COVID IS BACK!

 As written by Alan Smith, from biglaps:  

COVID Is Likely Back with Current High Levels in These States: Check If One of Them Is Yours

The Centers for Disease Control can determine if any viruses are circulating and spreading various locations by testing sewage water.  Thirteen states in particular show very high COVID activity.

• The five highest levels of COVID is now Ohio, South Dakota, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska.
• The next 8 are Montana, Maine, Arkansas, West Virginia, Michigan, New Hampshire, Kansas and Indiana.

Whew, Hawaii is not included.  In March, we  begin another adventure through Las Vegas, Denver, Memphi, so that we can catch an American Cruise Line ship to New Orleans, then New York City, where we will board a Viking ship to Toronto, rail to Vancouver, and get back home to Honolulu.  Don't see any state on the above two lists.  Whew.  However, COVID has a way of suddenly appearing, so we'll need to be careful.  Especially as people from those listed states travel to Las Vegas, board cruise ships and so on.

In any case, especially if you are vulnerable, like being old or with pre-conditions.  Get vaccinated.  Now!  I asked Google AI:

Yes, you can still get vaccinated for COVID-19. The CDC recommends the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 6 months and older to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination is highly recommended, particularly for those 65 and older, those at high risk, or those who have never been vaccinated. 

• Availability: Updated vaccines are available and recommended for nearly everyone.
• Eligibility: Recommended for people ages 6 months and older, including those who have previously had COVID-19 or received prior vaccines.
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  Protection: Vaccine effectiveness decreases over time, making it important to get the current formula. 

You can check with local pharmacies, doctor's offices, or public health clinics to find the vaccine. 

Further:

Who should get it?

The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older, with a particular emphasis on those at higher risk: 

• Adults 65 and older: This group is specifically recommended to receive the updated vaccine.
• Individuals at high risk: This includes people with underlying medical conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity), pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised.
• General population: Healthy children and adults under 65 are also eligible, though the CDC suggests "shared clinical decision-making," meaning you may want to discuss it with your healthcare provider. 

Where to get vaccinated

Vaccines are widely available across the United States. You can find locations near you by: 

• Searching on Vaccines.gov.
• Visiting major pharmacy websites like Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart.
• Contacting your local health department or primary care doctor. 

Cost and Coverage

• Insured: Most private health insurance, Medicare (Part B), and Medicaid plans cover the vaccine at no cost.
• Uninsured: You may still be able to find free vaccines through state or local health department programs or HRSA-supported health centers.
• Children: The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides no-cost vaccines to eligible children. 

In addition to getting vaccinated, wear a face mask when going out to crowded places.  Keep your home well  ventilated.  Closed warm spaces make viruses spread faster and thrive.

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