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WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION DECLARES COVID NO LONGER AN INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY. DR.KATELYN JETELINA TELLS YOU WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AND THE WORLD
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Si quiere leer la versión en español, pulse aquí. Friday, the World Health Organization declared the end of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This is a huge moment in our story arc of the fight against COVID-19. Here is what it does and does not mean.
What this meansThe WHO Emergency Committee believes three things:
A PHEIC is a key legal mechanism within global health security. The hope is that it catalyzes timely action to limit the societal impacts of emerging risks. Since the PHEIC mechanism started in 2005, a PHEIC has ended five (out of seven) times. So this is a fairly new mechanism. But essentially the end of the PHEIC means:
The WHO now sees COVID-19 as a threat in our regular repertoire of things-trying-to-kill-us. These things will still happen but with less urgency. What it does not meanThis doesn’t mean the end of a pandemic. Declaring a PHEIC is not the same thing as declaring the end of a pandemic. “Pandemic” is rhetoric that governments use as a communication tool—it indicates the widespread occurrence of an infectious disease across the globe at a particular time. In theory, the end of a PHEIC comes far before the end of a pandemic. This doesn’t mean that COVID-19 is gone. SARS-CoV-2 is currently mutating 2 times faster than the flu. We will get future waves, but hopefully these will be “wavelets” given the population-level immunity from vaccines and infections. And wavelets will happen several times a year. The probability of a variant of concern (which would be named Pi) is still ~20% in the next 1.5 years. If one emerges, it would likely cause a tsunami. (We saw something similar happen after the 1918 flu emergency ended.) And we cannot ignore the fact that COVID-19 is a leading cause of death in many countries. This will likely remain for years. This doesn’t mean that we can go back to pre-pandemic times. This does not mean that some countries (cough, cough U.S.) don’t have serious underlying problems that need to be addressed. It’s beyond time to confront the threats to our individual and collective health so we are not in a constant state of emergency. We cannot keep living in a perpetual cycle of panic and neglect. Bottom lineI welcome this decision to end the emergency for the same reasons I thought it was time to end the American national emergency. We now find ourselves in an awkward phase with this virus—somewhere between a full-blown emergency and an endemic state of predictability. (Epidemiologists don’t have a word for this phase.) Use this time to take a deep breath, cry, reflect, hit a pillow, meditate and/or celebrate surviving (figurately and literally) the past 3.5 years. We deserve all the feelings today, especially for those of us on the front lines who sacrificed so much. Today is a monumental symbol of this life-changing event. But then we need to hold our heads high and continue fighting COVID-19 and improving our systems so we don’t repeat our failures. The end of an emergency is the beginning of preparedness. Love, YLE “Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” is written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD—an epidemiologist, data scientist, wife, and mom of two little girls. During the day she works at a nonpartisan health policy think tank and is a senior scientific consultant to a number of organizations, including the CDC. At night she writes this newsletter. Her main goal is to “translate” the ever-evolving public health science so that people will be well equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support this effort, subscribe below. |
NEW! INTRODUCING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S WEEKLY UPDATE IN PRIME TIME ON WPCNR THE MAY 1 WEEKLY UPDATE
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WPCNR ACROSS THE EDITOR’S DESK. By John Bailey Owner & Publisher, White Plains CitizeNetReporter Since 2000 A.D.:
I am going to run the entire future County Executive Weekly Update on WPCNR.com in prime time on the day it is internetcast.
This morning, WPCNR.COM begins a new feature of Westchester County Executive George Latimer’s Weekly Update.
The Weekly Update began in 2019, 5 years ago. It rapidly turned into the Covid Update over the last four years.
Week-in, week-out, Mr. Latimer kept our spirits up with covid figures, often trying to point out to viewers of his reporters what we needed to do to stop the relentless spread of the epidemic, and encouraging with relentless enthusiasm the need to get vaccinated once the vaccines came like the Pfizer Calvary to the rescue in January 2021.
This report is hard to put together every week.
After watching the covid reports and now the Weekly Updates and featuring local Mayors, leaders, County Commissioners Mr. Latimer, reports good and disappointing news in a stalwart “let’s get through it, the only way out is through” optimism that mitigates disappointing news moves on, injecting hope and encouragement.
Not since Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia’s reading the comics on the radio in the 1930s, FDR’s Fireside Chats, has a leader in this area worked so tirelessly to inform the citizens he governs so effectively and believably.
He has a real ability to do that. He is a natural.
Mr. Latimer is also on the radio every Tues morning on WVOX 1460 Radio 7:10 A.M. live--no tapes for him– on the Dennis and Tonny Good Morning Westchester program.
His Weekly Updates continue faithfully every week, live and delivered without reading a script always looking at the camera. You get more information on the Weekly Update on the county than any other source.
Figures on covid activity are not as timely or informative as they used to be (by New York State decision) and the shadow of the disease seems to be almost under control. I am crossing my fingers.
Mr. Latimer’s Weekly Update has now turned even more informative,to trend-spotting facts, events and efforts that has made it must-viewing for citizens wanting to know what is happening to them
The trouble is the internetcast at 2 in the afternoon is when not many have a chance to see it.
Watching Monday’s briefing last Monday was really packed with information everyone should have heard. It was newsworthy on the situation with the budget effect on Westchester, the impact on citizens’ mental health from a talk by the Commissioner of Mental Health, Michael Orfe and an inside analysis of why the Albany Budget is more of a political process than practical sound management.
I realized that Mr. Latimer will only be doing these 30 to 55 minute Weekly Updates for three more years.
He should get an Emmy for this report.
It is professionally produced by Catherine Cioffi, the Westchester Director of Communications and her crack production staff. It has the always clear and compelling George Latimer “Voice of Reason” as the magnetic personality that sets it apart. It is government communication that is state of the art.
I was slapped up the side of the head after watching this week’s update:
Once his successor comes in as county executive in three years, press opportunities like the Weekly Update will disappear. You will be lucky to even see the next County Executive half as much as you see Mr. Latimer.
The Latimer team assembles Weekly Update over the weekend…for presentation on Monday (it really is an all-week job of scheduling guest appearances, and sorting out what the public needs to know in most often a positive manner.
This is unheard of. A weekly address by a leader revealing plans in advance to people who might be affected by them.
I have had an epiphany. I have realized why these updates are so important and why it is that they be more timely when available.
So with the permission of Westchester County, I am going to run the entire Weekly Update on the WPCNR.com
website on Mondays at 8 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time.
Last Monday’s weekly update of May 1 will be the first such presentation and that is why
We hope you will take advantage weekly with Mr. Latimer’s awesome communcation effort, the Weekly Update with this morning’s first Weekly Update (replay replay replay) of the May 1 report
John Bailey
Owner & Publisher
White Plains CitizeNetReporter
Founded 2000 A.D.
WHITE PLAINS WEEK MAY 5 REPORT on www.wpcommunitymedia. org
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LWVW CHAPTERS PROTEST INDIAN POINT HOT WATER–DEMAND TENTS OVER DOME DEMOLITION.
COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH, MICHAEL ORFE ON STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN WESTCHESTER
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RANDY STEIN RESIGNS. ROSEMARIE ELLER VALERIE DANIELI AUTOMATICALL GO ON THE BOARD FOR THE 2 SEATS. LWV FORUM CANCELLED , NO CONTEST.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER ON STATE PLAN TO WITHHOLD FEDERAL MONEY FROM MEDICAID–COULD CREATE DEFICIT IN COUNTY PRESENT YEAR BUDGET
VACCINATION REPORT CARD– COVID AT THE CROSSROADS.
JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS
THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK
ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK
FOR 22 YEARS
BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTION CANDIDATES DOWN TO 2 FOR 2 SEATS. DR.RANDY STEIN RETIRES FROM THE BOARD AFTER 15 YEARS UPDATED
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Dr. Stein at the March 13,2023 School Board Meeting
DR. RANDY STEIN notified the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Ricca last Wednesday that she was withdrawing from the Board of Education Election May 16, Dr. Ricca told WPCNR today.
Two candidates remain on the ballot: Rosemarie Eller and first-time candidate for the Board of Education, Valerie Danieli
The School Board Candidates Forum scheduled for May 9, next Tuesday, has been canceled, unless another candidate appears.
This would mean that both remaining candidates Ms. Eller and Ms. Danieli are assured of going on the school board regardless of how many votes each receive.
DR. Stein in an interview with WPCNR told this afternoon said she had served on the board for 15 years, and had just retired from her medical practice at White Plains Hospital, and felt it was time. She said she first decided to run for the school board when her youngest chile was a junior in White Plains High School, and chuckling, said her daughter and her friends ran her campaign for the Board.
She told me “I think White Plains is an extraordinary district. We’ve never had a budget defeated here. Our buildings are in great shape.Our advanced learning programs such as XPM are great. Our arts and sports programs outstanding. We are now bring special ed students back to the district because we feel it is better to keep those special needs children at home. We now have interning opportunities for students in the high school. I am thrilled with the White Plains School District! I look forward to mentoring the new person joining the board.”
She said the issues the district faces ahead are the fiscal challenge and the need to educate students of all abilities to achieve the “infinite” “highest” level they can learn, “no matter what.”
WHITE PLAINS WEEK APRIL 28 REPORT ON www.wpcommunitymedia.org “WHERE TELEVISION NEWS BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE LIVES”
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IT’S GALA WEEK IN WHITE PLAINS NY USA, 300 IN IHE COMMUNITY TURN OUT SUPPORTING AND LIFTING UP WESTCHESTER, HONORING THREE PIONEERS OF THE ORGANIZATION WESTCHESTER COUNTY CANNOT DO WITHOUT DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS SAYS–RAISES RECORD FUNDS.
STATE CONSIDERS BILL TO CUT BACK LOCKDOWN DRILLS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
COUNTY EXPERIENCING SHORTAGE OF VOLUNTEERS.
MTA ALLOWS SCOOTERS OKS SCOOTERS ON TRAINS, SUBWAYS NOT BUSES
DISCRIMINATORY REAL ESTATE ABUSES STILL WITH US SAYS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION PANEL
COREY BEARAK ON CONGESTION PRICING WHERE IT STANDS NOW
DR. KATELYN JETELINA ON WHO SHOULD GET A BIVALENT BOOSTER. THE WEEK IN COVID, HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR COVID IN WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL.
AND MORE!
JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS
EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK
EVERY WEEK FOR 22 YEARS
THIS WEEK “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD”: ON www.wpcommunitymedia.org “CONGESTION PRICING REPORT” FROM COREY BEARAK
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NYC CONGESTION EXPERT COREY BEARAK ON WHERE IS THE CONGESTION PRICING PROJECT NOW?
HOW FAR OFF?
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW POSSIBILITY
STATUS OF INSTALLATION OF TOLL TECHNOLOGY
GROWING OPPOSITION IN NYC OUTER BOROUGHS
THE LATEST FROM THE CONGESTION PRICING “INSIDER”
“DREAM” DENIED. MINORITIES CONTINUE TO FACE DISCRIMINATION IN MORTGAGES, HOMES SHOWN
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The Westchester Human Rights Commission panel on Fair Housing Monday night opened eyes.
WPCNR REALITY REALITY. By John F. Bailey, April 26, 2023:
A panel of real estate experts delivered an assessment of discriminatory conditions minorities face today Monday night. In buying first homes, and second homes locally and nationwide the obstacles are deeprooted a discussion sponsored by the Westchester County Human Rights Commission at the County Center made painfully clear.
BRYAN GREENE, Vice President of Policy Advocacy of the National Association of Realtors, DEBRA S, COHEN, Civil Rights Attorney and Professor of Law, and GREGORY JOOST, Researcher, Author and Professor of Sociology gave a general overview of the high standards that minorities face in buying that first home, and second homes compared to white people.
What became clear through the hour before 35 persons was the lack of enforcement by government bureaucracies and lack of investigation studies by government agencies.
Local and state authorities are reluctant to investigate alleged discrimination. Ms. Cohen said the courts are an option, but the current political sensitivity and composition of courts make it difficult to produce verdicts that find discrimination is evident.
The panel brought out that banks and credit ratings services discriminate by preconceived attitudes reflecting century old derogatory conceptions of minority character. This centuries old perception of minorities results in a double standard, giving lower credit scores to minority applicants than they do to whites. The credit ratings are defended by banks saying they have formulas.
BRYAN GREENE SAID STATE AND LOCAL ENFORCEMENT SHOULD STEP UP PROSECUTION OF ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION PRACTICES, SINGLES OUT COLLEGE LOANS LOWERING HOME EQUITY PREVENTING MINORITIES FROM GETTING MAX VALUE OUT OF HOME THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL. CALLS FOR COUPLE TESTS TO DISCOVER HOW REALTORS TREAT MINORITY COUPLES AND WHITE COUPLES DIFFERENTLY.
Even If a minority owner of a home in an area wants to sell their home, they face lower assessments because they are minority owners than if a white owner of the same house would for the same property, based on the neighborhood, Professor Cohen said.
Minority owners, who have purchased a first home face problems reselling a home they own, Professor Cohen related. She said minority owners have been known to make over their home interiors removing any objects, decorations, photographs of their minority family. White friends are recruited by minority owners to be in the home when it is shown.
GREG JOOST (right) SUGGESTED LAND TRUSTS ACQUIRED BY CITIES, TOWNS COULD MAKE AVAILABLE HOMES MINORITIES COULD AFFORD–TELLING HOW THIS OCCURRED IN PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, MARYLAN
CALL TO ACTION NOW FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION REALTORS TO ADDRESS THE DISCRIMINATION, RECOGNIZE THE WEALTH DISCREPANCIES, DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES AND REWARD DESERVING MINORITIES. HE TELLS WHY
The panel gave an overview of practices constricting minority home ownership, but stopped short of saying the practices were in Westchester County.
NEW BIVALENT BOOSTER DO I NEED IT? YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST ANALYSIS
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Do I need a Spring Booster?
The booster confusion in emails I have received over the past week is palpable. Should I get a spring booster?
This is how I’m thinking about it. Hopefully it helps.
Level of urgency
The level of urgency for a spring booster should be dependent on two things:
1. Risk factors. Ninety percent of people in the hospital “for” or “with” COVID-19 do not have a bivalent vaccine (i.e. fall booster). This group has the highest level of urgency.
If you had the fall booster, you’re in pretty good shape against acute severe disease. Will this change with time? We don’t know. The U.S. (and a handful of other countries) don’t want to risk finding out, so a spring booster is “permissible”.
People in the hospital today for COVID-19 are older adults and/or those with a comorbidity. (If you want to know why, read more here.) This means groups with the second highest level of urgency for a spring booster are those with a fall booster and:
- Adults over 75 years;
- Adults over the age of 65 years with a comorbidity; and,
- Moderate or severely immunocompromised.
If you’re not in one of these groups, your level of urgency is significantly reduced. You could time a booster for maximum protection. If I were over 65 without a comorbidity, I would, especially since wastewater concentration is nosediving. For example, four weeks before a really big event you don’t want to miss, like a wedding, get a booster. Or wait to get a booster on the chance that another variant of concern comes (and get it right before a wave).
2. Timing. If you’re in one of the urgent groups, the next question is: When was your last infection or vaccine?
- 6+ months ago: Go get a spring booster today.
- 4-6 months: Schedule one, but you don’t need to rush to the pharmacy.
- <4 months: Wait. But do not wait until past May/June, so that you enough runway time before the (anticipated) fall vaccine.
Potential individual-level risks
People are wondering about risks of spring boosters. The risks are small, especially when we compare them to risks resulting from infection. Perhaps the following risks should really only be considered for those who are not in the high-urgency groups above.
- Myocarditis. This is the biggest risk of COVID-19 vaccines but is really only a problem for adolescents. (Benefits still outweigh risks. There is also a risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 infection.)
- Flu vaccine. There may be an increased risk of stroke if you get flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. This shouldn’t be a problem for your spring decision.
- Side effects. Some people get their butt kicked from side effects immediately after the vaccine. Some just don’t have the ability to be out of commission for a few days.
- Imprinting. We know imprinting is a thing with COVID-19. And, we should expect imprinting. (Read a deep dive here.) The biggest influence of imprinting occurs after first exposure to the virus (through vaccine or infection). We still don’t have good evidence that imprinting is harming protection, though.
- Unknown unknowns. We simply don’t know the risks of stimulating the immune system with 6 shots in 2 years, too. There are always unknown risks, albeit small.
Bottom line
Anyone who hasn’t had a bivalent vaccine (i.e. fall Omicron booster) needs to get one. If you have your bivalent already, there is a spectrum of urgency. Try not to overthink it too much.
Love, YLE
“Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” is written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD—an epidemiologist, data scientist, wife. During the day she works at a nonpartisan health policy think tank and is a senior scientific consultant to a number of organizations, including the CDC. At night she writes this newsletter. Her main goal is to “translate” the ever-evolving public health science so that people will be well equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support this effort, subscribe below. (Reprinted with permission)
I’M BOOSTED!
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COVID BIVALENT BOOSTER SHOTS AT WHITE PLAINS SITES NOW AND OTHER SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER LOCATIONS TODAY! GO TO https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ for the Bivalent Booster ready locations around the county!
THE CDC NEW BIVALENT VACCINATION BOOSTER MAP
LOCATIONS ON INTERACTIVE MAP SHOW YOU WHERE YOU CAN GET NEW BIVALENT BOOSTER.
WPCNR COVID SURVEILLANCE. Statistics from NY Covid Tracker. Observation and Analysis by John F. Bailey April 23, 2023:
I used to worry. Stay Home. Not go out. WORRY! STAY! NO GO OUT! WORRY! STAY! NO GO OUT! BUT NOW I’M–
BOOOOOOSTED!
I’M BOOSTED!
Those who have completed their series of Covid Shots are now eligible for the Bivalent Booster announced last week and it is here in White Plains New York USA. It is one of the best coordinated efforts by the government in years at least locally. The CDC and the manufacturers have executed brilliantly.
I GOT MINE MONDAY MORNING AT 11:15 A.M. in White Plains New York USA
The Center for Disease Control has delivered the new Bivalent Booster to White PLAINS New Rochelle, Port Chester Mount Vernon Yonkers and 38 locations across the swath of southern Westchester.
There do not appear to be locations with the new bivalent protector above Chappaqua.
Go to find locations with Bivalent Booster in stock for Pfizer and Moderna at the CDC website https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ type in your zip code and the site displays a bullet map showing locations where you can get the new vaccine.
The CDC gives the locations phone numbers. And the pharmacy I called, answered, confirmed they had the vaccine and I could walk-in at 11, no appointment necessary.
I walked in expecting delay putting 30 minutes on the meter.
The young ladies behind the counter knew all about it.
- They asked for my vaccination card (showing the first 5 shots of my Pfizer series.
- They asked for proof of my medical insurance for records, though the bivalient booster vaccine does not cost you anything at the location I went and should not anywhere The staff said there was no cost.
- They asked for a photo I.D. (Drivers license)
I received the shot within 15 minutes.
The vaccine going in gives you just a dull stiffness in your arm. You hardly realize it is going in or when it is actually withdrawn from your arm.
I cannot tell you how relieved I am. Because I have now I have done all I can at this time to protect myself and others.
WHERE ARE WE IN COVID IN WESTCHESTER?
Last week in Covid, Westchester continued for a third straight week lowering infections to 181 for the 7 days ended Saturday.
At the present rate of 2.72 daily infections for 5 days last week per 100,000 persons in Westchester next week should result in 192 infections which would complete April with 867 new cases of covid,compared with 1,352 for the month of March.
The Saturday infections for entire Westchester County was 35 infections.
Since the County likes to cite how many cases we have had in the past to analyze covid intensity in the present, I will do that.
Last April 2022 April had 7,054 new cases. This year we are on track for 867. However 3 months ago in January 2023 we experienced 6,573 infections after a very socially reckless December. February we knocked that down to 2,906.
March cut infections to 1,352
The number of infected people are out there is not really known because the persons have not verified their positives with a lab test. That unknown, unestimated by any official authority is what is keeping the covid cloud lingering over us.
There were 1,352 known new cases (lab tested) in March and they have resulted in a projected 867 cases in April. This means that people known to be infected have infected less than 1 person. This kind of spread rate is very low.
If there are hundreds more people out there with covid whom we do not know because they are not verifying antigen test positives they take at home, that can be a source of the weekly almost 1,000 new cases we continue to see, and we cannot count those continuing to perhaps spread the disease at above the actual daily new case rate
The optimist way of acknowledging that worry and diminishing the worry, say covid is just something we have to live with the possibility of growing.
I say finish off your vaccine series people get the booster and the new one.
We will see what the hospitalizations are around the county later today, at 65% of new admissions (62 of 96 admissions) from March 31 to April 18,being admitted to White Plains hospital because of covid last week at White Plains Hospital according to the state, you have to wonder where those sick enough to be admitted to a hospital bed are coming from.
If we had not stopped testing everybody who thought they were sick we would know where the continued spread, last week still closer to 1,000 a week instead of below 500 you have to wonder about the invisible spread. That is a major dropped ball by the authorities.
If everyone had gotten vaccinated, the cases would be lower.
If schools had been directed to continue to announce students testing positive, you would know if school populations were spreading the disease. But the State Education Department said that was no longer necessary. Now, we have to take School District word for it. That is simply a “feel good” decision based on guesswork.
If we have a surge by July which we had last year that resulted in a big wave in December, we will have no impending knowledge of a bigger than expected July surge because of those decisions by individuals who did not get the full vaccination treatments; failure to keep track of infections in the school population; and failure to make mandatory lab tests of all persons with positives after antigen tests.