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Long-Haul COVID-19 Response

COVID-19, the gift that keeps on giving.

The news just keeps getting worse! Things are changing rapidly.

Here is the email sent to our staff on Monday:

“The infectious nature of the Omicron variant and its rapid spread appears to have harpooned any hope we have had for in-person/hybrid events.

“My crystal ball says we should plan on ditching any in-person events.

“The rationale is that while the Omicron variant may not be as lethal, and a booster shot provides good protection, the number of cases is going to shoot way up and that will lead to hospitalizations (Mid-January) and deaths by the beginning of February. Some expect this surge will be the worst we have seen.

“COVID, the gift that just keeps on giving!”

I wish I had better news. I’m as tired as everyone from dealing with this disease.
Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.