Children are sporting new shoes, clothes and backpacks filled with school supplies. COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing over the past five weeks. This is not an alarm sounding. It is nothing compared to the pandemic. Is it going to trend down or be the beginning of a new wave?
Prediction and history suggest increases in cases in the fall and winter. Most people feel that COVID-19 is all over, but our new normal is not without COVID-19. Returning to school means more opportunities for spreading through buses, classes and sports, teachers, other staff and students then bring the virus home.
Cases have not been as severe, but hospitalizations have been increasing, also. Deaths are not rising. It is difficult now to have accurate data without cases being reported and compiled, and with more home testing. In the absence of numbers, it is hard to make predictions and determine if protective measures are needed.
