Clay's Purpose — January 2022
Dr. Ivan Martinez is a virologist at the WVU School of Medicine. He explains how the COVID-19 Omicron variant, while not as virulent as Delta, still poses and risk and should be taken seriously.
January. Just like that another year is here. A new year of staying hopeful but still staying safe.
We are seeing the impact of COVID-19 and the omicron variant here in our state, at our University and acutely in our hospitals.
In this new year and until COVID-19 is no longer a widespread threat, we must continue to stay safe and follow the recommended public health guidelines.
Get fully vaccinated. If you are already vaccinated and it has been at least five months after your primary dose, get your booster shot. Unvaccinated people are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine. With the omicron variant, this is more urgent than ever.
Wear a mask. Wear a well-fitting mask, an N95 or KN95 if you can, in crowded settings and for activities that put you in close contact with others. Masks are required in all WVU facilities and buildings through at least Feb. 1 when public health conditions will be reevaluated.
Avoid large crowds and meetings. Avoid crowded areas where you may find people unmasked. If you are invited to an indoor event that with more than 10 people, wear a well-fitting mask.
If you feel ill or have COVID-19 symptoms, STAY HOME, regardless of test results. With the omicron variant, results may initially be negative and then turn positive.
Stay six feet apart from others, particularly where people are unmasked. Put six feet (about two arm lengths) distance between yourself and people who do not live in your household.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in public spaces, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Get your flu vaccine. There are other flu and respiratory illnesses circulating.
We have to be safe so that we can keep others safe. If you haven’t yet, please get vaccinated.
Stay strong.
Clay Marsh, M.D.
Vice President and Executive Dean
WVU Health Sciences