Marking the 2 Year Anniversary of COVID-19
It is tough to believe we have reached the 2 year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was this month, 2 years ago, when New York City and the majority of the US imposed restrictions on restaurants, gyms, schools and other businesses in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus– the “mystery” virus we would spend the next couple years consumed in learning every detail of its impact and how to keep ourselves and loved ones healthy.
As we reflect back to when the pace of the world seemingly came to a halt and all resources and efforts were directed towards assisting hospitals, caring for infected individuals, and communicating the latest findings, it’s important to acknowledge the resiliency of people and the tremendous advancements made in the past 2 years.
In an unprecedented timeline, the US government in partnership with pharmaceutical companies, like Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson completed clinical testing necessary to produce vaccines that would greatly protect individuals from getting severely sick from COVID-19 and slow its transmission. Thanks to the advancements in technology and the countless medical providers and volunteers that have contributed to the rapid administration of these vaccines, many Americans are able to see loved ones in-person and return to some normalcy.
Now, according to the CDC COVID data tracker, 65% of the US population is fully vaccinated, with more people getting vaccinated and boosted everyday. In fact, as the demand for boosters increase, plans have been announced to distribute and administer boosters in over 80,000 locations in the US, including over 40,000 local pharmacies.
It can be tough to find the silver lining in the past 2 years. The advancements in medical technology and the creative and innovative solutions presented during the pandemic were certainly impressive, but if we can pull some additional highlights, we hope the below can also be true:
- Mental health takes a leading role in health conversations and support is more widely available
- Individuals and families integrate some of the “slower pace” experiences they enjoyed from the pandemic
- Communities continue to care for and support each other, like the incredible medical students at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine who recently volunteered their time during the latest Omicron wave
- Individuals take advantage of preventive health practices and get more engaged in their own health
- Virtual video visits become a common form of communicating with your doctor, helping people maintain regular touch points with their care provider
- Hand hygiene and other practices help keep some illness infection rates at bay, such as the record low cases of flu these past couple seasons
- Medical professionals continue to receive the support and trust from their communities
Getting Support from the Barclays Health Center
The Mount Sinai care team at the Barclays Health Center is equipped to help you navigate all health concerns, including COVID-19 testing and care. To stay up to date on recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, schedule your vaccination series or booster using The New Jersey vaccine locator, the New York State vaccine locator or schedule at a Mount Sinai location.
Our Personal Health Navigators are also available to help answer questions. Chat through the portal, call +1 646 605 3900, or email barhcsupport@mountsinai.org for assistance.