From toilet paper craziness to three vaccine options, the past year of COVID-19 has changed everything. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been at the head of controlling the virus in the United States. The CDC has gone through multiple updates since the start of the pandemic with new information and data about the virus.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic, marking a new reality. At the time, there were "118,00 cases" and "4,291 people have lost their lives" worldwide, according to WHO. Since then, the entire world has experienced devastating deaths, fears, and difficulties. A year later, there have been 30,213,759 cases and 548,162 deaths in the United States alone. Now, WHO has released a global study about the origins of this virus. Yet, the future holds hope with the CDC having a "fully vaccinated" section to give a glimpse into what is coming. Following is the current information from the CDC:
Coronavirus Vaccinations
After trials and studies, the first COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech, was approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization (EUA). There are 2 shots given, 21 days apart. Following Pfizer, the Moderna vaccine was approved for EUA. It is also a 2 shot vaccine, but it is 1 month apart. Now, the third vaccine, Janssen, has been approved for EUA; it only needs 1 shot. It's been a long time coming, and the vaccines are bringing a bright future. Although there is doubt among citizens about receiving it, the CDC has addressed these myths to get out the truth. Some benefits of getting vaccinated include resistance from COVID-19, building immunity, helping stop the pandemic, and getting to do what you haven't done since the pandemic began. There are also multiple studies and trials that contribute to explaining the truth of the vaccines and their effectiveness. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a study ran by the CDC, shows a 90% effectiveness of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine at preventing coronavirus infections among health care workers, first responders and essential workers. More studies about the effectiveness of the vaccines include an Arizona Healthcare, Emergency Response, and other Essential Workers surveillance report, and a few more here. According to the CDC, there have been "200,496,635" COVID-19 doses distributed and "153,631,404" doses administered.
For anybody wanting to be vaccinated and doesn't know where to look, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services have set up a VaccineFinder to help people gain that information. The CDC also has a webpage with information on finding a COVID-19 vaccine near you.
Economic Impact Payments
President Trump passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020 to provide aid to American families and businesses. It provided Economic Impact Payments to Americans depending on what a family's income is. The payments were $1,200 per adult for individuals making less than $99,000 or $198,000 for joint filers; there were also $500 per child under 17 years old. This act also provided small businesses with aid through the Paycheck Protection Program. In early 2021, the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 gave payments of $600 per adult and each child.
Under the Biden administration, the third round of Economic Impact Payments was authorized because of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These payments were $1,400 for eligible adults and $1,400 for each qualifying dependent. Meanwhile, the Paycheck Protection Program was extended into May 31, 2021 for applicants.
Testing & Quarantine
If anybody has symptoms, it's urgent they go get tested. The common ones include loss of taste or smell, and fevers. For the full list of symptoms, check out this link. If someone is exposed to COVID-19, it's important they get tested. The CDC offers a coronavirus self-checker tool for people who are not sure if they need to get tested or seek medical assistant. Overall, coronavirus testing is still a major tool that is important to slow the spread of the virus.
Whether someone tests positive or they were exposed, quarantine plays a big role in the process. Quarantine helps prevent the spread of the disease. The CDC states that "local public health authorities determine the quarantine options for their jurisdictions. The organization continues to support quarantining and doing what is possible to stop the spread of COVID.
Face Masks
Even through disagreements and debates, face masks have become commonplace in society. Although social distancing is still urged, face masks allow for more in person meetings. Some states, towns, and business require masks in their respective areas. Because of these requirements, face masks have caused uproar in some communities. Yet, the CDC supports face masks and the protection they offer. Face masks are to be worn anytime someone is in a public setting, traveling, and around people who don't live with you. There are also recommendations on what type of masks to wear, including masks with cotton fabric, medical procedure masks, and masks that fit properly. For the extensive list of recommendations, check out the CDC face mask page. The CDC has also provided the public with studies that show the effectiveness of face masks.
Cleaning, Disinfecting, & Handwashing
The cleaning and disinfecting methods have evolved since the beginning of the pandemic. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has created the List N, which lists disinfectants for COVID-19 for surfaces. The "FDA expects all products on List N to kill the coronavirus" when used properly. There is also a "List N How-To" video that explains how to use the list. The EPA also provides an infographic to present how to find a List N product. For more information about cleaning and disinfecting, the CDC offers more information here.
For the human body, handwashing continues to be the key to cleaning, disinfecting, and keeping yourself safe. Washing hands often is extremely important. Don't forget to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth. When handwashing isn't possible, hand sanitizer is great. It's important for the sanitizer to contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. The CDC provides a helpful page with more information about hand sanitizer.
Additional Resources
For anybody struggling with their mental health or substance abuse in a critical time like a pandemic, there are multiple resources available to help.
In order to address rumors surrounding the virus, FEMA has created a webpage with common misconceptions.
The National Library of Medicine has publicized their literature, studies, and journals concerning COVID-19.
The CDC's Weekly Review will go over any new information and data surrounding the virus to give the public a better insight.
In order to find more information about the start of the virus, the U.S. Department of State has looked at activity in Wuhan, China.
~ Nadia
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