BA.5 COVID subvariant now dominant in the US. What you need to know
PROVIDENCE – At a Washington briefing this week, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha and Dr. Anthony Fauci urged the public to take precautions against the BA.5 omicron subvariant, which is now the dominant strain in the U.S.
Here’s what Rhode Islanders need to know.
Is BA.5 now also dominant in the CDC’s Region One, New England?
Yes, and it now accounts for more than 60% of all cases, a meteoric rise here, as elsewhere, from just 1% of new cases in May.
Why is the subvariant of concern?
According to a White House fact sheet, “early indications signal that BA.5 may have some increased ability to escape immunity, including from prior infections, meaning it has the potential to cause the numbers of infections to rise in the coming weeks. This potential for increase is greatest where fewer people are up to date on their vaccinations and there is increased waning of immunity from vaccines.”
What is the Biden administration’s strategy?
It “relies on ensuring that Americans continue to have easy and convenient access to the vaccines, treatments, tests and other tools that protect against and treat COVID-19,” according to the White House. “These tools – even in the face of BA.5 – work to prevent serious illness, keep people out of the hospital and save lives – and we can prevent nearly all COVID-19 deaths with them.
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What does the Rhode Island Department of Health say?
“Vaccination is still expected to provide substantial protection against severe disease,” spokesman Joseph Wendelken wrote The Journal in an email. “ Our guidance for the public remains the same – get vaccinated. This is your best protection against severe disease from COVID-19.”
Are there any plans for masking or other mandates?
No.
What are the community levels for Rhode Island’s five counties?
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Based on that, what is the CDC’s guidance?
“Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.”
How can I get tested?
The last of the state-run testing centers have closed, but test kits are available at many pharmacies and health centers. They also can be ordered free of charge from the federal government at this site: https://www.covid.gov/tests
On Thursday, the Rhode Island Department of Health reported two coronavirus-related deaths and 347 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 2,614 negative tests, for an 11.7% positive rate. There were 61 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, down from 68 reported Wednesday, with fewer than five in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 302 new cases a day over the last seven days, up 48% from a week ago and up 9% from two weeks ago.
With reports from Managing Editor Michael McDermott
COVID by the numbers
Cases in R.I.: 406,321 (347 reported Thursday)
Negative tests in R.I.: 7,742,510 (2,614 reported Thursday; 11.7% positive rate)
R.I. COVID-related deaths: 3,621 (2 reported Thursday)
Rhode Islanders hospitalized with COVID: 61 (fewer than five in intensive care)
Fully vaccinated in R.I.: 853,332 (976,368 at least partially vaccinated)
Cases in Mass.: 1,936,447
Mass. COVID-related deaths: 21,035
Cases in U.S.: 89,188,636
U.S. COVID-related deaths: 1,023,776
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What Rhode Island residents need to know about BA.5 COVID subvariant
