With spotty immunity in the population and a churn of new variants, the coronavirus is likely to become a persistent but hopefully manageable threat. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Coronavirus Omicron Variant”
N.Y.C. Schools Cut Covid Quarantine to 5 Days for Most Students
Longer isolation will still be required for some preschoolers. The change brings the school system’s policy in line with recent federal and state guidance. Source: New York Times
New York’s Attorney General Moves to Block a Ruling Striking Down a State Mask Policy
A state judge had ruled against the mask mandate late Monday, arguing that Gov. Kathy Hochul lacked the authority to enact it. Source: New York Times
As Omicron Crests, Booster Shots Are Keeping Americans Out of Hospitals
Extra vaccine doses were expected to lower infection rates. But the shots also seem to be preventing severe illness caused by the new variant, the C.D.C. reported. Source: New York Times
Can Omicron Cause Long Covid?
It is too soon to know, scientists say, but mild initial illness may not signal reduced risk. Source: New York Times
Mayor Says N.Y.C. is Winning Omicron Fight, but Experts Urge Caution
The number of known cases is still much higher than last winter, and during the devastating first wave in the spring of 2020, testing was scarce, leaving many cases unreported. Source: New York Times
A Quandary for New York Restaurants and Workers: What to Do About Omicron?
Without hard rules about employees who test positive, owners and workers are weighing safety against finances, and not always agreeing on the answer. Source: New York Times
New York Governor Offers Hopeful Sign as Daily Cases Fall by 47%
Source: New York Times
Covid Cases Level Off in New York City
Gov. Kathy Hochul said new coronavirus cases in New York City were beginning to plateau. The state will stop requiring counties to trace contacts, freeing public health resources for other needs. Source: New York Times
Scientists Endorse Covid Boosters, But to a Point
Everyone should get a booster shot. In the long run, though, doses every few months aren’t a viable public health strategy, scientists say. Source: New York Times
Adams’s Virus Policy Includes Keeping Vaccine Mandate for Businesses
After a long silence on the subject, New York City’s incoming mayor said he would extend a number of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Covid-19 policies. Source: New York Times
As Omicron Spreads, Officials Ponder What It Means to Be ‘Fully Vaccinated’
The contagious new variant has companies and government officials wondering whether Americans can really be considered vaccinated without booster shots. Source: New York Times
Beleaguered by Omicron, New York Operates at Half Speed
From subway lines to medical clinics to libraries, city businesses and services have been curtailed because of Covid. Source: New York Times
Will Shortened Isolation Periods Without Testing Spread the Virus?
Without rapid testing, some experts fear new U.S. guidelines may mean infected people leave isolation while still contagious. The C.D.C. director said masking was a better option. Source: New York Times
Despite Rising Hospitalizations, Omicron Is Not Worse for Children
More children are being treated for Covid, but a combination of factors, including low vaccination rates, most likely explains the increase. Source: New York Times