We’re almost in the thick of Carnival season and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said we have more tools to protect ourselves from COVID now, from higher quality masks to vaccines and more therapeutics. Kanter revelers to mask indoors at events and outside when in crowds.
“People can be safer in the Mardi Gras season if they mask more and mask better. And if they wear a mask that’s well-fitted, that will increase their safety,” said Kanter.
Kanter recommends using an N95 mask for better protection.
As with any event, Kanter said you are much safer if you are fully vaccinated and boosted, and it’s not too late to do so.
If you are more vulnerable to have COVID complications Kanter said attending Mardi Gras events is something you should think over before doing so.
“People who have more risks to themselves, people that are older, people that have significant underlying conditions need to make that decision for themselves. The risk is not zero, even if vaccinated, even if masked there is some risk,” said Kanter.
In 2020 as COVID began spreading in the U.S. Mardi Gras became a super-spreader event. Kanter said he’s optimistic two years later that won’t be the case.
“I don’t see Mardi Gras causing us to have another spike, particularly because of the timing of where it’s falling and it’s coming down. It has the potential to perhaps delay and prolong our downswing,” said Kanter.
Comments