What do people need to know about these new sub-options, especially since many of them gather for celebrations like Mother’s Day and graduation? What precautions should they take? How can people assess their own risk and are there any gatherings that people should miss?
Dr. Liana Wen: We know that the original version of the Omicron was already more portable than previous versions such as the Delta version. People infected with Omicron tend to have a milder disease than those infected with Delta. And although vaccines are less effective against Omicron than against some previous versions, vaccines and boosters still provide excellent protection against severe disease due to Omicron.
This seems to be the case with these new Omicron sub-variants. There is no evidence that they cause more severe disease, and vaccinations and boosters are still the best form of protection against severe disease. However, they look even more portable than the original Omicron BA.1, which means that avoiding the coronavirus is even harder than before.
CNN: Are these new sub-options still being distributed in the same way?
Wen: Yes. As a reminder, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, is a respiratory virus that can be spread by close contact and airborne (airborne) contact. If you are around someone who is infected and they cough or sneeze, these particles can be transmitted to you.
In addition, because Covid-19 is transmitted by air, it can only be transmitted by someone who breathes or speaks. There is also a theoretical possibility of superficial transmission, which means that if someone who is infected touches the door handle, then touch it and then touch your nose or mouth, you can become infected.
This means that the precautions we’ve been talking about all along are still working to prevent Covid-19 infection. Masking reduces the likelihood of inhaling aerosols or other particles ejected by someone else – and the type of mask really does matter.
These new variants are so contagious that a cloth mask is simply not enough. You really need to wear a high quality respiratory mask, such as the N95, KN95 or KF94. Make sure the mask fits snugly. Adults who cannot tolerate such masks, or children who are too young to wear these masks, should wear at least a 3-layer surgical mask. To ensure a better fit, they could also wear a cloth mask on top.
Ventilation is also key. It remains much safer outdoors than indoors. And indoors there is a big difference between a large room with open windows and a lot of space compared to a small narrow closed area where people are huddled together. And don’t forget to wash your hands. Effective hand washing with soap and water protects not only from the coronavirus, but also from other pathogens.
CNN: What precautions should people take when attending prom parties, Mother’s Day celebrations, and other events?
Wen: There are three main types of precautions – vaccines, testing and masking. How much you decide to take depends on your medical circumstances, the level of Covid-19 in your community, and your own risk calculation for how long you want to continue avoiding Covid-19.
First, let’s talk about the three precautions. Vaccines and boosters protect very well against serious diseases. They also reduce the likelihood of infection. Make sure you are aware of your booster, including deciding on a second booster if you qualify.
Taking a quick home test just before gatherings can also reduce the risk. These tests measure how contagious you are at the moment, so they should be taken as close to collection as possible. A negative test three days ago only shows that you do not have enough Covid-19 at this time to appear on the test; it doesn’t say you’re not infected right now. If everyone takes a negative test just before they get together, it also reduces the risk.
Of course, masking also reduces the risk. I don’t think it’s very practical to ask people to get together for a mask for dinner, and many social events that include food and drink can’t realistically impose the disguise. But if you’re a person at high risk for severe Covid-19 disease and really want to avoid the coronavirus, it’s always a choice for you to dress up, even when others around you aren’t.
You can attend an N95 graduation ceremony or other high-quality mask. You can go to the front desk after others have eaten and drank, but you choose not to. And you could choose to just go to a small gathering for Mother’s Day with a close family, all of whom are cautious and tested just before, rather than a big party.
I think it’s important for everyone to think about camouflage in high-risk conditions, such as crowded airports and train stations, as recommended by the CDC. This reduces the chance of getting infected in these settings and then having to skip graduation or other events of great value to you.
CNN: Would you recommend that events have vaccine and testing requirements?
Wen: It depends on the event. If it’s outdoors, I don’t think any of these requirements are necessary. Indoor events with many people, especially in areas with higher Covid-19 transmission, should consider requiring proof of vaccination and ideally boosters. Same-day testing also reduces risk.
If you are at high risk of complications from Covid-19 or if you really do not want to be infected with the coronavirus, you may want to take extra precautions yourself. Wear a mask, as I mentioned above, and skip indoor events with food and drink, unless you are good at giving up food and drink and disguising yourself all the time. Create a plan in advance, including choosing to leave if you feel uncomfortable.
I would also advise people that every time you interact with others, you run the risk of contracting Covid-19. This does not mean that you should not make any gatherings. This means that you need to be aware of the risk and think in advance how much you want to continue to avoid the coronavirus. If you want to avoid it, take extra precautions. Be aware that new and even more contagious sub-variants mean that it is even harder to avoid the coronavirus than before.
Some people may decide that they really want to attend a higher risk event, despite the risks. If this is the case, they should be tested three days after the event and definitely before visiting immunocompromised family members. Also, know in advance if you qualify for treatment as an antiviral pill.
At this point in the pandemic, it is unrealistic to tell people to avoid gatherings. But we can help people understand and weigh their own risks, as well as take precautions both during and after events to reduce the risk to themselves and others around them.
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