The coronavirus pandemic is still very much in the present. Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are climbing again after Christmas and Hanukkah, with Boston-area data showing a steep spike in positive cases this month.
The newest Covid-19 strain to hit New England is called XBB.1.5, which has been spreading quickly and accounts for three quarters of cases, according to the Center for Disease Control — but it’s not all bad.
Hospitalizations due to Covid-19 may have doubled over the past month, but less than 10% are ill enough to require intensive care, which is a far smaller amount than during previous variants.
But the healthcare system is under increasing strain, especially considering the prevalence of other illnesses like the flu, and mask mandates are slowly starting to make a reappearance.
Boston officials are increasingly requesting people to wear masks, maintain a social distance and avoid large crowds, especially maskless. Several schools and universities are rolling out mask mandates, such as UMass Boston which is requiring students and faculty to wear masks not only indoors, but also in crowded outdoor settings.
“We should all be masking indoors, staying home when sick and testing for COVID-19,” Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu said in a statement recently.
While life is not quite back to normal, travel has resumed. Our drivers are ready to get you and your party to your destination safely, and on time. Contact us now to help you plan your next trip.