PublicSource | News for a better Pittsburgh (https://www.publicsource.org/author/juliet-b-martinez/)
Given the longer times immunocompromised people with COVID-19 can be contagious, vaccinating them, their families and communities to form a protective shield has broader implications than keeping one person or family healthy and whole.
The Delta variant is a strain of COVID-19 that was first detected in India, where it quickly became the dominant strain. It has been identified in 85 countries and is spreading rapidly among unvaccinated populations. Between May 8 and June 5, the Delta variant jumped from representing 1.3% of new cases in the United States to 10%. It now accounts for more than half of all new COVID-19 cases nationwide. Not only is this strain more contagious, doctors are reporting that it causes more severe illness and a faster onset of serious symptoms.
Overall COVID cases in Allegheny County remain low, largely showing the success of vaccination efforts.
Local resources are available to connect renters and their loved ones with financial and legal support, mental health services and safe, consistent shelter. The services, websites and programs listed here can help.
When the pandemic took these spaces away, the school’s response was guided by its democratic principles. Through a highly participatory process, the school has kept kids learning, reopened in-person schooling for four months of this school year so far, and kept their community COVID-free.
