Missouri Governor: "COVID-19 crisis is over."

“We believe the need for the COVID-19 crisis pandemic response is over in Missouri and we are moving on,” Gov. Parson said.

"During an afternoon news conference, Parson announced that the state will transition to an endemic recovery phase, meaning that the state will treat COVID-19 like it does other viruses, effective on Friday, April 1st. In this new phase, universal contact tracing will end, along with reporting of figures related to positivity rates, testing and vaccinated persons.

"Describing COVID-19 as an endemic means that the state believes the virus will spread through the population regularly like the flu. HOWEVER, neither the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared an endemic.

Some say that vaccination is the best defense against hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Meanwhile, only 56% of Missourians have been vaccinated with the initial 2 Shot COVID vaccine. In general, the Western part of the state is less vaccinated than the Eastern. Vaccination rates statewide are also currently totally stagnant. Getting vaccinated is now so passe. Less than 25% of those who are “fully vaccinated” - with 2 shots - have received their 1st booster. Even fewer individuals eligible are expected to ever get a 2nd booster. Some Missouri counties have vaccination rates under 30% for their population receiving even the 1st shot of the original 2 shot series. The county where we live has a vaccination rate of 44.7%; which can also be considered pretty low, when compared to most 1st World Countries beyond the USA... However, the pandemic is supposed to be "over and done in Missouri”.

So why worry??? Everything is back to normal, isn't it???

Even the CDC isn't recommending another COVID shot for the triple vaxed. They are just saying that the COVID vaccines are safe and available to those who may want the protection. The CDC is weak in any additional messaging. The Missouri governor seems to be stronger in his messaging that "the pandemic is over": just carry on. That is what most Missourians will do; even if there is another COVID surge. Many feel that there never was a pandemic.

******************************************
WHO

"The World Health Organization said today that it’s increasingly concerned at the reduction in COVID-19 testing, surveillance and overall monitoring among its member countries, reminding the public that the coronavirus is still circulating at high levels. 'COVID-19 remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and it is too early to reduce the quality of surveillance,' the agency said in its weekly epidemiological update. 'Until we reach the end of the acute phase of the pandemic, countries must maintain sufficient epidemiologic surveillance to inform evidence-based operational decision-making on crucial parameters, including vaccination strategies, vaccine composition, use of therapeutics, and tailored and appropriate public health and social measures,' said the update."

******************************************

"Second COVID Booster Available for Some Americans"

"Americans 50 and older can get a second COVID-19 booster if it’s been at least four months since their last vaccination. This is a chance at extra protection for the most vulnerable in case the coronavirus rebounds. The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday authorized an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for that age group and for certain younger people with severely weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later recommended the extra shot as an option but stopped short of urging that those eligible get it." AP

******************************************

"US Government May Be Out of Money"

"President Biden stepped up the pressure on Congress to approve billions of dollars in emergency coronavirus relief aid, using a speech at the White House on Wednesday to warn that U.S. progress against Covid-19 would be at severe risk if Congress fails to act right away. The administration says it is out of money for both. The White House has been pleading with Republicans in Congress to approve $22.5 billion in emergency aid to purchase new vaccines and therapeutics, and to reimburse doctors who care for uninsured Covid-19 patients.

“'This isn’t partisan. It’s medicine,' Mr. Biden declared. At the end of his remarks, the president, 79, rolled up his sleeve to get his second Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot."