One last, very brief, Pre-Holiday missive. I’ve gotten lots of questions on use of rapid tests in the last few days, and there’s a lot of confusion on whether rapid tests work with Omicron.
Yes, they do. However, the very short incubation period for Omicron means that it is more likely symptoms will show up before a rapid test is positive. This means it is important to pay attention to both symptoms and rapid test results. Symptoms: really any cold and flu like symptoms.
In addition to Omicron, the general messaging of “use rapid tests” is not specific enough. Like, exactly how? So, here are two graphics. One for local gatherings, one for travel. If you click on them, they’re linked to PDFs which you can print out or email around or … whatever!
If you cannot get rapid tests, that is a shameful failure of the government. But from a practical standpoint, it makes it even more crucial to pay attention to symptoms and stay home if you have any.
And regardless of rapid testing, if you are traveling wear a good mask (ideally a KN-95 or N-95 on airplanes or trains).
That’s all for now. I hope you have a restful holiday despite it all. I am going to return to writing poems for the scavenger hunt my children go on to find their one Christmas Eve present. Here’s the final one. If you figure it out, don’t tell them.
I run so fast, I never ____
You’ll find your presents in the _____
Happy Holidays from ParentData.
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