COVID-19 cases see moderate rise in Rhode Island
This story originally was published in the Warwick Beacon, a publication partner
of Ocean State Stories.Almost 100 Rhode Islanders have died of COVID so far this year
Though the COVID-19 pandemic is firmly in the
rear view mirror, the disease is still affecting many, and cases are rising in
Rhode Island once again.
Data from the Rhode Island Department of Health shows that
Rhode Island’s COVID rate is at its highest point this year since peaking in
January and is still currently rising. As of July 24, wastewater monitoring
detected 92 cases of COVID-19 out of 10,000 wastewater samples.
Much of the rise in cases has been caused by new strains of
the virus, known as FLiRT variants. FLiRT variants, according to Johns Hopkins
University, are descended from the Omicron variant that caused a significant
breakout in late 2021 and early 2022.
Though the hospitalization rate is higher now than it has
been since the winter, Department of Health Public Information Officer Joseph
Wendelken said that at the moment, RIDoH is not concerned about Kent Hospital
or any other hospital in the state running out of beds. Currently, only 38
people are hospitalized due to COVID statewide, according to RIDoH’s data.
Another difference between this and other post-pandemic COVID waves is that similar rises are not being reported in flu and RSV cases statewide.
Wendelken said that the bump not being in the middle of flu
season means that the current uptick in cases should not cause as much stress
to the healthcare system as previous rises.
“Hospitals in Rhode Island are always busy in terms of
respiratory viruses, but we don’t really see flu peaking until closer to New
Year’s,” Wendelken said.
In order to stay safe, Wendelken stressed the importance of
isolating if you test positive for COVID so as not to infect others and washing
your hands, as well as receiving up-to-date booster shots.
Only 18% of Rhode Islanders, according to RIDoH data, have
received the most recent COVID booster. Wendelken noted that booster shots are
critical to protect against COVID.
“Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things that
you can do,” Wendelken said. “It’s really about layered protection.”
Anyone who gets seriously sick can take Paxlovid to relieve
symptoms, but Wendelken said that they will have to act fast in order for
Paxlovid to have an effect.
“Those have to be started soon within 5-7 days after COVID
appears,” Wendelken said. “[Those people are going to] want to get in contact
with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.”
Wendelken said that he hopes the bump in COVID cases
subsides soon and that RIDoH projections are showing that they likely will in
mid-August.
In order for that to happen, he recommends that residents
get their COVID booster at their regular pharmacy.
“We’re really at the point now where the COVID vaccine is
available where a lot of other regular vaccines are,” Wendelken said. “The most
convenient way for many people is to make an appointment with their pharmacies
for the booster.”