Chief Medical Officer for UnityPoint Health, Dr. Toyosi Olutade, said he's noticed an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations recently.
Although these numbers are higher than what the hospital has seen from earlier this year, they have so far managed to remain lower than the numbers that were being reported in September 2022.
UnityPoint Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toyosi Olutade shared that he has noticed an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations as of recently. These cases, however, are relatively milder compared to previous cases.
“Over the past few weeks, we have seen a steady increase of about five to six cases per day at the hospital,” Olutade said. “Compared with where we were this time last year, when we were seeing cases in the double digits – about 13, 14, 15 per day.”
Olutade also noted that in the case of hospitalization, these instances have still been relatively milder than what has been seen before, not being as severe or requiring as much medical care as they have in the past.
“They’re not requiring a breathing machine, they’re not requiring a lot of oxygen, and we are able to discharge them within a couple of days,” he said.
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Olutade compared the slow rise to what he and other medical professionals already know about viruses, that they always find ways to evade immune systems and bypass the “blanket immunity” that a community might develop through being vaccinated. This can include developing variants, such as BA2.86 and EG.5.
“Viruses are always evolving,” he said. “But the vaccine regimen has been very successful, and newer vaccines are being approved as we speak that will provide additional immunity against these variants, especially for those who are at higher risk of infection.”
Olutade said even with the slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, he does not expect to see the return of mandates seen during the height of the pandemic nor does he expect current case numbers to reach the level of what was experienced in 2022.
“We are now at the point of co-existing with COVID-19, and in the same way that we’ve co-existed with the flu for quite a while now, that’s how we’ll be co-existing with COVID-19,” Olutade said. “It’s not something to fear, it’s something that we understand how it makes people sick and what to do to prevent it.”
He then encouraged residents to “do the right thing” and make an effort to protect themselves against COVID-19. Mainly, Olutade recommended that people wash hands thoroughly, citing it as one of the methods that has proven to have a huge impact in stopping the spread of viruses. He also recommended being more vigilant about touching public surfaces as well as getting booster vaccinations when needed/when available.
Post-COVID surge in weddings, other formal functions drive uptick in jewelry sales
Post-COVID surge in weddings, other formal functions drive uptick in jewelry sales
When the pandemic shut down in-person gatherings, people planning weddings and parties felt the blow. But as couples put off in-person weddings and cautious guests declined to attend gatherings, the impact spread to everyone in the industry, from caterers to dressmakers and even jewelry retailers. Cooped up inside, people no longer felt the need—or had the opportunity—to show off new outfits or worry about accessorizing them with glittering rings or shiny pendants. Why put in the effort when no one would see them?
But by 2021, businesses were opening, social distancing guidelines were loosening, and people were getting back into the groove of social gatherings as postponed parties and weddings were rescheduled. Still, conditions may never be exactly like before the pandemic: As recently as late June 2023, the World Health Organization issued new guidelines for planning parties and weddings, which include a preference for gathering outdoors and wearing masks.
For jewelry retailers, the 2021 spike in proposals and weddings was a welcome signal that people were moving past the pandemic and looking to the future. From 2020 to 2021, jewelry spending increased by 119% in the U.S., a trend the Bureau of Labor Statistics attributes to the return of weddings and other formal events.
Jewel360.com compiled data from the Labor Department to show how jewelry sales have rebounded since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Engagements spike as wedding bells resume
Gold and other precious minerals remain a stable commodity, rarely losing their privileged market value, which is why many Americans see jewelry as both a sophisticated gift and a smart investment. In 2021, U.S. buyers spent double the amount they had in the initial year of the pandemic on engagement rings and other pieces of fine jewelry.
Inflation causes pressure in the jewelry industry
Jewelry belongs to the luxury sector of the economy and is not classified as a necessity. During times of financial strain—for example, high inflation periods—consumers tend to rearrange their priorities, often postponing unnecessary purchases. However, life-changing decisions, such as prioritizing health and wellness, getting married, starting a family, or investing money, consistently appear as key factors when people rethink their spending habits.
Hiring in the events industry projected to rise
The pandemic directly affected hospitality and event management students, as they could not complete the internship requirements within the expected study period. Meanwhile, professional event planners had to develop new ways of socializing. Businesses and families began attending virtual or hybrid events with technology's assistance. Social media proposals, followed by weddings broadcasted via Zoom, became common and presented an opportunity to showcase creativity.
Nevertheless, the sector is progressively going back to its roots. The BLS anticipates employment in the events industry will grow around 18% from 2021 to 2031, "much faster than the average for all occupations." Each year, about 16,600 positions related to social events open up nationwide.
Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.
This story originally appeared on Jewel360.com and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
