The latest wastewater surveillance data indicate the COVID-19 pandemic has entered its tenth wave in the United States, with a significant spike in transmission last week. The rapid jump is attributed to a later-than-usual “winter surge” and could lead to a level of transmission now typical for this time of year.
According to the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative (PMC) model, 1.6% of Americans are currently infected and capable of transmitting the virus, resulting in nearly 750,000 new COVID-19 cases per day. This rate exceeds previous levels by 73% and is contributing to an estimated 200,000 new cases of Long COVID per week.
The lack of governmental support for indoor air purification has left vaccines and non-pharmaceutical measures as the primary defenses against COVID-19. Despite this, vaccination rates remain low, with only 21% of American adults reporting they have received the latest vaccine, compared to 10.6% for children.
A retracted study from 2020 claiming hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness has sparked renewed concerns about misinformation and anti-vaccine disinformation. The working class must be vigilant against such claims and prioritize science-driven policies over capitalism.
The current surge is expected to peak between New Year’s Day and January 7, with both test positivity and emergency department visits on the rise. Hospitalizations and deaths are likely to follow suit in the coming weeks. As the pandemic continues, protecting public health requires a more comprehensive approach than just vigilance – it demands organizing for a socialist system that prioritizes human health over private profit.
Source: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/12/20/irud-d20.html