Thread by @PolicyLabCHOP

COVID-LAB UPDATE:

Our team continues to monitor #COVID19 regional transmission & hospitalization data in this period of expected increased transmission with early spring holidays and travel.

Here’s what they’re seeing (1/7) 🧵⤵️

There are clear indications of increasing #COVID19 transmission in the Philadelphia region through our school-based testing program, as well as rising emergency department visits in the Northeast.

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But to date, these increasing emergency department visits have been nowhere near the levels of Dec-Jan & have not been accompanied by significant changes in daily hospital admissions, which are still low.

(3/7)

Further south, #COVID19 emergency department visit volume has already peaked and appears to be improving as we get further into spring.

(4/7)

Despite some increased transmission, the relatively low number of emergency department visits represents a year-over-year improvement from similar increases last March and April across northern states like Michigan.

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It is important for those living in the north to anticipate some increased transmission over the next couple of weeks so high-risk individuals can alter routines & #masking, but our team advises against required masking given that hospital capacity is good. (6/7)

Our COVID-Lab experts expect, like last year, that this brief period of transmission will subside later in April, once the holidays and spring break are over and as the weather warms in the north.

Stay tuned for another update the week of April 18.

(7/7)