COVID-19 cases continue to decline in the United States, including a substantial drop in children, as mask mandates continue to make news.In Eastern Europe, however, the Omicron variant continues to cause challenges, especially in regions with low vaccine uptake.US markers continue declineNearly 300,000 pediatric COVID-19 cases were reported last week, down sharply from a peak of 1,150,000 the week ending Jan 20, the American Academy of Pediatrics said in its latest weekly update.
However, it added that cases in children remain extremely high and are still above the peak of the Delta surge.Other US COVID indicators are also declining, including the 7-day average, which yesterday was 154,912 according to the New York Times tracker, down from 178,668 2 days earlier.
The 7-day average for deaths also declined, but it is still above the peak of deaths during the Delta surge.As state and city officials continue to assess their COVID measures against the backdrop of declining cases, California health officials yesterday announced that they will keep the mask mandate for schools at least until the end of the month.
And Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser said yesterday that, as of Mar 1, masks will no longer be required in restaurants, bars, gyms, grocery stores, and pharmacies.In other US developments, New York City yesterday announced the firing of more than 1,430 workers who didn't comply with the vaccine requirement for city employees.In new poll findings, 22% of health workers said they have considered leaving the industry, up from 15% last summer.