New Yorkers Advised to Consider Masking Up This Labor Day Weekend Amid Rising Covid Cases and New Variants
New York City residents are being urged to wear face masks this Labor Day weekend as concerns grow about a surge in Covid cases and the presence of two new variants. While the city’s health department has stated that there are currently no plans to make masks compulsory, they suggest that wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, especially during holiday gatherings, may be a “good idea.”
The infection rate in New York City on August 29 was approximately 18 cases per 100,000 people, although this number is likely underestimated due to a decrease in testing. Hospitalizations have also increased, with 502 Covid patients admitted to hospitals on August 31, marking a 5 percent rise compared to the previous week. However, hospitalization levels remain significantly below the peak earlier this year when almost 2,000 patients were hospitalized.
Concerns have been raised over two new variants in New York City. The EG.5 variant, also known as Eris, is believed to be highly transmissible and is thought to be behind the rise in cases. Another variant called Pirola, or BA.2.86, has been detected in the city’s wastewater, indicating its spread within the community.
In an updated advisory, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, commissioner of NYC’s health department, emphasized the importance of precautions such as vaccinations, masking, testing, and staying home when sick. He stated that these measures, along with available antiviral treatments, are the best defense against Covid and other respiratory viruses.
While face mask mandates in crowded indoor areas were lifted in most areas last year, there is no indication that any U.S. cities are considering reinstating the mandates. Los Angeles is also experiencing a rise in Covid cases, with instances doubling within a month. The director of LA county’s Department of Health, Barbara Ferrer, stated that she couldn’t rule out the possibility of a future mask mandate, but at present, individuals should assess their own risk.
In response to the growing Covid cases, several hospitals in New York state have reintroduced mask requirements and are now testing patients before admission. Colleges are also re-implementing mask mandates, with Rutgers University in New Jersey and a college in Georgia both announcing these measures.
Nationwide, surveillance data suggests a slight increase in Covid cases, with 15,067 hospital admissions in the week ending August 19, a 19 percent rise compared to the previous week. However, this figure remains significantly lower than the peak of 44,000 admissions recorded earlier this year. There is also a slight uptick in fatalities, with 616 reported in the week ending August 5, compared to 512 in the previous week.
As the holiday weekend approaches, health officials are urging New Yorkers to remain cautious and take appropriate safety measures to protect themselves and others from the virus.