Feb. 26, 2021
Dear Members of the Baylor College of Medicine Community,
One of the perks of Texas over New York is the weather. What happened last week?
The COVID numbers look pretty good in Houston and the country this week. However, one number is just astonishing. In the past week we passed the 500,000 mark in COVID deaths in the United States. That is just horrible. President Biden asked that all institutions fly the flag at half-staff. When you enter our building, take a note of those flags flying low this week, representing the terrible toll of COVID.
In this week’s video, I review the conflicting news of late. Are we getting closer to herd immunity because people are following masking and physical distancing measures and getting vaccinated, or are we going to get hit by another wave because of the variants? Since the beginning of COVID, we have had three surges. I hope we will not have a fourth. I am optimistic, with the caveat that we do not let up on mask wearing and physical distancing. Get vaccinated when you can.
We are celebrating residents this week, and today is “Thank A Resident Day.” So find a resident and tell them how much their hard work is appreciated. They have been particularly important as front-line workers in this pandemic.
Stay safe. Enjoy your weekend. We are surviving this pandemic, but a half million people in our country have not. Please do not let your guard down now.
Paul Klotman, M.D.
President & CEO
Executive Dean
