The COVID-19 outbreak has deeply impacted the world and everyone living in it. Presently, almost 1 ½ years since the lockdown in March 2020, the virus is still rampaging the globe, multiplying with new strains of varying deadliness. As school districts around the nation, including Abington, have opted for in-person learning for the 2021-2022 year, it is crucial for everyone to follow COVID protocols. This new segment will provide updates on the number of cases worldwide, in the United States, and within our community. The purpose for this segment is to detect changes in the number of cases from past weeks and to encourage the Abington community to take as many preventative measures as possible to protect themselves and others around them. It is important to note that the data presented below does not paint a completely accurate picture of the spread of COVID-19 as these statistics only show the reported cases/deaths. 

Worldwide:

Number of new cases: 2,845,770

• Percent change from last week: -5%

Number of deaths: 46,732

• Percent change from last week: -6%

Percent vaccinated: 

• At least 1 dose: 49%
• Fully: 36%

United States:

Number of new cases: 628,458

• Percent change from last week: -14%

Number of deaths: 9,907

• Percent change from last week: -15%

Percent vaccinated: 

• At least 1 dose: 65.1%
• Fully: 56.2%

Pennsylvania:

Number of new cases: 34,324

• Percent change in cases from last week: +7%

Number of deaths: 414

• Percent change in deaths from last week: +12%

Percent vaccinated: 

• At least 1 dose: 63.7%
• Fully: 57.8%

Montgomery County:

Number of new cases: 1,332

• Percent change from last week: +26.02%

Number of deaths: 11

• Percent change from last week: -8.33%

Percent vaccinated: 

• At least 1 dose: 70.2%
• Fully: 61.7%

From this week’s data, it is evident that although the number of worldwide cases has decreased, this is not the case on the more local levels. Interestingly, although the number of cases increased in both Pennsylvania and Montgomery County, the percent of people fully vaccinated are higher compared to the worldwide and nationwide rate. The 26.02% increase in the number of cases in Montgomery County is alarming, and despite the relatively high vaccination rate, it is clear that our community should make a stronger effort to follow COVID protocols whether it be in school or out of school. 

Going back to school was an exciting event for many people as students are now able to interact with friends and teachers that they have not seen in months. However, it is as important as ever to be cautious of one’s health and be mindful that one person’s actions can affect a whole community. Maintaining social distancing can be very difficult, especially with the construction going on at Abington, but try your best to respect everyone’s personal space. Use the hand sanitizers that are provided everywhere around the school after each period and if you have time to use the restroom, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. And most importantly, always remember to wear your masks above your nose!

Sources:

“CDC Covid Data Tracker.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#.

“Dashboard.” Department of Health, https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Dashboard.aspx.

Holder, Josh. “Tracking Coronavirus Vaccinations around the World.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 29 Jan. 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-vaccinations-tracker.html.

“Weekly New Cases:” Worldometer, https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/weekly-trends/#weekly_table.

White House COVID-19 Team, Joint Coordination Cell. “Covid-19 State Profile Report – Pennsylvania.” HealthData.gov, 27 Jan. 2021, https://healthdata.gov/Community/COVID-19-State-Profile-Report-Pennsylvania/tkdp-r3p8.