Covid cases are on the rise in Massachusetts and Worcester.  This has led the administration to recommend that masks once again be worn indoors.  Dr. Michal Hirsh tells us that it is a recommendation not a mandate and that although the numbers are on the rise the number of hospitalizations remains low compared to the height of Covid.  These latest variations are highly transmissible and it appears people can catch these new mutations even if they are fully vaccinated and even if they have had Covid in the past.  Dr. Hirsh says being fully vaccinated and getting the booster is still your best defense against getting a severe case.

OK – Covid numbers going up in Worcester, so does that mean back to masks. No, says Dr. Michael Hirsh. We’re not seeing the number of hospitalizations, the ICU is not in danger of being overrun. Take precautions. Get boosted but going back to some of the mandates we had before, probably not. 

The average number of weekly Covid cases has doubled recently but severe cases have remained low.  Dr. Michael Hirsh called into the Talk of the Commonwealth with Hank Stolz morning show to go over the latest numbers and why what is happening now is what we will probably be living with in the future.  With the stealth omicron variation not being as severe we may see our response becoming more like our response to the flu. Hirsh said outreach into the community is ongoing to get people vaccinated and now boosted and that will continue through at least May.  If you are over 50 it is recommended that you get a 4th shot, especially if you are in a high risk category. 

Based on what’s happening around the world Dr. Michael Hirsh warned to be on the lookout for a rise in stealth omicron cases at the end of April. Hirsh said the CDC will most likely authorize a 4th shot for individuals and that it will begin to become like the yearly flu shot. He called into Talk of the Commonwealth to tell us that the public is invited to the dedication of the city’s COVID-19 memorial on March 29th at 11:30 a.m. at Elm Park. A permanent plaque will be unveiled and become a place of reflection. Worcester lost over 500 residents during the pandemic.

About Dr. Michael Hirsh

Dr. Michael Hirsh is the city of Worcester Medical Director.  He is the assistant provost for wellness and health at UMass/Memorial, professor of surgery, chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and surgeon-in-chief for the UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center.