Coronavirus

The White House argued Thursday that the sense of emergency surrounding the coronavirus pandemic would continue, despite some Democrats downplaying the level of concern over the virus. During the daily briefing, White House press secretary Jen Psaki reacted to a comments from Colorado Democrat Gov. Jared Polis, who said in December that the “medical emergency” surrounding the virus was “over” because of vaccines. Psaki indicated the White House felt Polis was premature in his statements because of the “science” behind the virus. “I think the president of the United States has the responsibility not to make that statement until the data and the science backs it up,” she said. Polis has told voters in his state he will not enact state-wide vaccine and mask mandates, leaving it up to localities to choose what’s best for their communities. Psaki reminded reporters that Colorado was still receiving aid from the federal government to provide pandemic supplies like testing, … [Read more...] about White House: Coronavirus Emergency Not Over Until Science Says So

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s governor announced Thursday that his wife has tested positive for the coronavirus and is experiencing mild symptoms. Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted that first lady Yumi Hogan tested positive as part of their weekly testing regimen. The governor said his wife, who has been vaccinated and received a booster, will quarantine at Government House, the governor’s residence in Annapolis. He said he received negative rapid and PCR tests. The governor urged Marylanders to get booster shots for maximum protection against the omicron variant of the coronavirus. Last month, the governor announced that he tested positive for coronavirus. Hogan, a cancer survivor, said he had been vaccinated and received a booster shot and had cold-like symptoms. … [Read more...] about Maryland’s first lady tests positive for coronavirus

BOSTON (CBS) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 4,039 new confirmed COVID cases on Tuesday. The state also reported 61 additional deaths in the state from Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Health officials said the total number of confirmed cases in the state is now 916,547. The total number of confirmed deaths is now 19,304. READ MORE: Person Struck, Killed By Tractor-Trailer On Route 3 In Chelmsford There were 63,250 total new tests reported. As of Tuesday, the seven-day weighted average of positive tests in Massachusetts is up slightly to 5.18%. READ MORE: 'How Do KF94 Masks Compare To KN95 Masks?' Dr. Mallika Marshall Answers Your COVID Questions There are 1,410 people currently hospitalized for a coronavirus-related illness. There are also 304 patients currently in intensive care. MORE NEWS: Massachusetts Adds BJ's Stores To SNAP Online Food Buying Program CORRECTION: A previous version of this story reported the 61 deaths as the highest … [Read more...] about Massachusetts Reports 4,039 New COVID Cases, 61 Additional Deaths

BOSTON (CBS) —  Dr. Mallika Marshall is answering your coronavirus vaccine-related medical questions. If you have a question, email her or message her on Facebook or Twitter . Dr. Mallika is offering her best advice, but as always, consult your personal doctor before making any decisions about your personal health. Both Jim in Newton and Penny both want to know, “How do KF94 masks compare to KN95 masks? Is one better than the other?” KF94 masks are made in South Korea and KN95 masks are made in China. Both are designed to replicate the N95 masks and provide better protection than surgical masks and certainly cloth masks. And while KF94s and KN95s have some minor differences in style, they are pretty equivalent in their ability to filter. Whichever one you choose, make sure they aren’t knock-offs and that you’re able to get a good seal. You can consult the following website for more information: www.projectN95.org Both Kathy and Carol ask, “Can you get a rash … [Read more...] about ‘How Do KF94 Masks Compare To KN95 Masks?’ Dr. Mallika Marshall Answers Your COVID Questions

(CNN) — The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has changed its mask guidelines to recommend that people “wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.” The agency describes well-fitting respirators approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) — such as N95 masks — as offering “the highest level of protection.” The updated guidelines come after many public health experts have been recommending for months that people wear more effective masks — particularly N95s — and that the CDC change its guidelines on mask-wearing. READ MORE: Coalition Of Officials Announce Bill Requiring Establishments On The Block To Close By 10 p.m., Citing Uptick In Violence “Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There’s no place for them in light of Omicron,” CNN medical analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington … [Read more...] about The CDC Updated Its Mask Guidelines. What To Know About ‘The Highest Level Of Protection’

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — New polling by a Long Island hospital found 80% of residents in our area say the government is failing when it comes to COVID-19 testing and more needs to be done. It also found the majority of people approve of mask mandates . READ MORE: 2 Dozen Members Of Military Begin Serving As Pandemic Reinforcements At Newark's University Hospital “How do you feel about the mask mandate?” CBS2’s Jennifer McLogan asked one person. “I’m OK with it, man, because it keeps people safe,” he said. A clear majority of Long Island and New York City residents agree. According to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital’s “Truth in Medicine” poll, 65% feel masks should be mandated in schools, theaters, private businesses, courthouses and places of worship. “We wear masks. We do what we are supposed to do, we’ll be alright,” one person said. CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Complete COVID Vaccine Coverage Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC … [Read more...] about Poll: 80% Of New York City, Long Island Residents Believe Government Is Failing When It Comes To COVID-19 Testing