With COVID-19 cases on the rise, a new variant emerging, and the holidays fast approaching, Arkansans should redouble their efforts to protect themselves from the virus, ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson said in recent media interviews.
“We’ve relaxed our defenses. We’re not wearing masks as much, we’re not keeping our distance, we’re not thinking about washing our hands as often as we used to,” Thompson said in an interview with 40/29. “A virus is very effective in its transmission if you don’t take precautions. Unfortunately, because we’re all COVID-fatigued, we’re letting our precautions down and COVID is getting the upper hand.”
The best protection is to get vaccinated, Thompson told reporters. He said people should not consider themselves fully protected until they have been vaccinated and, because the effectiveness of the vaccines wanes over time, received a booster shot.
“Everyone now is recommended to get a booster shot to ramp that immunity back up to keep that protection optimal against COVID-19,” he told KNWA.
For tips on how to celebrate the holidays safely during the pandemic, see our COVID-19 in Arkansas page.
