On November 24, 2021, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). This new variant was first detected in specimens collected on November 11, 2021, in Botswana and on November 14, 2021, in South Africa. The first US case of the variant was confirmed on December 1, 2021. The virus is believed to spread faster than previous versions of the disease and can be transmitted by vaccinated individuals and those who don't show symptoms. While data on the severity of Omicron is not apparent, vaccines, masks, and social distancing still remain the best way to fight the variant.
On September 18, 2021, our Executive Director, Tejas Sekhar, was honored at the annual MAPO Honors Dinner for his contributions through EndingCOVID 501(c)(3). MAPO is a non-profit organization who honors those who are making a difference in their community and helping those who are less fortunate. The organization was founded back in 2010 by Rev. Dr. John Q. Owens and Dr. Dorothy Owens who work to not only serve our communities, but also shape the next generation to make a difference.
Associate Director of EndingCOVID, Sejal Sekhar, recently started an internal initiative called Pets4Purpose to raise money for underserved communities by repurposing gently used t-shirts into dog toys. These dog toys are then "purchased" in exchange for donations that directly benefits our community partners.
On August 2nd , EndingCOVID raised supplies to donate to the ESOL Bilingual Migrant Program. The goal of the drive was to collect school supplies that refugee and immigrant students can use when they seek shelter in St. Louis. It is often forgotten that for refugees and immigrants who come to St. Louis, school can start at any time.
The Delta variant has been found to be more infectious and have a higher transmission rate in comparison to other variants. It has also been found that the severity of the illness in unvaccinated individuals is greater and more dangerous. 'Hyperlocal outbreaks' are also a subject of concern for scientists. These occur when unvaccinated areas are adjacent to or surrounded by highly vaccinated areas which leads to the virus localizing itself and potentially having much more devastating effects on those unvaccinated communities. While vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infection, they still provide significant protection, along with other recommended practices by the CDC including wearing masks in indoor settings and social distancing. Stay safe!
EndingCOVID.org is a nonprofit initiative nested within TejHospitality, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on local asset-based community development in the Greater St. Louis Area.