As the Omicron variant continues to surge in our District, the District Safety Committee is committed to educating Rotarians on the latest CDC Guidance and best practices which prevent transmission of COVID-19.  This topic will be a regular feature in the Rotary Reporter. 
 
  • COVID-19 Prevalence in District Counties as of 1/14/22 ranges from 35 – 42% in our District. (Source: https://bit.ly/3riOcvr )
  • Pennsylvania statistics over one week period 1/7 – 1/14 (Source: https://bit.ly/3riOcvr )
    • Newly reported cases:  138,930 to 159,928
    • Positivity rate:  33% to 36%
    • Average daily COVID Hospitalizations: 5711 to 7516  
    • Average daily COVID 19 on ventilators: 613-664
 
Safety Precautions
Masking is still recommended indoors by the CDC regardless of vaccination status for all the counties in our Rotary district due to COVID-19 positivity rates exceeding 5% .  The most effective masks to wear to prevent acquiring and transmitting the highly contagious Omicron variant are surgical masks particularly when participating in indoor group activities.  Read more at:  https://time.com/6139169/n95-best-mask-omicron-covid-19/
 
 
Rotary International Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination
On December 17, 2021, RI President Shekhar Mehta and TRF Chair, John Germ published the position statement of Rotary International on COVID 19 vaccination. Key points included support for global COVID-19 vaccines and a call to action for Rotarians to support vaccination in their communities and combat misinformation.  To read the full statement go to: https://bit.ly/3I6oGjP.