June COVID Newsletter From SW Florida Health Council

The head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an end to COVID-19 as a global public health emergency (PHE). Now that we have safe and effective vaccines, ample testing infrastructure, and most people have some level of immunity due to vaccinations, COVID-19 is no longer considered an emergency.

"WHO has not explicitly declared the end of the pandemic, but only the end of the health emergency due to specific criteria being met," - Dr. Jayadevan

Even though the PHE is ending, COVID-19 remains a public health priority. There are many ways your actions can help protect you, your household, and your community from severe illness. In addition to basic hygiene practices, additional prevention actions include staying up to date with vaccines, improving ventilation, getting tested when needed, wearing masks or respirators, and seeking treatment.

The end of the PHE declaration also means some of the mandated data will no longer be reported to the Department of Health (DPH) or nationally. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) will stop reporting community levels of Covid-19 and will no longer require certain case information from hospitals or testing data from laboratories. With other virus-tracking efforts winding down, wastewater data will likely become increasingly important in the months ahead. Click here to check out this month's "COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach" Newsletter (also attached) to learn about wastewater surveillance.

In addition, here are a few news articles that may interest you.A new report shows the impacts of the pandemic on older Floridians
A new COVID variant called Arcturus is linked to pink eye. Here's what you need to know.
US study finds 1 in 10 get long COVID after an omicron infection
Medical roundtable: An end to the COVID-19 public health emergency
Vaccination and awareness could help keep mpox in check this summer
Scientists inch closer to Covid vaccine that provides lifelong protection
Young people are more likely to die of heart attacks post-COVID, study finds. But why?

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Health Planning Council of SWFL, Inc.
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