Covid-19 Update

Author: Dr. David Dickerhoff, DDS, MAGD, FOCOI

The Associated Press reported that the Biden Administration’s decision to shorten the recommended COVID-19 isolation and quarantine from ten days to five is drawing criticism from some medical experts and could create more confusion and fear among Americans. The New York Times reported that the move “drew both tempered support and intense opposition from scientists, particularly over the absence of a testing requirement and fears that the omission could hasten the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant.” Newsweek reported that while “some research and evidence backs up the health official’s decision, several experts and officials have decried the loosened measures.” Modern Healthcare publication reported that nurses are calling the CDC’s “recent decision to shorten the amount of time healthcare workers need to isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 ‘unconscionable’ and a move that will likely lead to more cases and even deaths.” The New York Times reported that the new guidelines are expected to provide “relief to airlines and other companies struggling with staffing shortages”, but labor representatives warned that the move could push some employees back to work too soon.

The Associated Press reported that the Omicron variant “is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S., accounting for 73% of new infections last week”. The CDC data “showed nearly a six-fold increase in Omicron’s share of infections in only one week”. Newsweek reported that the spread of Omicron “appears to be even faster than the spread of Delta in the U.S. back in the summer.” I guess as I receive all of this information from many varied resources, I remain committed to the policies and procedures that we have observed in our practice over the last two years. The new year has arrived, and we all look excitedly to the future and hope that the pandemic is behind us. But the data compels us to remain vigilant and adapt to the onerous changes that have affected our lives adversely.

This great nation has always risen to the challenges of the day, and I have no doubt that we will rise to this challenge. We at Spring Lake Dental Group, remain committed to safely and effectively delivering oral health care to you and your family. Let’s optimistically enter into this new year with resolve and commitment.