COVID-19 numbers are down in Easthampton and Hampshire County across the board this week, including viral concentration in wastewater and hospitalizations. The proportion of viral particles in wastewater that are the XBB 1.5 variant continues to increase. In the context of decreasing infections, I take this as a hopeful sign that increasing XBB 1.5 dominance won't cause a huge disturbance. 

We're also continuing to track decreasing hospitalizations due to flu and RSV. We don't get a weekly update on the "triple-demic" in local hospitals, but from what I can tell, it looks like we're fairly close to "normal winter busy." Which is to say, quite busy! 

It's still not too late to get your yearly flu vaccine or the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster. Both save many lives, and at minimum, can keep you from feeling pretty icky and having your schedule disrupted. Oh, and the flu and COVID-19 vaccines will prevent you from being a link in the chain of community transmission! You can't infect your vulnerable family or friends - or my vulnerable family and friends - if you're not infected at all. I'm finding more open appointments available for vaccines, now that the holidays are over. In fact, there is a community vaccine clinic coming up at Mountain View School in Easthampton on Tuesday, February 7th. If you need assistance finding an appointment to get the vaccine, or if you need other COVID-19 supplies (like home tests or masks), be sure to reach out to the Health Department. 

All in all, it feels like a hopeful update this week!

Stay well,

Click Here to View the More Information About City of Easthampton Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard - January 19, 2023