The coronavirus is still very active in the U.S and there doesn’t appear to be any end in sight in the immediate future. Some people may be under the misguided impression that the easing of restrictions, like stay at home orders, in states throughout the country indicates that COVID-19 is no longer a threat. That is not the case. At present, there is no vaccine or medicine to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As the U.S infection rate and death rate climbs, states are experiencing the pandemic differently. The risk of contracting the coronavirus appears to be higher in some states than others.
COVID-19 Active Across U.S
There are more than 2 million cases of COVID-19 now active across the U.S and more than 100,000 deaths. Those numbers continue to climb by the day. However, the risk of infection is higher in states with a greater number of infection cases. Currently, with the largest outbreak, New York State is leading in the number of infected with more than 300,000 confirmed cases and more than 30,000 deaths. Washington was also hit hard in the early days of the pandemic. However, New York has seen a significant decline in the number of daily reported infections and deaths. While some states are seeing a downward trend in the number of new infections, others have ticked up. Ten states now seeing record-high averages of new coronavirus cases each day include Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, and Texas.
Infection Control
Infection control is required in all states and patients should actively prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on currently available information on the coronavirus and how it’s affecting the U.S, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as state and local health officials have established guidelines relevant to infection prevention and control its spread. There are guidelines to govern healthcare and non-healthcare settings. Social distancing, quarantine, isolation, and proper hygiene are all ways of minimizing exposure. Knowing how to protect yourself from exposure and exposing others goes a long way in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. With no vaccine currently, infection control is the only way to slow transmission of this dangerous coronavirus.
COVID-19 Testing
Since COVID-19 is active across all U.S states, make sure that you get antibody and swab testing from your local urgent care center. Swab testing tells you if you have a current infection, while the antibody test if you’ve had a previous infection. If you think that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 illness, don’t hesitate to get tested. Call before visiting your local urgent care for testing.
Where in the U.S is the coronavirus a potential risk? The simple answer is in every state that there is a COVID-19 case of infection. You have a personal responsibility to limit your chance of contracting the coronavirus. Follow the CDC, state, and local public health officials’ guidelines on prevention. You can contact your urgent care center if you have questions.
