Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1509493
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 16, 2023 13 Early Detection is Power. It's Safe. It's Easy. It Saves Lives. Early detection of breast cancer is important. Mammograms are safe, fast, and easier than you may think. If you or someone you love is concerned about breast disease, Saint Francis Hospital offers comprehensive resources for screening, diagnosis and treatment for cysts, lumps, breast pain and breast cancer. For scheduling information, please scan the QR code or visit TrinityHealthOfNE.org/Breast. Andrews said he has, however, continued policies implemented during the pandemic, including a requirement for sick workers to remain at home. That is made easier by another recent company mandate — that all staff take their laptop computers home every day. Andrews said there have been several recent COVID cases among his staff, but all have reported milder symptoms. The virus doesn't seem to raise much alarm anymore among Andrews' colleagues and the compa- nies they serve. "I think it's almost becoming like the seasonal flu or cold and I see that across the board and in companies," Andrews said. Less dangerous, still a risk During an Oct. 5 visit to the Fair Haven Community Health Care Clinic in New Haven, Connecticut Depart- ment of Public Health Commis- sioner Dr. Manisha Juthani and Mandy K. Cohen, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acknowledged reduced risks of the COVID-19 virus but stressed a continuing urgency for vaccination and other protections. Healthcare author- ities say they expect COVID hospitalizations to be on par with last year's fall and winter season, enough to strain healthcare providers. The latest COVID vaccine is free to all Americans, either through private health insurance or coverage from the federal government. Cohen noted that 97% of the popu- lation has some degree of immunity, either through vaccination or prior infection. But that protection wanes over time, she said. Cohen said a late-summer rise in COVID cases has abated, but she anticipates a seasonal increase. "We know as we get into the fall and winter, where we are doing activities where this virus likes to spread, we fully expect to see this virus continue to circulate, continue to go up, just like we've seen this last winter and fall," Cohen said. Juthani acknowledged there have been some initial vaccine shortages as private providers take over distribution from government agencies. She expressed guarded optimism the vaccine will be reliably available throughout Connecticut by mid-October. Juthani said employers should require ill staff to remain at home. They can also guard against COVID spread with "state-of-the-art" venti- lation systems. Beyond that, Juthani said the current situation doesn't call for prior measures like universal masking, spacing desks six feet apart or staggering employee attendance. "I don't think the original precau- tions that we had are necessary at this stage of this virus and where we are," Juthani said. Yale University epidemiologist and professor Dr. Sten H. Vermund said between those who have been vacci- nated and those who have recovered from past infection, there is only a "tiny subset" of the population suscep- tible to significant risk of serious health consequences from COVID-19. He said strict employer health mandates would likely be ignored. Instead, companies can reduce infection risk with upgraded ventila- tion systems that include better filtra- tion. Employers should also strongly encourage and facilitate vaccinations, offering time off for appointments or arranging workplace vaccination clinics, Vermund said. Centers for Disease Control Director Dr. Mandy Cohen and Rep. Rosa DeLauro visited Fair Haven Community Health Care and answered questions from the press about COVID-19 risks and vaccinations. PHOTO | SHAHRZAD RASEKH/CT MIRROR Dr. Manisha Juthani Dr. Sten H. Vermund