More and more people are receiving their COVID-19 vaccines, but according to the American Heart Association (AHA), that does not mean the pandemic is now a thing of the past.
In fact, the group argued in a new statement, “the situation remains very serious in the United States and elsewhere, with more than 28 million cases and more than 513,000 deaths in the U.S. alone.”
“There continues to be tens of thousands of new cases every day and many people are suffering from difficult long-term effects after ‘recovering’ from COVID-19 in the past,” according to the AHA statement. “People with underlying health conditions, including our heart and stroke survivors and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, are among those at highest risk of complications and death from COVID-19. The pandemic continues to have devastating consequences across the country in urban, suburban and rural areas impacting far too many individuals and families, with a disproportionate effect on communities of color, historically under-resourced neighborhoods and essential workers. These are the facts.”
The AHA asked that everyone keep wearing masks, practicing social distancing and washing their masks. Also, they added, it is important to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. By following these straightforward recommendations, the group said, it can limit the spread of COVID-19 and “allow us all to return to normal.”
“Together with our medical experts and community leaders, the AHA will continue the hard work to end this pandemic, consistent with our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives,” the group wrote.
Read the full statement on the AHA website.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.