Mississippi’s coronavirus transmission rate has declined in recent weeks, but health officials say this type of disease is still unpredictable in how it behaves. Recently, the CDC issued national guidance that people who are up to date on their coronavirus vaccinations do not need to wear face coverings in public, unless in a confined space. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says the CDC has also released a new tool that offers further guidance on the county level.
“And it has a series of individual behaviors that a person can take, but also for the community at large, so for those who are at low a mask is not recommended,” says Dr. Byers. “For those at a medium, a mask is not recommended in those indoor public areas.”
The Department of Health’s lab receives coronavirus tests from across the state which are monitored for variants of the virus. Dr Byers says it will be important to continue monitoring the disease to identify any potential rise in cases early. He says it is unclear if transmission will surge again, or if the pandemic could transition into an endemic.
“Very similar to what we see with Flu. Flu is an endemic illness. If you look hard enough for Flu, you’re going to see Flu year-round,” says Dr. Byers. “Eventually, we may get to that in COVID. I don’t think we’re ready to say that we’re in endemic yet, I think we need to really see what these next few weeks and months are going to roll out for us with COVID.”
Dr. Byers says being up to date on vaccines is the most effective protection against COVID-19.
