Topic: Covid Positive

Health officials monitor the rise of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2, which has led to a 10% increase in global COVID-19 cases. While the strain does not appear to cause more severe illness than the original Omicron, positivity rates in several U.S. regions are slowly creeping upward. The segment notes that leaders are following federal guidance and science regarding testing and hospitalization risks.

A personal anecdote describes a clinic worker in Indiana who tested positive for COVID-19 four weeks after receiving her second Moderna shot. Despite being vaccinated, she suffered a high fever and a severe panic attack due to "fear-mongering" in the media. The story is used to argue that the psychological impact of the pandemic is often more severe than the physical illness for most people.

Austin Public Health officials are maintaining Stage Four COVID-19 restrictions despite hospital admissions falling below the previously established threshold of 44 per week. Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott indicates a shift in strategy, moving away from hospitalizations as a key indicator toward positivity rates and new cases. This policy change draws criticism for being inconsistent with prior public promises to reopen businesses.

Dallas County Health Director Dr. Phillip Huang attributed a massive spike in COVID-19 cases to system upgrades and coding errors involving paper faxes. Following the correction of these errors, the positivity rate in Texas plummeted. Reports also suggest a reduction in hospital heart attack admissions because patients are dying at home due to fear of the virus.

A viral story circulating via email and Twitter claims that individuals who sign up for COVID-19 testing but leave before being swabbed are receiving positive test results by mail. While these anecdotes are widespread in San Diego and Northern California, they are characterized here as potential urban legends. Plans are discussed to personally test this theory by registering for a test and intentionally skipping the appointment.