Merit Family,

While the ongoing pandemic has put a wrench in many of our lives, it’s still important to prioritize your healthcare plans. I want to share some information about why keeping up with regular cancer screenings is so important as well as provide another update on how the vaccine rollout is progressing. Also, I have included a reminder about Merit’s COVID-19 travel policy.

VACCINE ROLLOUT UPDATES

As of February 24th, 2021, over 213 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in 95 countries—approximately 6.11 million doses per day. At the current global rate, it will take an estimated 5.1 years to cover 75% of the population with a two-dose vaccine. So far in the US, 65 million doses have been given, according to a state-by-state tally. In the last week, an average of 1.28 million doses per day were administered. At this rate, it will take an estimated 11 months to cover 75% of the population with a two-dose vaccine.

On February 16th, the World Health Organization reported that the global figure of new coronavirus cases decreased by 500,000 last week to 2.7 million, a 16% drop over the previous week. Nearly all regions of the world have seen a downward trend in new cases, except for the Middle East. There has also been a global drop in deaths with 81,000 new deaths reported, a 10% decrease over the previous week.

Once we’re vaccinated, it’s still important to wear masks, avoid gathering, and practice social distancing. Experts stress that until we see a significant reduction in transmission, illnesses, and deaths, we should still abide by these guidelines. 

CANCER SCREENING AND COVID-19

Fear has affected all of us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and people with cancer and survivors are no different. Those scheduled for upcoming appointments or screenings are asking questions, such as “Will I be safe?” and “Do I really need to be seen?” They’re concerned about whether the benefit of their appointment outweighs the risk of being infected with the coronavirus by coming into a clinic for the visit.

This fear is understandable, but it’s still crucial for people with cancer, survivors, and the general public to keep up with their cancer care and screenings during the pandemic. Here’s what to know about why it’s important to attend appointments and how to safely do so during COVID-19.

• Diagnosing cancer in its early stages saves lives. Screening is as important now as it was before the pandemic. If your cancer screening appointment was canceled or postponed, please call your doctor and discuss if a screening appointment is right for you at this time.
• Healthcare clinics follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety of their patients, including requiring masks, sanitizing regularly, and enforcing social distancing. Talk to your doctor ahead of time about the precautions their clinic has put in place for your safety. You may also be able to use telehealth services rather than an in-person clinic visit. 
• People with cancer and survivors need to prioritize their health because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s the common saying that “cancer doesn’t take a holiday,” and that’s also true during a pandemic. The survival outcomes after a surgical removal of a tumor, radiation therapy, and infusion therapies like chemotherapy are dependent on how timely the treatment is delivered.

Learn more about cancer screenings in the time of COVID-19 here.

REMINDER: MERIT’S COVID-19 TRAVEL POLICY

If you’re making personal travel plans (domestic or international), please remember to consult Merit’s COVID-19 travel policy on Merit Metro and complete the required travel form on SharePoint.  Please note that per updated CDC guidelines and upon consultation and approval from Dr. Priest, those traveling who have had their full COVID-19 vaccinations completed will no longer be required to quarantine upon return from travel. Please email [email protected] for more information.

HEALTHY RECIPE OF THE WEEK

To help you get through the season in a COVID-19-friendly way, in each newsletter I’ll provide a new healthy recipe to try. This week? Lighter Sweet and Sour Chicken Craving takeout? Recreate a classic at home with this lighter version of sweet and sour chicken. This recipe uses low-sodium soy sauce and skips deep-frying the chicken. It’s also loaded with vitamin-packed veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. Pair it with brown rice instead of white for an extra boost. Get the recipe here.

SILVER LINING STORY

It seems like every day (COVID-19 or no) we’re bombarded with frightening and worrisome news. But the truth of the matter is, good things are happening all around us—we just have to look

Team Delivers COVID-19 Vaccines by Sled

Largely cut off from the rest of the world, people living in rural northern Alaska are now getting the COVID-19 vaccine due in part to the ingenuity and dedication of an all-female team of healthcare workers. The team of one pharmacist, one medical doctor, and two nurses traveled by plane, sled, and snowmobile to deliver vaccines to local people.

At one point in the day, with only a few hours of daylight and in subzero temperatures, the team carried the COVID-19 vaccine off an Alaskan “bush plane” and onto a sled attached to a snowmobile. After arriving by snowmobile at their location, a local villager pulled them the rest of the way to their rural village where elders waited to be vaccinated. 

“It’s challenging getting the vaccine up here to begin with. Getting it out to the villages brings on a whole new set of challenges and logistical issues,” said Meredith Dean, one of the healthcare workers involved. “Time is of the utmost importance.”

Due to their efforts, 65 vaccinations were administered. Read more here. 

UPDATE ON COVID-19 AT MERIT

We’ve now identified 482 cases of COVID-19 among the Merit family of approximately 5,900 (373 in the United States, 50 in Mexico, 25 in Ireland, nine in Sales-EMEA, seven in Brazil, seven in The Netherlands, three in France, three in Sales-LAM, three in Sales-APAC, and two in South Africa). Employees are recovering at home or at the hospital. Many employees who have recovered have returned to work.

All facilities have implemented stringent COVID-19 protection measures to prevent any spread of the virus among Merit employees.

The Merit Care Clinic is now offering a rapid COVID-19 test for people having symptoms. Please call the Merit Care Clinic to see if you’re eligible for this type of testing.

Please visit the Merit Metro (for employees who have Merit email addresses) or www.merit.com/covid-19-response-resource-page/ for the most updated information on Merit and COVID-19.

Please stay safe. Please stay positive (and keep smiling from 6 feet). I look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

Regards,

Dr. Nicole Priest, MD

Merit Medical Chief Wellness Officer

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