49°F
weather icon Clear

What you should know about omicron

Late last month, the World Health Organization reported the emergence of a new variation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as a variant of concern. Emanating from South Africa, the omicron variant has spread across Europe, South America and the U.S. This past week, Nevada reported two new cases of the omicron variant.

According to a study conducted by the Imperial College London, the risk of reinfection with the omicron coronavirus variant presents more than five times higher than the delta variant. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported they do not yet know how omicron spreads, the severity of the illness it causes, nor are they able to gauge the effectiveness of current vaccines and medications used to fight it, although Moderna reported earlier this month that its COVID-19 booster dose works against the omicron variant in lab tests and the booster shot significantly increased levels of immune-system antibodies against omicron in the experiments.

“Our best line of defense is vaccination, and with about 55 percent of Nevada’s population fully vaccinated, we still have work to do,” said Thomas Maher, CEO of Boulder City Hospital. “We need to continue to be vigilant in getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, preferably disposable masks, and getting tested to help protect yourself and lessen the risk of infection or reinfection. People who have had COVID-19 should consider wearing a mask indoors in public places. We have a growing community, including our zero to under 18 years of age adolescents and a growing number of seniors over the age of 65 — two of the most vulnerable groups associated with this pandemic.”

▶ More than 75 percent of the 804,846 deaths have been in people over 65 years of age.

▶ 2,685 deaths have been of children under the age of 18.

▶ One in 100 older Americans has died.

▶ There are 50 million unvaccinated Americans.

COVID-19 is now the third leading cause of death among Americans aged 65 and older. In the past two years, COVID-19 is responsible for more than 13 percent of deaths in the 65-plus age group surpassing diabetes, accidents, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

To Your Health is provided by the staff of Boulder City Hospital. For more information, call 702-293-4111, ext. 576, or visit bchcares.org.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
Ashurst tops Fox for council seat

A contentious election year has come to a close in Boulder City as city council candidate Denise Ashurst has emerged victorious with a nearly 2-1 vote lead over sitting Councilman Matt Fox.

Animal lover launches anti-breeding petition

The issue of allowing and permitting the practice of commercial pet breeding in Boulder City has officially moved beyond the city limits.

City relaunching Airport Day

Not seen in 15 years, Airport Day is returning to the Boulder City Airport on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Hundreds turn out for Healing Center opening

As Dr. Christina Vela spoke to attendees for the ribbon cutting of the new St. Jude’s Ranch for Children’s Healing Center for sex-trafficked children, a hummingbird appeared in front of her during an emotional part of her speech.

Looking back on a century of life

Imagine everything Sara Denton has seen in her life as she approaches 100. But when talking to her, she’s not allowing age to slow her down as she continues to experience everything life has to offer.

City gets finance award

Boulder City received the prestigious Enterprise Risk Management Excellence Program Award (ERMEP) during the Oct. 22 city council meeting.

Question: Golf courses$8.4 million in the hole?

Near the beginning of last week’s city council meeting, frequent-flyer public commentor Fred Voltz (whose views on the proposed addition of up to $9 million to the $25 million or so already earmarked to replace the city’s pool you can read on Page 4) made a pretty surprising allegation about the finances of the city’s two golf courses.

Ram Cam celebrates first year

It may sound a bit odd to pay tribute to the one-year anniversary of a camera. But when that camera has helped bring thousands to town, and with it as many smiles, it’s worth it.