Brace for Impact

The US is currently facing a new and more dangerous winter surge of the novel coronavirus. In December 2022, total Covid-19 cases increased by nearly 10% to over 22 million infections. During this time, hospitalizations for Covid-19 reached an all-time high in many states across the nation.

Several states reported record-breaking numbers of new cases, with Texas, Florida, and Arizona topping the list. With the additional strain on hospitals, many states were forced to implement capacity restrictions for those seeking treatment for Covid-19 related issues. Additionally, some states experienced a dramatic shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and face shields.

In 2022, the US government is continuing to take steps to contain the new Covid outbreak. Political leaders at both state and federal levels are collaborating with health departments around the country on strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus. At the national level, President Biden has implemented a series of executive orders to encourage social distancing and reduce opportunities for the virus to spread.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued several guidance documents on how individuals, businesses, and other organizations should handle Covid outbreaks. In addition to these precautions, the CDC is working closely with states to provide real-time support for contact tracing and case investigation processes. The US Department of Health and Human Services is also helping to promote vaccine awareness, as well as providing financial assistance for state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments.

At the state level, governors are putting policies in place that focus on testing and contact tracing. Those methodologies are still unproven. State governors have been facing a dilemna. On one hand, we have seen total shutdowns that devastated our economy. At the same time, reopening all businesses and entertainment centers seems dangerous. In reality, the number of new cases per day has gone up and down with periodic spikes both during shutdowns and all of fthe reopenings. It's not that the attempted containment measures don't work when properly applied, it's that government cannot controll the behaviors of millions of people and success of any containment plan depends on the behavior of each individual

Bringing AI technology into play, the Biden Administration has been working with the private sector to develop innovative solutions that can help contain the outbreak. For example, companies like Microsoft and Amazon are developing national contact tracing systems that utilize digital platforms such as smartphones and wearables. These systems are designed to quickly detect, identify, and respond to Covid cases to help limit their spread. But again, ordinary Americans in all walks of life have to cooperate and conduct themselves with self-discipline.

Nonetheless, US political leaders and health officials have taken decisive action to attempt to contain the new Covid outbreak in 2022. Through a combination of measures that promote public safety, support businesses and schools reopening, and leverage the power of technology, they are taking methodical steps to try to protect Americans from these deadly viruses.

Despite the implementation of all conceived measures, it’s unclear whether the current surge of cases will be able to be contained. These variants are still highly contagious and can spread rapidly, even with additional safety measures in place. Experts warn that if the US doesn’t take stronger action, the new winter wave of Covid-19 could cause irreparable damage to an already strained healthcare system. But we have already been through the strongest action possible, i.e. complete shutdown and it didn't work because such a draconian measure is untenable

The US must take proactive steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and reduce the strain on healthcare systems. To do this, we must utilize high technology to give Covid suferrers access to medical care. Telehealth has proven invaluable in accomplishing the task of treating acute and post Covid syndromes. Operating under Federal authority, I am one provider in solo practice and I have been able to treat more than 6,000 people in the three years of this pandemic. I have saved more than a thousand lives with the aid of artificial intelligence whereby we can remotely obtain vital signs with blood pressure, heart rate variability, and health indices of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. With a special app downloaded to the patient's cell phone we can obtain sophisticated biodata doing a facial scan through the patient's cell phone camera.

Moreover, the winter wave of Covid cases in the United States as of November and December 2022 includes several new variants. The most prevalent and concerning one is known as B.1.1.7, which was first identified in the UK late last year. This variant is believed to be up to 70% more transmissible than the original strain of Covid-19 and is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and mortality.

Other variants that have been seen in the US include B.1.351, which was first identified in South Africa, and P.1, which was first seen in Brazil. These variants are also believed to be more contagious than the original strain of Covid-19, and may also be more resistant to antiviral drugs and vaccines.

Furthermore, two new variants were recently discovered in the US; B.1.427/B.1.429, which was first identified in California, and B.1.526, which was first seen in New York City. These variants are believed to have mutations that could make them more resistant to existing vaccines. In addition, there is also an increase in B.1.617, which was first identified in India and is believed to be the most contagious of all Covid-19 variants seen so far globally. This variant has already been detected in multiple US states and its spread is being closely monitored by public health officials.

In summary, the winter wave of Covid cases in December 2022 includes several variants that are believed to be more contagious and resistant to vaccines than the original strain of Covid-19. People need to take the usual precautionary measures by staying home as much as possible and avoiding crowds, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing. To better prepare for future waves of Covid cases, it is important to continue monitoring the prevalence of different variants in the US and to increase efforts through scientific research to contain