As we pry open our inboxes & settle into 2022, it's temping to breathe a sigh of relief that we managed to navigate a high-risk, high-stress holiday season. π₯΄
But it's critically important we keep a mask on for that sigh π·, & remain watchful π of the #COVID19 situation!
1/12
But it's critically important we keep a mask on for that sigh π·, & remain watchful π of the #COVID19 situation!
1/12
What are we facing, as we stand on the doorstep of Jan 2022? πͺ
1. For many, cases are high & still rising π
2. Case detection may be impacted π§πΎβπ€βπ§π»π§πΌβπ€βπ§π»
3. Holiday infections are still being detected π
4. "Back to work" means new transmission chances π€
Let's walk through.
2/12
1. For many, cases are high & still rising π
2. Case detection may be impacted π§πΎβπ€βπ§π»π§πΌβπ€βπ§π»
3. Holiday infections are still being detected π
4. "Back to work" means new transmission chances π€
Let's walk through.
2/12
>1. For many, cases are high & still rising π
Holidays may have passed, but chances are they've only started leaving their mark - even before they started, cases were rising, & in many places are still shooting up.
(source @OurWorldInData 3Jan)
3/12
Holidays may have passed, but chances are they've only started leaving their mark - even before they started, cases were rising, & in many places are still shooting up.
(source @OurWorldInData 3Jan)
3/12
>1. For many, cases are high & still rising π
For comparison, here's the same period, same countries, last year (note X-axis scale change). Holidays sometimes even led to a drop in cases as 'usual' mixing decreased.
We aren't seeing this now - so must stay alert!
4/12
For comparison, here's the same period, same countries, last year (note X-axis scale change). Holidays sometimes even led to a drop in cases as 'usual' mixing decreased.
We aren't seeing this now - so must stay alert!
4/12
>2. Case detection may be impacted π§πΎβπ€βπ§π»π§πΌβπ€βπ§π»
Many people will have been extra-careful & tested frequently during the holidays to protect family & friends while celebrating π·π₯³. Now that things are 'back to normal' many may not be as careful, or as quick to test. π€
5/12
Many people will have been extra-careful & tested frequently during the holidays to protect family & friends while celebrating π·π₯³. Now that things are 'back to normal' many may not be as careful, or as quick to test. π€
5/12
>2. Case detection may be impacted π§πΎβπ€βπ§π»π§πΌβπ€βπ§π»
Plus, often high cases = long queuesπ₯Ά! This can turn people off testing, or make them delay. Testing centres may also have been closed or had reduced hours. π
Combined: we could see fewer people getting tested than need to! π
6/12
Plus, often high cases = long queuesπ₯Ά! This can turn people off testing, or make them delay. Testing centres may also have been closed or had reduced hours. π
Combined: we could see fewer people getting tested than need to! π
6/12
>3. Holiday infections are still being detected π
With high cases, at least some coming home from holiday celebrations will have brought an unwelcome guest: #Omicron. But the holidays just ended - NYE was only 3 days ago π. Recent infections may not be testing β yet! π³
7/12
With high cases, at least some coming home from holiday celebrations will have brought an unwelcome guest: #Omicron. But the holidays just ended - NYE was only 3 days ago π. Recent infections may not be testing β yet! π³
7/12
>3. Holiday infections are still being detected π
With less urgency/ability to test (see 2), many may not realise they're infected until they develop symptoms π€ or hear from a contact about their positive test π. So further 'holiday cases' may still be incoming.
8/12
With less urgency/ability to test (see 2), many may not realise they're infected until they develop symptoms π€ or hear from a contact about their positive test π. So further 'holiday cases' may still be incoming.
8/12
>4. "Back to work" means new transmission chances π€
Many places are work-from-home again, but not everywhere. Even where it is, things are likely less strict than before. And many important jobs simply can't! π»
But even outside of work, we resettle into our routines. π
9/12
Many places are work-from-home again, but not everywhere. Even where it is, things are likely less strict than before. And many important jobs simply can't! π»
But even outside of work, we resettle into our routines. π
9/12
>4. "Back to work" means new transmission chances π€
Unfortunately, with every change in who & where we meet comes new contacts & new transmission opportunities. Previously 'contained' family π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ outbreaks could now spread to colleagues & friends. π§πΏβπ€βπ§π»
10/12
Unfortunately, with every change in who & where we meet comes new contacts & new transmission opportunities. Previously 'contained' family π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ outbreaks could now spread to colleagues & friends. π§πΏβπ€βπ§π»
10/12
We're all so tired of being careful. Particularly if you, like me, spent the holidays being ultra-careful. But now isn't the time to stop! ππ»
Winter is still here, cases are high, & #Omicron dominates.
Stay strong βοΈ - stay careful π· - stay safe ππ».
We're not out yet.
11/12
Winter is still here, cases are high, & #Omicron dominates.
Stay strong βοΈ - stay careful π· - stay safe ππ».
We're not out yet.
11/12
There are reasons to hope! π―οΈ:
- Spring will come π·
- Boosters are rolling out & increase protection π
- #Omicron may hospitalize fewer cases π₯
- Cases will hopefully peak & start declining soon π
But we'll get there faster - safer! - if we all do our part now! ππ»
12/12
- Spring will come π·
- Boosters are rolling out & increase protection π
- #Omicron may hospitalize fewer cases π₯
- Cases will hopefully peak & start declining soon π
But we'll get there faster - safer! - if we all do our part now! ππ»
12/12
β’ β’ β’
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
γ
