CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – COVID-19 cases have been spiking in Massachusetts this summer, but what are the current numbers?
When should kids take a sick day from school? According to Mass.gov , from August 4th through August 10th, there were 2,218 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 700 probable COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. There were also 17 confirmed and probable deaths from COVID-19 during that same week. However, during the week of July 28th and August 3rd, there were 3,083 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, with 15 confirmed and probable deaths.
Even though there were reportedly fewer cases last week, there is a slight increase in the death numbers related to COVID-19.
Why would COVID-19 be spiking?
The CDC reports that Massachusetts is in a growing status for COVID-19, but why?
Every summer since 2020, COVID-19 rates have risen in July and August, due to multiple virological, behavioral, and environmental factors, according to John Hopkins . By mid-to-late summer, many people’s immunity has waned considerably. That, combined with the new transmissible variants, makes the chance of infection more likely.
As the weather gets hot, we spend more time in air-conditioned indoor spaces, where most virus transmission occurs. With the windows closed to keep the cool air inside, ventilation is restricted and air circulation has been shown to reduce virus spread.
Many people travel more during the summer, as well, which not only exposes them to more people but is also more likely to write off mild symptoms as the result of jet lag. Tiredness, headache, or a sore throat are all common after a long flight, but those are also symptoms of COVID-19, and without testing to be sure, a person traveling may unknowingly expose others.
As August continues, school will be starting soon, so there will be fewer and fewer vacations, but we could see a spike again when students return to the classroom.
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
If you do not feel well, take a COVID-19 test so you can decide what to do next, such as getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others. If you require a test, PCR tests are administered by a medical provider in retail pharmacies, urgent care centers, community health centers, and primary care offices. Rapid antigen at-home tests can be also purchased at your local pharmacy, retail stores, or online.
If you end up testing positive for COVID-19, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself and others safe. If you are positive, stay home and isolate yourself away from others so it does not spread. The CDC recommends staying home for five days. If you have no symptoms after those five days, you may gradually resume normal activity. You should, however, continue to isolate until you are fever-free for 24 hours without taking any fever-reducing medications.
Some other safety tips include:
- Wearing a mask around others for at least five days
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
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