Health Archives - Page 31 of 49

CDC to End COVID-19 Test Requirements for International Air Travelers This Sunday

Published June 10, 2022 at 11:36AM

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer require international travelers coming to the U.S. to provide a negative COVID-19 test result, according to CNN. The change will go into effect at midnight on June 12. The requirement has been in place since January 2021. A formal announcement is expected today from the White House.

The Associated Press reports that the CDC determined that the requirement is no longer necessary and that the agency would “reevaluate the need for the testing requirement every 90 days and that it could be reinstated if a troubling new variant emerges.”

Governor Hogan Announces COVIDReady Maryland to Guide Long-Term Preparedness Efforts

By Patrick Herron

Published June 9, 2022 at 8:06PM

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced COVIDReady Maryland, the state’s long-term preparedness plan to maximize the tools and treatments available to keep people healthy and out of the hospital, and maintain a state of readiness to respond to emerging variants and potential waves. The plan, which emphasizes infrastructure, awareness, and adaptability, builds on the successful data-driven strategies that the state implemented throughout the pandemic.

“Our state public health response has now fully transitioned from an emergency into an ongoing operation of state government,” said Governor Hogan. “As the next phase of our nation-leading response and recovery, we are announcing our COVIDReady Maryland plan to maximize all of the available tools and treatments for preventing severe illness and keeping people from being hospitalized, and to maintain an ongoing state of readiness over the long term so that we are prepared to respond to any emerging variants and any potential waves or surges.”

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Will Offer a Free Community-Based Diabetes Self-Management Program at Germantown Library on June 22.

By Patrick Herron

Published June 3, 2022 at 1:58PM

The Diabetes Self-Management Program was created at Stanford University and is a nationally recognized diabetes prevention and management program. The program covers the physical aspect of managing diabetes, as well as the emotional aspect and is designed to improve an individual’s A1C and reduce complications associated with diabetes.

The program has demonstrated proven health benefits and complements the diabetic medical management services people receive from their providers. Participants will enhance their ability to maintain active and fulfilling lifestyles, improve problem-solving and decision-making skills and address the challenges of living with diabetes. Workshop topics include improving food choices, increasing physical activity and practicing coping skills to maintain nutrition and a healthy weight.

Gaitherburg Based Novavax Initiates Phase 3 Trial of its COVID-19 Omicron Strain Vaccine as a Booster

By Patrick Herron

Published June 2, 2022 at 9:07AM

Per Novavax:

Novavax today announced the initiation of its Phase 3 strain change trial to determine if its Omicron variant specific vaccine, NVX-CoV2515 (Omicron BA.1 strain), induces superior antibody responses against the Omicron variant compared to its Wuhan prototype vaccine, NVX-CoV2373, in participants who have received either a primary (two doses) or booster (three doses) series of an mRNA vaccine. The trial will also seek to determine the antibody responses to a bivalent vaccine, containing both NVX-CoV2373 and NVX-CoV2515, administered in participants who have received a booster series of an mRNA vaccine.

Free At-home COVID-19 PCR Test Kits Available at Multiple Locations, But Which COVID-19 Test is Right for You?     

By Patrick Herron

Published May 26, 2022 at 3:05PM

In-person PCR testing continues at multiple sites throughout the community. A schedule of testing locations can be found at the County’s website.

If you are high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, wear a mask indoors in public settings. In addition, talk to your healthcare provider about additional precautions and whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP and monoclonal antibodies.

Montgomery County Urges Residents to take Precautions During Excessive Heat

By Patrick Herron

Published May 19, 2022 at 11:45AM

“We encourage residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Acting Director Marianne Souders. “Check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure they are not showing signs of heat-related illnesses.”

Extreme heat affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and may have a stronger impact on the elderly, children. and sick persons.

COVID-19 Test Kits and N95 Masks Still Available at Montgomery County Libraries

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2022 at 10:20AM

Courtesy MCPL

Kits and masks are available on a table or cart near the library service desk. Residents can get two test kits and four adult N95 masks per person per day. Each kit contains two tests. If you are unable to access COVID test kits or masks due to a disability, you can request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by contacting 240-777-2982. Request rapid test kits for your organization.

Rapid tests produce results 15 minutes after you complete all steps.

With COVID-19 Cases Rising Again, County Recommends Precautionary Measures to Protect Against Greater Community Spread of Virus

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2022 at 9:28AM

“Our current surge in cases is lasting longer than expected, which leaves more people at-risk of being exposed to COVID-19,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage everyone to wear masks indoors in public spaces when possible as well as continue to use our ample testing and vaccination resources we have in the County. I know we are all tired of this virus, but the virus is not tired of us. If we keep doing our individual parts, as a community, we can tamp down this increase in the case rate and avoid going back to days of more restrictive measures.”

The County’s COVID-19 case rate has risen steadily over the last month and is now more than triple the recent low on March 15. Although the County is currently an area of low-level community transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the case rate is quickly approaching medium-level community transmission. While there has not been a commensurate increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the County, there is concern about the impact that spring break travel and holiday gatherings may have on transmission.

Governor Hogan Receives Second COVID-19 Vaccine Booster, Encourages Eligible Marylanders to Get Boosted

By Patrick Herron

Published May 13, 2022 at 5:16PM

The booster shots were administered by vaccinators from the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The governor presented a National Nurses Week proclamation to Karen Doyle, the chief nursing officer for UMMC.

Nearly 11.8 Million COVID-19 Vaccinations Statewide. To date, Maryland has administered nearly 11.8 million COVID-19 vaccines, including more than 2.3 million booster shots. Hundreds of locations across the state continue to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Find a provider at covidvax.maryland.gov.

Council Vice President Evan Glass Requests Additional Funding for Expanded Access to Abortions for Montgomery County Residents

By Patrick Herron

Published May 5, 2022 at 10:08AM

On Sunday night, Politico reported that the Supreme Court would be voting to strike down Roe v. Wade, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito. On Wednesday, Council Vice President Evan Glass sent the following letter to County Marc Elrich requesting expanded access to abortions to Montgomery County residents.

Free At-home COVID-19 PCR Test Kits Available at Multiple Locations in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published May 4, 2022 at 4:56PM

In-person PCR testing continues at multiple sites throughout the community. A schedule of testing locations can be found at the County’s website.

Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center. 13850 Travilah Road, Rockville.