ENDemic – California is the first state to formally shift COVID approach

The end is in sight! Two years after being the first state to go into COVID lockdown, California’s statewide mask mandate recently expired (with the exception of schools), and Gov Newsom will make an announcement on February 28 about the end of the school mask mandates.

An endemic is a step down from a pandemic; this step is possible now as the virus is more manageable because more people are naturally immune or vaccinated. According to Newsom’s new plan, the focus will be on quickly reacting to spikes rather than long-term protocols.

Other states like Texas and South Dakota have ended emergency protocols related to COVID, but California is the first to formally declare this shift.

Minnesota removed statewide mask mandates in May of 2021, although the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul reinstated mandates for a short time in January of 2022.

As we look to a new chapter, let’s remember the ways we can take care of ourselves and our communities going forward. Healthy foods and exercise go a long way in promoting sustainable health! For a great natural supplement, check out last week’s bone broth recipe.

Cover photo taken by Nassoom Azvedo, found on Unsplash.

Clinical Considerations, In the News

February 24, 2022

Joan Vaughn

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Written by Joan Vaughn

I’m Joan, and I know home care from the inside out. I’ve navigated my daughter through 24/7 home care nursing and managed her PCA’s. I’ve helped my parents move into (and out of) assisted living, Medicare episodes, skilled nurse visits, home health aids, and PCAs. Sandwiched in all of that, I’ve helped coordinate home care equipment and supplies, physical therapists, occupational therapists, county workers, and medications (oh, the medications). I know emergency departments, children’s hospitals, cancer wards, cardiac floors, and specialty units. I can recite health insurance policies (and call their bluff). I know a lot of other things in life too, like Shakespeare, where to sit to see a great sunset over a lake, how to keep myself healthy, how to read a profit/loss statement and state statutes, when to use a comma, and that gratitude is one of the keys to success. So I’m going to have this blog and write about home care from time to time. I’ll include topics like current legislation, professional boundaries in a tricky environment, and being a caregiver. I’ll also post some guest blogs from clients and nurses. Join me in the conversation.

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