Is the pandemic over?

Up to 400 Americans DIE of COVID every day, so the answer is NO

William Hauk, University of South Carolina; Lisa Miller, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Wayne Au, University of Washington, Bothell

Life is more normal now than it has been in years, as 

people do away with  masks and social distancing.

 Stefan Tomic/E+ via Getty Images

President Joe Biden’s declaration that “the pandemic is over” raised eyebrows and the hackles of some experts who think such messaging could be premature and counterproductive.

But to many Americans who have long since returned to pre-COVID 19 activities and are now being forced back into the office, the remark may ring true.

The problem is that what “back to normal” feels like may differ from person to person, depending on the individual’s circumstances and by what criteria they are judging the pandemic to be over. The Conversation asked three scholars of different parts of U.S. society affected by the pandemic – public health, education and the economy – to evaluate just how “over” the pandemic is in their worlds. This is what they said:

Almost 1 in 3 Older Adults Develop New Medical Conditions After COVID-19 Infection

COVID just keeps on giving

By BMJ 

Results can help anticipate the scale of future health complications and improve planning for use of healthcare resources.

Almost a third (32 of every 100) of older adults infected with covid-19 in 2020 developed at least one new condition that required medical attention in the months after initial infection, 11 more than those who did not have covid-19, finds a US study published by The BMJ on February 9, 2022.

Conditions involved a range of major organs and systems, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver as well as mental health complications.

Studies examining the frequency and severity of new conditions (sequelae) after covid-19 infection have started to emerge, but few have described the excess risk of new conditions triggered by covid-19 infection in older adults (aged at least 65).

To address this, US researchers used health insurance plan records to identify 133,366 individuals aged 65 or older in 2020 who were diagnosed with covid-19 before April 1, 2020.

These individuals were matched to three (non-covid) comparison groups from 2020, 2019, and a group diagnosed with viral lower respiratory tract illness.

Open your mouth and say "Arrrrr!" on Saturday

"How I Became a Pirate" at Ocean State Theater

Introduce your child to the magic of live theatre at the new state-of-the-art Ocean State Theatre!

Melinda Long's best-selling book comes to life when Ocean State Theatre Company presents the unforgettable musical adventure, How I Became a Pirate for one show only on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 11:00 am. The production is part of Ocean State Theatre Company's Family Fun Fest, which is recommended for children 4 years and older.

Jeremy Jacobs' talent for building sand castles and digging moats has earned him an invitation to join the crew of Captain Braid Beard's ship. Living the high life at sea, Jeremy trades manners for mayhem as he rolls in stolen treasure, sings sea chanteys, and practices his pirate talk with all his new pirate friends. It's a grand adventure, until Jeremy remembers all the things he left behind such as bedtime stories and goodnight kisses. And, what about soccer practice tomorrow? Surely, the pirates can be convinced to take him home!

East Greenwich deal falls through for Ocean State Theatre Company

Several months ago we published a South Kingston Patch.com article about the expansion into East Greenwich by Theatre by the Sea operator, Ocean State Theatre.

This new Patch.com article explains how that deal fell through and alternate plans.

by Elizabeth McNamara

A lavender invitation.. You are invited

Join us at The Haversham Inn & Tavern, 336 Post Road  
Westerly RI  .. 
Sunday November 20th, 12:30-1:30 
for a Fashion Show of Cancer Colors 

From Sandra Puchalski

Please join us!

Cancer comes in many colors.. not just pink... We are having a fall fashion show to raise awareness of all the cancer colors.  Colors for a Cause - Louisana Chapter was in charge of the Brennans Gift to Sandi Cancer Awareness Truck.. as many of you know.. the truck is complete and has been on many Cancer Awareness Missions.  

Ocean State Theatre Company Looks To Rent Warehouse In East Greenwich

Credit Evan Crawley

Ocean State Theatre Company, which leases Theatre-By-The-Sea in Matunuck, wants a year-round home, but will keep leasing in South Kingston.

By Elizabeth McNamara