As life returns to normal after the Public Health Emergency ends, experts share an update on COVID-19 and the path forward. An emerging COVID-19 sub-variant, Arcturus, has been observed in over 29 countries with an increase in infections and different symptoms. At a briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services, experts discuss the efficacy of current treatments and what the end of the Public Health Emergency means for us.

Speakers

(L-r) Dr. Benjamin Neuman, Professor of Biology and Chief Virologist of the Global Health Research Complex at Texas A&M University; Dr. William Schaffner, Professor/Chair, Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Dr. Robert Wachter, Professor/Chair, Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco
  • Dr. Benjamin Neuman, Professor of Biology and Chief Virologist of the Global Health Research Complex at Texas A&M University
  • Dr. William Schaffner, Professor/Chair, Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center 
  • Dr. Robert Wachter, Professor/Chair, Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco 

With the support of vaccines and new treatments for COVID-19, many of us are returning to our lifestyle before the world was shaken up by the COVID-19 virus back in 2020. As many are returning to ‘business as usual’ with big parties, dinners, going to work in-person, conferences, and everything socialites missed, the emergence of a new COVID sub-variant known as Arcturus has sparked discussion on potential implications. The new sub-variant has caused a slight spike in infections in over 29 countries. Questions answered include whether we still need to continue following public health measures to prevent the spread, how effective current treatments are towards new variants of COVID-19, and the long-term effects of COVID-19.

Focusing on the new sub-variant, Arcturus, the experts share that it is not deadlier than other variants of COVID-19 and current vaccines, treatments, and tests will still be effective with the new variant. Experts have observed different symptoms. One was conjunctivitis, or ‘pink eye’. The other was increased fever.

All the health experts echoed one message. We need to continue practicing safety measures: wash our hands, keep up-to-date on vaccinations after discussing with a medical professional, and wear a mask where the risk of getting infected is high. The new sub-variant might be more contagious than the old one but hasn’t been more deadly than the previous variants. Due to decreased support from the government and a more libertarian approach to the current situation, health experts advise being careful for our own safety.

The two biggest defenders against the virus have been masks and vaccines. On the topic of masks, The speakers suggest that wearing a good mask, such as an N95, can lower the probability of getting COVID. They also mention that compliance with mask mandates can be a challenge and that some people may not wear masks effectively. Overall, it is recommended to continue wearing masks as a preventative measure against COVID, especially in situations where social distancing is not possible. 

Questions raised around current medicines and vaccines also shed a spotlight on current public sentiment clashing against experts’ advice. Discussing the safety and efficacy of COVID vaccines, experts note that the vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID infection, hospitalization, and death. The vaccines have also been shown to be safe, with only minor side effects reported in most cases.

However, they also mention that some people may experience more severe side effects, such as allergic reactions, and that it is important for individuals to discuss any concerns they may have with their healthcare provider. Overall, the speakers emphasize that getting vaccinated is an important step in protecting oneself and others from COVID. Whether one is better than the other, experts allude to studies saying that Moderna did have more protection over Pfizer. The goal of vaccines is to prevent severe COVID and death, which all have managed to achieve.

 We are now in the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a major one out of the way, public health experts are reflecting on the current situation. What was once a deadly virus changing our lives and trapped us indoors is now a manageable virus that can be treated and avoided with safety precautions. The ongoing threat posed by COVID requires continued vigilance and public health measures to prevent further spread of the virus.