The Weather:
We are still unfortunately in the dark about COVID transmission due to the CDC’s malicious dropping of data tracking. Regardless, we are making efforts to shed some light on the situation. We refuse to back down.
While people like Ashish Jha step down in a complete abdication of their responsibility for protecting us, we are actively working to organize, analyze, and report state PCR testing data. We hope that our continued efforts give you hope as we reject the darkness that the administration and business interests insist on.
For now, we have Biobot for wastewater data until at least July. Regional wastewater levels were trending slowly downward but now appear to be leveling off somewhat. The Iowa COVID Tracker is also useful for keeping track of current trends.
We also still have PCR testing positivity trackers, such as the Walgreens COVID positivity index, showing a current 23.5% positivity rate nationally, as well as the 4.7% positivity rate over the past 2 weeks from the CDC’s dashboard.
Wins:
The HICPAC (Healthcare Infection Control and Practices Committee) at the CDC had a meeting to recommend against the need for high quality respirators for protecting against COVID transmission. During public comment, People’s CDC members, National Nurses United members, and others spoke up in support of universal masking and COVID protections in healthcare to shine a light in the darkness and to make it clear that we will not go without a fight.
Long COVID:
A recent study on COVID transmission shows 70% of household transmission comes from kids, likely from schools, and 12-16% of children who catch omicron develop Long COVID months afterward. The spread of COVID from schools to children is particularly tragic considering that studies are showing again and again that children are fine with COVID protections in schools.
Take Action:
Let’s continue to be the light in the darkness. We are changing minds, and we can win.
OnGo has Rapid Antigen test kits to donate to nonprofits. They have an online form where you can nominate an organization to potentially receive a donation of kit. Please use this form to get rapid tests to those who need them most.
The FDA is having a COVID vaccine meeting on June 15th. We know what to expect from them, so let’s show them the unexpected: voices urging them to behave as though the pandemic exists. Show up to give a public comment in support of widespread availability of boosters at least every 6 months (see scientific evidence in our previous campaign) and availability of updated vaccine formulations for all ages, including children, by June 14th.
We would like to remind you that you are NOT alone. We are stronger together. Even if things look dark now, our light is piercing through, one action at a time. They have NO control over what you do with your life. Every single one of you reading this has great power to speak up, shout and make a ruckus to make change. The people in power are afraid of this, and that is why they feel the need to cut off information and cover the harm they are inflicting on us. They are afraid of our collective voices as we continue to reveal such harm to expose them and turn public opinion against them. Let’s continue to band together and fight to win the protections we all deserve.
The people in power are afraid of our collective power, and that is why they feel the need to cut off information and cover the harm they are inflicting. They are afraid of our collective voices, as we continue to expose them and turn public opinion against them.
We deserve safety and health, for EVERYONE. Let’s continue to band together and fight to win the protections we all deserve.
Notes: 1) The numbers in this report were current as of 6/5/2023. 2) Changes in testing access as well as data reporting have led many federal data sources to become less reliable. Fewer federal data sources may be included in current and upcoming Weather Reports, and we will do our best to provide context regarding the representativeness of limited data. 3) Check out the links throughout & see our website for more! https://bej.gbh.mybluehost.me