Aug. 27, 2021
Dear Members of the Baylor College of Medicine Community,
The past week presented no significant changes in the global COVID landscape. The hot spots are still the same, and the U.S. is in this group, with case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths showing significant increases.
In this week’s video, I take a look at the U.S. map, which is almost entirely purple, red and orange (not good). I did find that Custer County in Idaho (green on the map) had zero cases in the last seven days. Founded in 1881, the county has a population of 4,368 and area of 4,938 square miles. That means less than one person per square mile. That is extreme physical distancing. I think I might want to visit Custer County.
COVID numbers in the Texas Medical Center continue to increase, with the highest number of cases and hospitalizations in a year.
The science continues to expand and I go over a number of important articles this week, including vaccine efficacy against the delta variant, immunity after reinfection and a study on pregnancy that supports no safety issues from mRNA vaccines taken during pregnancy.
Thanks to all of you who send in questions and comments. I plan to do a full Q&A next week to get you information you need.
Have a great weekend. Be safe.
Paul Klotman, M.D.
President & CEO
Executive Dean
