Scientific correspondence was published in the prestigious international journal Lancet Infectious Diseases on Monday regarding the increasingly observed gap between the increase in new cases and the daily number of deaths reported in Massachusetts, USA, during the latest epidemic outbreak of strain “O” coronavirus.

During the pandemic, waves of COVID-19 cases were accompanied by corresponding waves of excess deaths — deaths in excess of the expected number for that time of year.

But in Massachusetts, USA, where more than 80% of the population is fully vaccinated, researchers found that over the 18 weeks from February to June of this year, deaths remained flat and did not follow a curve of new daily cases and hospitalizations. This is good news, especially if gradually such an epidemiological picture begins and spreads to other countries.

This has been the goal since the fall: whatever increase in new cases is observed, it should not lead to an increase in mortality, but to achieve and maintain a low level. However, given the emerging options and the unknown duration of infection protection and vaccination, further monitoring and vigilance is required.

The message must be clear, especially in our country where the population is proportionately older than in other European countries and therefore at greater risk of serious illness, intubation and death.

Vaccination with an available vaccine (4th dose), recommendation to use a mask at the third and fourth age indoors, and frequent testing to immediately obtain appropriate antiviral protection that will protect that person from severe illness.

4th dose vaccination prompt, indoor use of a mask at the third and fourth age, and frequent testing to get antiviral protection immediately.

* Ms Dora Psaltopoulou is Professor of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the Hellenic Academy of Sciences.