Feb. 11, 2022
Dear Members of the Baylor College of Medicine Community,
COVID cases worldwide are coming down but are still very high in many areas. In this week’s video, I show you the concentration of cases on the world map. More countries are dropping all restrictions despite the fact that we have a new omicron variant. Some states are making similar moves, with Connecticut announcing it will stop mask mandates this month and New Jersey lifting mask mandates for schools.
A CDC study showed that people who wore masks indoors were less likely to test positive. Data indicates masks help prevent in-school transmission and the CDC recommends all children age 2 and over wear masks at school and daycare.
Lots of science updates on COVID this week, including a human challenge study that reveals insights into the infection, an understanding of what causes the loss of taste and smell in some people after infection and the chances of infection after three vaccine doses versus two doses. Interesting fact for this week – research found there was less lightning during COVID lockdowns. Humans released fewer aerosols during lockdowns, so the concentration of aerosols in the atmosphere decreased. The drop in atmospheric aerosols coincided with a drop in lightning.
I have a report on the winter games, including a chart showing medals won, and COVID positive cases, by country. As of this morning, the United States had 10 medals and 5 COVID positive cases at the games.
To all of you watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, we have a video to show you how to get your game face on.
Have a great weekend and a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Lily is very excited to show off her new red dress.
Stay safe.
Paul Klotman, M.D.
President & CEO
Executive Dean
