Nearly 18 months into the onset of Covid-19 Delta Variant, the CDC and other agencies and institutions around the world are conducting thousands of epidemiological studies to learn more about Covid-19 Delta Variant and the virus that causes it. Our office has been following CDC guidelines in terms of safeguarding our patients, staff, and vendors from the virus by:
- Frequent handwashing
- Sanitizing surfaces
- Mask wearing
- Social distancing
On June 30 it was reported in the Seattle Times that the state of Washington fully reopened its economy, including restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, etc.
Reopening guidance included:
- Vaccine verification/negative testing:Recommended but not required for large indoor and outdoor events
- Capacity limitations:No restrictions in restaurants, bars, stores, businesses, theaters etc. (except large indoor events)
- Physical distancing:No requirements
- Facial coverings:Not required for vaccinated individuals, unless required by individual business
- Travelers: Follow CDC recommendations
Delta, or B.1.617.2, was first identified in India in Dec. 2020. Within a matter of months, this variant spread to over 98 countries around the world, becoming the dominant variant in more than a dozen of those countries, including India, Scotland, the U.K., Israel, and the United States. Delta is now responsible for more than 83% of COVID-19 cases being reported in the U.S. and, with only 48% of the total U.S. population fully vaccinated, conditions are ripe for continued evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Symptoms
The B.1.617.2 (delta) variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), has contributed to a surge in cases in India and has now been detected across the globe, including a notable increase in cases in the United Kingdom.
Washington State
As of this writing, the statistics show that 4,382,753 people in the state of Washington have been vaccinated, which is less than 60% of the population.
Herd Immunity – what is it and can we acquire it?
Herd immunity happens when a large part of the population — the herd — is immune to a virus. This can happen either because these people got vaccinated or had already been infected. Herd immunity makes it harder for a virus to spread. For COVID-19, the percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated or infected to achieve herd immunity is estimated to be between 70% and 90%, and this is assuming lasting immunity is possible.
Our First Priority
Caring for our patients is our number one priority. Our goal for you is wellness. Enduring a pandemic can be distressing, and for patients with chronic pain or depression, may make one feel less optimistic. We’re here to provide a continuum of care that produces successful outcomes for our patients.
Our office remains OPEN as we are offering Telemedicine Services & Consultation, Infusions, Prescription Refills, and some Procedures. We have implemented screening procedures for every patient who enters the office.
We now offer Telemedicine, a simple virtual platform, where initial consultations for Ketamine infusions, chronic pain consults including medication management/prescription refills and acute pre-operative pain management for patients awaiting surgery which has been delayed due to Covid-19 Delta Variant. When you schedule an appointment, if applicable, Telemedicine will be offered. All you need is a mobile or desktop device with camera/microphone capabilities and an Internet connection. Our office manager will send you your appointment link via email the night before.
Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment and if you have any questions or concerns, contact us at 425.440.3351.
