Keep up to date! Weekly Update: February 21-27, 2022

Confused about the changing guidance on masks in different states in the U.S.? Check out this up-to-date list with state-by-state information, and remember, you can always choose to mask up to protect yourself and others.
Experts are carefully watching the spread of a variant of Omicron, designated BA.2, that appears to be even more transmissible than the original Omicron variant. While experts are divided as to whether BA.2 could lead to a new surge of cases in the U.S. or may simply slow the decline of cases, preventative measures like wearing a mask, getting vaccinated and boosted, and practicing physical distancing remain crucial to limiting the spread of COVID-19.
The Biden administration made a commitment last Wednesday to distribute masks for children. High quality masks like KN95s can be challenging to find for children given the smaller face size.
The CDC now recommends a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose at least three months after the third dose for immunocompromised individuals 12 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
OSHA chief Doug Parker has indicated that enacting a permanent COVID-19 standard for the health-care industry remains a top priority.

(% of population ≥ 5 years of age fully vaccinated)

The Delaware Division of Public Health, in partnership with the University of Delaware, is conducting a survey to collect information from community members about their experiences and needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested in volunteering in Kent County on February 25 or 26 or in Sussex County on March 25 or 26? Sign up here! Volunteers will receive $150 plus breakfast and lunch for completing an 8 hour shift.
The Delaware Division of Public Health published these bilingual graphics as a reminder that anyone 12 years of age and older is eligible for a booster!

Featuring the stories of those waiting in line at a Maryland testing center, this article highlights the sense of collectivism within the Latinx community that has driven vaccination rates and testing during the omicron surge.
If you are a parent of a child in Kindergarten through 8th grade and live in Allegany, Baltimore City, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Prince George’s, Somerset, or Wicomico County, you could receive a $25 gift card for completing a survey, available in English and Spanish, about the return to in-person classes. You can sign up to participate here!

The Governor of Virginia signed a law last Wednesday that will make masks optional in all Virginia public schools beginning March 1.

In North Carolina, Spanish-language media outlet Enlace Latino reports that only 32% of Latinx residents who completed their first series of vaccinations have received a booster shot. Comparatively, 47% of non-Latinx residents who completed their first series have received a booster.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services published these graphics highlighting the risks for unvaccinated pregnant individuals and their unborn children to encourage those who are pregnant to get vaccinated!

What do you think about the COVID-19 vaccine? Complete this survey (available in English and Spanish) to share your thoughts. The first 100 respondents will receive a promotional item and a $10 gift card!

Georgia residents can now get COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, at their local Department of Driver Services. Register at CORE’s website here.
The Fulton County at-home testing and vaccination program has both English (678-218-6539) and Spanish (678-785-9118) hotlines. Residents can call either hotline to sign up for at-home vaccination or testing and also have the option to sign up online (also available in Spanish & English).

Data Sources:

The New York Times. (2020). Coronavirus (Covid-19) Data in the United States. Retrieved [02/22/2022], from https://github.com/nytimes/covid-19-data.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). COVID Data Tracker: COVID-19 Integrated County Vie. Retrieved [02/22/2022], from https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.