Cases inch up in N.J. as BA.2 spreads | Coronavirus Updates Newsletter
Plus, the latest on a fourth dose
The gist: The BA.2 subvariant of the coronavirus is contributing to a slight uptick of new cases in New Jersey. That news comes as the FDA authorized a fourth dose of both the Pfizer and Modern vaccines for folks aged 50 and older, but it’s not totally clear how much most people would benefit from it. And, as the pandemic wears on, the CDC’s director stopped by Princeton University to talk about what’s ahead.
📥 Tell us: What do you think is ahead in the pandemic? Send us a note, and we’ll share some responses in next week’s newsletter. Please keep it to 35 words.
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— Nick Vadala (@njvadala, health@inquirer.com)
Just after the spread of COVID-19 reached its lowest levels since July, the omicron subvariant known as BA.2 became the dominant strain of the coronavirus nationally and in the Northeast. And in New Jersey, it’s already contributing to a slight increase in new cases, but officials haven’t “yet seen any indication” that it will cause a large surge.
What you need to know
💉 The FDA has authorized a fourth dose of Pfizer and Modern vaccines for those 50 and older, but it isn’t clear how much benefit most people would get from it.
😷 During a visit to Princeton University, CDC director Rochelle Walensky detailed what’s ahead in the pandemic.
🏫 The pandemic upended the education system, and some parts of schooling, like grading and snow days, are forever changed, some educators say.
🧻 The pandemic’s supply shortages have forced consumers to become more experimental with their toilet paper selections. Recycled paper or bamboo, anyone?
😔 Despite lockdowns having eased since the height of the pandemic, the depression associated with them is still persisting, a study has found.
🍽️ As the city plans to reconfigure the rules governing Philly’s pandemic-induced streeteries, a block of Sansom Street has reopened to traffic — and restaurateurs are not happy.
Local coronavirus numbers
📉 Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are declining in Pennsylvania, and cases are increasing slightly in New Jersey. Track the latest data here.
Helpful resources
What you need to know about the accuracy of at-home rapid tests.
Here are Philadelphia restaurants that still require proof of vaccination.
If you were vaccinated outside the United States, here’s what you should know.
What you’re saying
Last week, we asked how worried you are about the omicron subvariant. Here’s what you told us:
😨 “Infecting family and friends, passing the virus on to unsuspecting people, being quarantined in one’s own home and becoming deathly ill are fears enough for us all.”
💉 “Early signs show that prior infection and vaccination offer some protection. That’s great news and means we shouldn’t be any more concerned about BA.2 than the ordinary flu.”
✋ “The big worry about subvariants is that we are making it very easy for them to mutate. Deciding now that all borders are open and everyone should fly is an open invitation for this to happen.”
🤷 “Honestly I don’t care about it at all. I have done everything I was supposed to do and at this point I choose to live my life.”
😷 “I’ve become cynical about all those who say they are finished with COVID and are tossing aside precautions. I continue to mask up and avoid indoor venues.”
A dose of diversion: Philadelphia, the ‘greatest sandwich city in the solar system’
You may love hoagies, but chances are you’re not as obsessed with them as Dominic “Hoagie Dom” Rocconi. His carefully crafted, wistful riffs on classic Italian sandwiches pop up irregularly at his “hoagie residency” at Bardot Cafe in Northern Liberties, and they’re something to behold. So, we caught up with Rocconi, who told us why Philly is not only the best city for hoagies in the country, but possibly the entire solar system.
🎵 Wanna do an impromptu duet with a singer in the streets of Philly? Then, boy, do we have the public art project for you.
🎸 A Philly-led rock album put together by a punk rock professor is raising money for Ukraine that also includes musicians from that war-torn country.
A good thing: Philly companies’ perks
As local business executives grapple with recruiting and retaining their workforce amid the pandemic’s tight labor market, they’re turning to perks from flexible schedules and hybrid work to catered lunches and gym memberships to keep employees happy. And raises — don’t forget the raises.