Dear New York Tech Students, Faculty, and Staff: As of November 12, 2021, more than 46.1 million cases of COVID-19 and 747,970 cumulative total deaths have been reported in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nationally, the rate of new cases and deaths continues to decrease. Over the past seven-day period, the state reporting the highest number of cases per 100,000 people is Alaska (530); Florida reported the least (47.9). In comparison, New York State has 219 cases per 100,000, and New York City has 84. More than 426 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the U.S., with 67.7 percent of the population receiving at least one dose and 58.5 percent fully vaccinated as of November 10. The CDC reports that 75.3 percent of New York State residents have received at least one dose, with 67.3 percent fully vaccinated. Total vaccination rates are expected to increase with the recent approval of pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations. Many may wonder why vaccinated people are still getting infected with SARS-CoV-2. These cases are called breakthrough infections; as the CDC reports, no vaccine is 100 percent effective, so breakthrough cases have always been expected. Overall, if COVID-19 infections continue, there will also be more breakthrough infections. However, the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death are all much lower in vaccinated individuals vs. those who are unvaccinated. As long as there is continued community transmission, the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection in fully vaccinated people cannot be eliminated. Early reports suggest that infections in fully vaccinated persons are more commonly observed with the Delta variant vs. other variants. However, data still shows that fully vaccinated persons are less likely to acquire SARS-CoV-2 and full vaccination is associated with less severe clinical outcomes in Delta variant cases. Given this reality, the need for ongoing community mitigation efforts, including wearing masks indoors and routine public health measures (appropriate testing, isolation, and quarantine) becomes clear. In regard to testing, the variety of tests available continues to cause misunderstanding. For clarification, it is helpful to look at the category of test, what the test is looking for, and the specimen tested. There are two broad categories of COVID-19 tests: Tests that look for genetic material. One popular type is called the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 specifically identify the RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequences that comprise the genetic material of the virus. The commonly used RT-PCR test is an NAAT that uses a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to amplify the genetic material for analysis. Tests that look for actual viral material such as SARS-COV-2 specific proteins (antigens). These tests are less expensive and can be used in a physician’s office as a point-of-care test. These are helpful in clinical decision-making and have been used for influenza and other viruses as well. The CDC has developed a chart assessing the differences between the antigen and nucleic acid test categories. For one, antigen tests tend to use nasopharyngeal specimens, which can be more difficult to obtain. Newly developed, more user-friendly saliva tests use the NAAT PCR methodology. Interestingly, a former student of President Foley, Dr. Micheal Strano at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has developed nanotechnology that may allow antigen testing of saliva. Out of an abundance of caution, we will conduct a campus-wide COVID testing initiative at the end of November, which you will hear more about soon. For those who require testing but are concerned about costs, this website provides information about government sites where the cost of testing is covered. The CDC continues to monitor variants of SARS-CoV-2. The Delta variant remains the predominant variant in all states and is the only Variant of Concern (VOC). As previously reported, a newer lineage (AY.4.2), called Delta Plus, is being monitored. There have been no major increases in this new lineage in the U.S., according to Outbreak.info. From a global perspective, Europe remains “at the epicentre of the covid epidemic,” according to the BBC. There have been increases in cases and deaths in Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and many other countries. Low vaccination rates and reduced community mitigation remain the primary causes of these upticks. This is a clear reminder that this pandemic can return if we become complacent about prevention and community mitigation efforts. Therefore, to reduce the likelihood of campus transmission at New York Tech, it is important for everyone to wear face coverings on campus and remain at home when ill. Get more information about our vaccination and testing policies and how to upload proof of vaccination here. If you have not done so yet, upload your proof of vaccination so that we have a record in our database for the online Health Screen, which everyone must complete daily to access campus. As always, those who may feel anxious or uneasy can reach out to Counseling and Wellness Services at our campuses in Long Island (516.686.7683) or New York City (212.261.1773) to talk or make a virtual appointment. Sincerely, Brian L. Harper M.D., M.P.H. Chief Medical Officer, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine Vice President, Equity and Inclusion Copyright © 2021 New York Institute of Technology