The Fourth Wave of COVID-19 is Impacting Young People Hard

Just when we thought we might be able to venture outside again—masked up and maintaining social distance, thanks to our vaccines—news has emerged about a fourth wave of COVID-19 sweeping across the U.S. This resurgence is causing heightened anxiety around reopening plans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 64,000 new cases reported in the past week, with 20% of those cases affecting children, as noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Although cases had declined a couple of weeks ago, they are now rising again, averaging around 10,000 new cases daily. With states like New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania leading the charge, this fourth wave is disrupting our hopes for a return to normalcy.

Why Are COVID-19 Cases Rising?

Despite 46 states preparing to expand vaccine eligibility to those 16 and older by May 1, health officials are urging continued caution. Currently, 19% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated, and 33% have received at least one dose, yet cases are increasing in nearly half of the states. The AAP reported that as of April 1, over 3.4 million children have tested positive for COVID-19, and around 64,000 new cases were reported among kids just in the previous week.

A significant factor in the rise of infections is the emergence of COVID-19 variants. Many of these new strains, such as the B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the UK, are more transmissible and severe. The CDC indicates that this variant accounts for approximately 13% of new cases in Florida and 9% in New Jersey.

Sadly, some states have opted to lift restrictions and mask mandates, which has contributed to the surge. This reckless “vaccine optimism” has led unvaccinated individuals to gather indoors and neglect safety measures.

Should We Be Concerned About a Fourth Wave of COVID-19?

Yes, we absolutely should be concerned. Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, CDC Director, expressed her feelings of “impending doom” during a White House briefing, and we need to take this seriously. Although we have much to look forward to, the urgency to vaccinate is critical. The longer it takes to administer vaccines, the more likely we are to see not just isolated surges but a full-blown fourth wave.

As vaccinations progress at a rate exceeding 2 million per day in the U.S., we’re doing better than many countries. However, reaching herd immunity is still in question, making it unsafe to let our guards down. Dr. Walensky warned that history shows surges can happen quickly and significantly.

What Can We Do to Help?

You already know the drill:

Limit outings to essential activities.
Wear a mask covering both your nose and mouth.
Maintain social distance.
Regularly wash your hands and avoid touching your face.
Stay away from crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
If you meet others, do so outdoors.
Get vaccinated when eligible.
Isolate if you exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms.

It’s been over a year, and we’re all feeling the fatigue. We yearn for life to return to the way it was before, but we must hold on a little longer. If we can collectively stay vigilant, we might just emerge from this tunnel safely.

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In summary, the fourth wave of COVID-19 is significantly impacting young people, necessitating continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. As cases rise, especially among children, we must remain committed to protecting ourselves and each other while navigating this challenging time.

Keyphrase: Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Impact on Young People

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