As the pandemic enters its 16th month amid increased vaccination rates and the spread of the Delta variant, people are confused as to whether they need to continue to wear masks.
The World Health Organization and The Center for Disease Control are providing conflicting information about the need for masks. WHO is urging people to continue using masks, even if they’ve been vaccinated, whereas the CDC is standing by its statement that fully-vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks.
Chad Neilsen, the Director of Accreditation and Infection Prevention at UF Health Jacksonville joined us to discuss the debate surrounding masks.
Long COVID
Throughout the pandemic many officials have said that children are less susceptible to the virus, but some children have been severely impacted by COVID-19, with some of them developing long COVID in the months following their diagnosis. The effects of long COVID are still being studied.
First Coast Connect Producer Heather Schatz and her son Kyle, who is recovering from long COVID, joined us to discuss long COVID and its impact on their family.
Jacksonville International Airport
With more people vaccinated, travel is on the upswing. The Jacksonville International Airport has announced that airlines operating out of JAX will be offering non-stop flights to Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Nashville. The Jacksonville International Airport will be also expanding its restaurant offerings by adding a Burger Fi and Southern Grounds.
Greg Willis, the Marketing Manager for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority joined us to talk about the new flights.
What’s Good Wednesdays
- First responders from Jacksonvillehave joined the rescue efforts in Surfside. For those looking for other ways to help support Surfside, donations can be made to Support Surfside.
- UNF is one of 15 institutions that has received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for COVID research.
- The Ramallah American Club of Jacksonville will be hosting a massive family reunion which is expected to include 1,000 people.
- The city of Jacksonville Sports and Entertainment officeis hosting a family-friendly Fourth of July festival. The event kicks off at 5:00 pm and will include food trucks, and a family fun zone.
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Mackenzie Guiry can be reached at newsteam@wjct.org
