 9, that it has amended the emergency use authorization of the booster vaccine to include those aged 16 and older at least six months after they've completed their primary vaccination. “Vaccination and getting a booster when eligible, along with other preventive measures like masking and avoiding large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, remain our most effective methods for fighting COVID-19,”…
COVID-19: First Omicron Case In Westchester Identified In 13-Year-Old COVID-19: First Omicron Case In Westchester Identified In 13-Year-Old
Covid-19: First Omicron Case In Westchester Identified In 13-Year-Old The first case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant has been identified in Westchester. County Executive George Latimer announced the news late Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 7, saying the case is in a 13-year-old.  " We are concerned about this discovery, and are closely monitoring the situation," Latimer said. "With the new variant circulating, the best way we can protect our families and ourselves is by being vaccinated, and by getting a booster shot if you are eligible. “Additionally, I have officially signed the State of Emergency Executive Order for Westchester County. I am taking this act…
COVID-19: Record Highs Reported In PA, Delta Comprising 99.9% Of US Cases COVID-19: Record Highs Reported In PA, Delta Comprising 99.9% Of US Cases
Covid-19: Record Highs Reported In PA, Delta Comprising 99.9% Of US Cases COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Pennsylvania, where the number of daily cases surpassed 10,000 last Friday for the first time since last winter, according to a recent report by ABC News. Pennsylvania has some of the highest hospitalization rates due to the virus in the US, the outlet said. According to the state's vaccine dashboard, 35 percent of residents are not fully vaccinated and comprise the majority of hospitalized COVID patients (90 percent from Jan. 1 to Nov. 2), according to state and hospital data. Of the 86,000 COVID cases in the US, 99.9 percent are the delta variant, CDC d…
COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of New US Cases Linked To Delta Variant, CDC Says COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of New US Cases Linked To Delta Variant, CDC Says
Covid-19: Here's Percentage Of New US Cases Linked To Delta Variant, CDC Says Amid concern over the brand-new Omicron strain, estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are revealing the percentage of new COVID-19 infections in the United States from the Delta variant. The CDC estimated that in the week from Sunday, Nov. 21 through Saturday, Nov. 27 that 99.9 percent of all COVID-19 cases in the United States were from the Delta variant. The public health agency reported that it uses genomic surveillance to track the proportions of variants circulating. According to the agency, the Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as previous v…
COVID-19: County Assessing Possible 'Major Steps We May Need To Take' On Omicron, Latimer Says COVID-19: County Assessing Possible 'Major Steps We May Need To Take' On Omicron, Latimer Says
Covid-19: County Assessing Possible 'Major Steps We May Need To Take' On Omicron, Latimer Says County Executive George Latimer is ready to take “major steps” in Westchester if the Omicron COVID-19 strain poses as large a threat as many fear. During a COVID-19 update on Monday, Nov. 29, Latimer addressed the new variant, which was just confirmed in neighboring Canada and could lead to a spike similar to when the Delta variant first began rapidly spreading earlier this year. Earlier story - COVID-19: County Assessing Possible 'Major Steps We May Need To Take' On Omicron, Latimer Says The World Health Organization identified the Omicron variant as one “of concern” at an emergency meeti…
COVID-19: Be 'Vigilant' Over New Variant, Lamont Tells CT Residents COVID-19: Be 'Vigilant' Over New Variant, Lamont Tells CT Residents
Covid-19: Be 'Vigilant' Over New Variant, Lamont Tells CT Residents With concern growing across the country over the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said residents should be vigilant. "While there have been no cases of the Omicron variant reported here in Connecticut or the United States to date, we still must be vigilant," Lamont said.  Related story - COVID-19: First Cases Of New Variant Identified In North America The variant, which first surfaced in South Africa recently, has garnered significant attention as its spread has been found in Europe, Canada, and Asia.  While little is known about Omicron, the World …
COVID-19: Newly Discovered Strain Could Be Worse Than Delta Variant, Scientists Fear COVID-19: Newly Discovered Strain Could Be Worse Than Delta Variant, Scientists Fear
Covid-19: Newly Discovered Strain Could Be Worse Than Delta Variant, Scientists Fear Updated story - COVID-19: New Variant's 50 Mutations Make It Different From Original Virus, NIH Director Says A new COVID-19 variant that could be worse than the Delta strain is sparking concerns among scientists. The B.1.1.529 strain, now known as Omicron, could become a "variant of concern" as soon as Friday, Nov. 26, when the World Health Organization holds an emergency meeting. It is now spreading rapidly in parts of South Africa after first being detected in neighboring Botswana.  The new variant has already shown a large number of mutations, and scientists fear it…
COVID-19: Study Shows Chance Of Winter Surge That Could Be Worse Than Delta Variant COVID-19: Study Shows Chance Of Winter Surge That Could Be Worse Than Delta Variant
Covid-19: Study Shows Chance Of Winter Surge That Could Be Worse Than Delta Variant With the weather cooling down and crowded indoor holiday season gatherings fast approaching, a new study is showing that there could be a winter surge of COVID-19 cases that could rival the earlier emergence of the Delta variant. According to a newly released study, researchers are predicting that there is at least a 30 percent chance that states could experience a surge of new infections that could exceed the numbers seen during the spike in cases in mid-September during the variant. With activities moving indoors, there is expected to be a surge in cases, though with more Americans getti…
COVID-19: Positive Infection Rate, Hospitalizations Hold Steady; Latest Rundown By County COVID-19: Positive Infection Rate, Hospitalizations Hold Steady; Latest Rundown By County
Covid-19: Positive Infection Rate, Hospitalizations Hold Steady; Latest Rundown By County The positive COVID-19 infection rate in Connecticut is back below 2 percent as it continues fluctuating daily as the state contends with variants of the virus. In the latest COVID-19 update released by the state Department of Health on Tuesday, Oct. 12, officials said that 74,213 new COVID-19 tests were administered in Connecticut since Friday, Oct. 10, resulting in 1,473 laboratory-confirmed cases for a positive infection rate of 1.98 percent. No new COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, leaving 234 still being treated for the virus statewide. The latest number of virus-related deaths state…
3rd Dose Of Pfizer COVID Vaccine Offered In Central Jersey Starting This Week 3rd Dose Of Pfizer COVID Vaccine Offered In Central Jersey Starting This Week
3rd Dose Of Pfizer COVID Vaccine Offered In Central Jersey Starting This Week If you live, work or go to school in Middlesex County, roll up your sleeve in you need a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Middlesex County will offer third doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine starting Tuesday at the Monroe Senior Center as well as the county's existing vaccination sites. Pfizer booster shots are available to fully vaccinated individuals who are: age 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, or certain qualifying people ages 18 and older The COVD-19 shots will be given from  10 a.m. to noon  at the Senior Center at 12 Halsey Reed Road in Monroe…
COVID-19: Pfizer Asks FDA To Approve Vaccine For Children Ages 5 To 11 COVID-19: Pfizer Asks FDA To Approve Vaccine For Children Ages 5 To 11
Covid-19: Pfizer Asks FDA To Approve Vaccine For Children Ages 5 To 11 Pfizer has officially asked the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to children between the ages of 5 and 11. With parents and politicians alike agreeing that keeping children learning in the classroom after a lost year in 2020, Pfizer is pushing to allow its vaccine to be administered among younger Americans. Pfizer tweeted this week that the company had submitted their formal request for Emergency Use Authorization of the vaccine to the FDA. "With new cases in children in the U.S. continuing to be at a high lev…
COVID-19: New Deaths Reported, Infection Rate Down In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County COVID-19: New Deaths Reported, Infection Rate Down In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County
Covid-19: New Deaths Reported, Infection Rate Down In CT; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County More than three dozen new COVID-19 fatalities were reported in the past week in Connecticut as the number of newly reported infections continues dropping. In the past week, Connecticut hospitals recorded 38 new virus-related deaths, bringing the total up to 8,667 statewide as of Thursday, Oct. 7, as the infection rate is back on the decline. The daily positive COVID-19 infection rate of those tested in Connecticut has been fluctuating in the past week, from around 3 percent, before settling under 2 percent, to 1.70 percent on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said that on Oct.…
COVID-19: CT Infection Rate Falls Back Below 2 Percent, Latest Breakdown Of Cases COVID-19: CT Infection Rate Falls Back Below 2 Percent, Latest Breakdown Of Cases
Covid-19: CT Infection Rate Falls Back Below 2 Percent, Latest Breakdown Of Cases The positive COVID-19 infection rate in Connecticut is back below 2 percent as it continues fluctuating daily as the state contends with variants of the virus. In the latest COVID-19 update released by the state Department of Health on Wednesday, Oct. 6, officials were recording 19,825 new tests that were administered the previous day, resulting in 377 laboratory-confirmed cases, bringing the daily positive infection rate to 1.90 percent, down from 2.52 percent the previous day. Seven new patients were discharged from Connecticut hospitals to bring the total down to 230 being treated for th…
COVID-19: Long Island Continues Downward Trend In Positive Cases; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Continues Downward Trend In Positive Cases; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Continues Downward Trend In Positive Cases; New Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island continues to decline, though multiple new virus-related deaths were reported in both Nassau and Suffolk counties in the latest update from the Department of Health. After spiking above 4.15 percent recently, the average seven-day average positive infection rate for those tested for COVID-19 on Long Island has dipped for the fourth straight day, from 2.99 percent on Friday, Oct. 1 to 2.82 percent of those tested on Monday, Oct. 4. Statewide, the positive infection rate is also dropping, from 2.45 percent to 2.34 percent during the same…
COVID-19: Hudson Valley Continues Downward Trend In Positive Cases; New Breakdown By County COVID-19: Hudson Valley Continues Downward Trend In Positive Cases; New Breakdown By County
Covid-19: Hudson Valley Continues Downward Trend In Positive Cases; New Breakdown By County The positive COVID-19 infection rate in the Hudson Valley continues to decline, though multiple new virus-related deaths were reported throughout the region in the latest update from the Department of Health. After spiking toward the end of the summer, the average seven-day average positive infection rate for those tested for COVID-19 in the Hudson Valley has dipped for the fourth straight day, from 2.37 percent on Friday, Oct. 1 to 2.20 percent of those tested on Monday, Oct. 4. Statewide, the positive infection rate is also dropping, from 2.45 percent to 2.34 percent during the same time …
COVID-19: CT Sees Infection-Rate Increase; New Rundown Of Cases By County, Community COVID-19: CT Sees Infection-Rate Increase; New Rundown Of Cases By County, Community
Covid-19: CT Sees Infection-Rate Increase; New Rundown Of Cases By County, Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate in Connecticut is back on the rise, though the number of patients being treated for the virus in state hospitals is on the decline. In the latest COVID-19 update released by the state Department of Health, there were 16,331 tests administered on Monday, Oct. 4, resulting in 411 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus for a 2.52 percent positive infection rate of those tested, up from 1.80 percent over the weekend. Four new patients were discharged from Connecticut hospitals to bring the total down to 237 being treated for the virus statewide. Since the …