UPMC doctors are urging people to limit holiday gatherings to household members.
They also stressed that face masks can protect children who are too young for vaccination and other people whose immune systems are weaker because of age or illness.
“Wear your mask when you’re with others and in crowds. That still is the best way to keep even those who are more vulnerable from getting sick,” said Dr. Graham Snyder, UPMC’s medical director for infection prevention.
They offered the advice as Pennsylvania endures a surge in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, with many likely linked to Thanksgiving gatherings.
As of Monday, Pennsylvania hospitals were caring for 4,177 COVID-19 patients. The 14-day average of hospitalizations was 3,756, an increase of more than 1,000 from about three weeks ago, and from less than 300 in mid-July.
Pennsylvania’s rate of positive COVID-19 tests reached 15.3% during the seven days ending Thursday, more than triple the level considered evidence of significant spread, and up from only about 1% in early summer.
Some rural counties, including Perry County in the Harrisburg region, have rates above 30%.
READ MORE: Some central Pa. hospitals surpassing pace of worst COVID-19 surge
Heading into the December holidays, UPMC doctors urged people to make sure they are fully vaccinated and to get a booster if they are due for one.
Doctors continue to stress that, while there are more breakthrough infections, unvaccinated people continue to make up a strong majority of those who are severely ill or dying from COVID-19. The severely-ill breakthrough cases usually involve people who are very old and have multiple ongoing illnesses, doctors say.
UPMC doctors also stressed that flu cases are rising in Pennsylvania and flu vaccine, which is separate from COVID-19 vaccine, provides good protection. Flu vaccine is often available at places such as pharmacies which give COVID-19 shots and boosters, and can be given at the same time. Face masks also prevent spread of the flu, the doctors noted.
“My plea to you during this holiday season is that everyone who is eligible for COVID-19 and a flu vaccine to make the choice to get one. That plus masking when you’re indoors or in crowds with those who are not your immediate family, are the best protection from COVID-19 and the flu,” said Dr. Donald Yealy, UPMC’s chief medical officer.
Snyder said there are questions about how well the vaccines will protect against the new omicron variant, but doctors remain optimistic they will be at least partly effective, with vaccinated people continuing to fare better than the unvaccinated.
READ MORE: If the vaccine works so well, why is COVID-19 surging again in Pa.?
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