JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The fight against COVID-19 is far from over.
“We’re still seeing about 4 to 5 times as many cases as we were seeing in June,” said Dr. Richina Bicette-McCain and Associate Medical Director of Baylor College of Medicine.
Cases are up in 19 states over the past week, according to Johns Hopkins University data, and 11 states are also seeing an increase in hospitalizations.
While local hospitals like Baptist Medical Center and UF Health reports the lowest numbers in seven months, Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Mohammed Reza warns we’re not in the clear.
“If the last two years tell us anything this virus seems to come in surges are different times at different parts of the country,” said Dr. Reza.
More than 53 million people will travel to see family and friends for Thanksgiving, according to AAA. Health experts urge everyone to follow safety protocols and get vaccinated if eligible.
“If you have to travel, make sure that you’re wearing a mask, a properly fitting surgical mask or a KN-95 are the best options, especially when you’re in close spaces around people whose vaccination status you’re not aware of,” Dr. Bicette-McCain
Holiday travel and gatherings could lead to a spike in coronavirus cases.
Health experts encourage those eligible to get vaccinated including children ages 5 to 11.