You’ve probably noticed that the COVID-19 pandemic has come to Philadelphia in waves. During a wave, many people get sick, the Department of Health institutes mitigation measures, and things get better. Then a new variant appears and sends us back to the pandemic.
It can be overwhelming at times, but we have learned from this experience that there are things we can do to help break the cycle. Mandates and other mitigation measures work and keep the waves from getting worse.
It is important that restrictions are in place when COVID-19 is actively circulating widely in Philadelphia to help protect the most vulnerable people. It’s also important that we get a break from those restrictions when things are relatively safer.
What’s happening?
Simply put, when the number of COVID-19 cases is down and the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is down, it means we are no longer in a COVID-19 wave. The disease is no longer spreading widely in Philadelphia, so COVID-19 response levels of the City allow us to relax our restrictions.
When the disease does not spread widely, it means everyone is at less risk. It’s now safer to do many of the things we love. It’s still not completely safe, and some Philadelphians are still at higher risk for COVID-19. In general, however, things are looking up.
The time between the waves of COVID-19 gives us hope that one day soon, we will overcome COVID.
What does that mean?
Does that mean the pandemic is over? It may feel that way, but since so many people around the world are not vaccinated, we may see another wave and more people getting sick. So far, we have been through several waves of COVID-19, and it is impossible to predict when, and even if, another one will come. However, this does not mean that we cannot enjoy this time.
So what can I do now?
When Philly is in the COVID-19 Response Level All Clear means that all City restrictions have been removed. You can:
- Go without a mask in most indoor public places
- See friends and family
- HUG friends and family
- Enjoy dining at your favorite restaurants
- Visit the city’s museums
- Come back to enjoy so many other parts of Philly that you’ve missed
Now is the time to take advantage of the COVID-19 slowdown in our lives. Enjoying all those things you love again is good for your mental health.
What am I supposed to do now?
In addition to enjoying our well-deserved time away from COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, there is much we should all be doing. You will notice that this blog post is not talking about the pandemic being over. It’s about what to do in case another wave of COVID-19 returns one day.
Like the ant in Aesop’s classic fable, The Ant and the Grasshopper, we have to start preparing before things get bad again. Fortunately, these are not difficult things to do. Remember all the things you wished you had done during previous waves of COVID-19. Now is the time to start making them.
- Get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations: studies have shown that having received a booster dose is highly protective against severe COVID-19, hospitalization, and death. Bringing everyone you love up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations is the single most important thing you can do to prepare for another wave of COVID-19. You can find free vaccine clinics here or here.
- Stock up on masks: masks have been shown to be one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from becoming infected with COVID-19. If you’re running low on masks or know you’ll need more if we need to start wearing them again, buy them now while they’re plentiful. OR get free N-95 of the federal government.
- Stock up on COVID-19 tests: We all remember how difficult it was to find COVID tests during the worst waves of COVID-19. Don’t get stuck going to store after store or standing in line for hours surrounded by other people who might have COVID-19. Get your free COVID-19 tests from the federal government today and be prepared in case someone in your home starts to feel sick.
- Pay attention to what is happening with the pandemic: They say warned is pre-armed. If you look for the warning signs, it might even signal that more difficult times are ahead. In the past, we have seen COVID-19 cases rise in places like Europe and the UK before we saw them in the United States. If we start to see cases going up there, it’s a good idea to start preparing. Cases tend to spike in larger cities like Los Angeles and New York before they do in Philadelphia. If you see those places starting to experience more cases of COVID-19, get ready because we could be next. To find out what’s going on in Philadelphia, be sure to follow the Department of Health on Twitter and sign up for text alerts by texting COVIDPHL to 888-777.
- Make sure you have a primary care provider: There are now effective medications for COVID-19 infection, which are indicated for older adults and people with high-risk conditions. But these medications need to be given as soon as possible after a positive test, so waiting until you have COVID-19 infection to find a primary care provider will make it more difficult to get a prescription if you need one.
What if that was the last variant? Would we have finished then?
When that happens, the Department of Health will be celebrating. Once we get to a point where the number of people getting sick from COVID-19 goes down in all parts of the world, and many, many more people are vaccinated, that’s a sign that we may actually have beaten covid- 19.
However, until that happens, it is very possible that we could have more variants and more waves of COVID-19. If something else shows up, and you did all the things you should have, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself, your loved ones, your family, and your community.
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