COVID surge, drug supply decline

After a two-month-long surge in COVID-19 cases during which, on average, more than 144 Beaumont-area residents tested positive each day, officials say they’re seeing a decline in daily confirmations.

According to data from the Beaumont Public Health Department, 8,940 Beaumont-area residents tested positive for COVID-19 between Dec. 1, 2021 and Jan. 31, 2022, with 6,643 confirmations coming in January alone.

“We are in a significant downturn on our number of COVID cases,” said Jefferson County Judge Branick. “Down to about a third of what we were seeing. We’re hoping that the downward trend is going to continue.”

While COVID confirmations are on the decline, so too are supplies of the only FDA-approved monoclonal antibody treatment, Sotrovimab. Branick said that supply shortage has resulted in the Regional Infusion Center tightening qualifications for eligible potential patients.

“We have a very good relationship with the state,” Branick said in reference to the Regional Infusion Center and its waning state-provided drug supply. “They’re behind us on it. The problem is that allocations of the only available monoclonal antibody right now, Sotrovimab, are very tight.

“I am advised that we’re going to get around 191 doses that we’ll probably get on Thursday. We’re also told that we will get a much bigger allocation the following week, as with anything we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed about the outcome.”

On vaccination

Two new reports released Jan. 28 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines have the highest amount of protection against both the Delta and Omicron variants.

“One report found that, compared to up-to-date adults, unvaccinated adults had five times the risk of infection and more than 50 times the risk of COVID-19-associated death,” the report alleged. “A second report found that a third dose (either an additional primary dose or booster dose) of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) was highly effective at preventing emergency and urgent care visits and hospitalizations related to COVID-19. All of this information highlights the importance of staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, given how easily the Omicron variant spreads. As of January 27, 67.6% of people ages 5 years and older in the United States are fully vaccinated. However, there are still millions of people who are eligible for a booster dose who have not yet received one. Everyone 12 years and older who has received their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine is now eligible for a booster shot if enough time has passed since completion of their primary series. It’s fast, easy, and free.”

According to Dr. Mark Thompson, deputy chief of science at the CDC’s Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, these findings underscore the importance of receiving a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to prevent both moderately severe and severe COVID symptoms, “especially while the Omicron variant is the predominant circulating variant and when the effectiveness of 2 doses of mRNA vaccines is significantly reduced against this variant,” he added. “All unvaccinated persons should get vaccinated as soon as possible. All adults who have received mRNA vaccines during their primary COVID-19 vaccination series should receive a third dose when eligible, and eligible persons should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.”

Steps everyone can take to make gatherings safer

In general, the CDC says people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. In areas of substantial or high transmission, people might choose to wear a mask outdoors when in sustained close contact with other people, particularly if they or someone they live with has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.

“Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who do not live in your household,” wrote CDC officials. “Good ventilation can help prevent you from getting and spreading COVID-19. Stay home if you test positive or are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.”

What to know about testing

According to the CDC, people should get tested for COVID-19 if they develop COVID symptoms, at least five days after known or suspected close contact to COVID-19, before and after travel and when asked by a health care professional or public health official.

A viral test indicates whether a person is infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using samples that come from the nose or mouth. There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests.

A laboratory test, such as PCR tests that are available at any CVS or Walgreens location, as well as local pharmacies, usually provides results in one to three days. Results are reliable for people with and without symptoms. A rapid test, such as an Antigen test, usually provides results in 15 to 30 minutes. Results may be less reliable for people without symptoms and follow-up tests may be required. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four, free at-home COVID-⁠19 rapid Antigen tests from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Visit usps.com/testkits to order.