Leading from Home: Focus on Your Goals

Leading from Home: Focus on Your Goals

Dr. Talecia Y. Parks, D.B.A

Walden University: National Society for Leadership and Success

Focus on Your Goals

April 1, 2022

COVID-19

           There are more than 210 million cases globally and over 66 Million cases in United States. The fatality rate has exceeded 900,000 cases. The daily average number of cases has increased to 500,000 per day in the U.S. The new transformative Omicron BA. 2 variant continues to spread rapidly. The vaccine distribution process for Pfizer and Moderna has started to decline. More than 200 million individuals have received at least one dose of the vaccine averaging 51%. More than 165 million people in the U.S. which equates to more than 57% that are fully vaccinated. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have been approved to administer booster doses to combat the 1273.351 South African variant. An average of 43% of the U.S. population has received boosters to combat the virus. According to research, boosters increase protection by more than 70%. The Omicron variant is more dangerous and now accounts for more than 79% of all cases. More than 14 million Americans are still receiving unemployment benefits. There were 260,000 new unemployment claims the United States. More than 212,000 new jobs were added last month. The unemployment rate is still around 3.89 percent. There are still shortages of employees and supplies among industries. Although Omicron continues to spread, restrictions are decreasing in various areas. The at-risk population should continue to refrain from high risk areas to limit exposure as the Delta and Omicron variant. 

Global

           Global travel has increased in various areas. Global leaders remain focused on vaccinating the general public as cases have exceeded 210 million. More than 6 million fatalities have occurred globally. Global businesses are still working to recover amid the pandemic. Employers are still working to decrease staffing shortages across industries. Omicron has been identified in the following areas: South Africa, Australian Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Isreal, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States along with a number of other countries. India continues to grapple with the increase in cases and more than 427,000 fatalities. Israel was the first country to offer second boosters to individuals 60 and older followed by the United Kingdom who offers vaccinations for individuals 75 and older. The U.S. has lifted some restrictions s on global travel from from India due to the surge of the B.1.1.7 and Delta variant. Only 40% of the population has been vaccinated out of 26 million. Brazil is still contacting global leaders to obtain more vaccines for distribution. Only 48% out of 210 million individuals are fully vaccinated in Brazil. In Germany around 50% of individuals have been fully vaccinated with only 65% receiving the first dose. France continues to work on developing strategies to increase vaccination rates among the general population. New York’s dining capacity remains at 79%. In the UK, Northern Ireland and Scotland individuals are no longer required to show vaccination status to enter large venues. The following countries and regions restricted access and limited travel due to the Omicron variant: United States, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isreal, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Maldives, Malta, Morocco, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sir Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, and United Kingdom. 

According to John Hopkins University, the states with the highest number of cases are Alaska, Rhode Island, North Dakota, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, New Jersey and North Carolina. Arizona and Mississippi have still have the highest number of fatalities. The U.S. remains eager to reach the goal of obtaining herd immunity where more than 70% to 85% of the population must be vaccinated. The States with the highest number of variants are still Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Georgia and Florida, Michigan and New Jersey. The variant continues to spread globally while impacting the lives of many. In the U.S. fully vaccinated individuals are now at an increased risk and mandates to wear masks are continuing to decrease in workplaces and businesses. Illinois has lifted the mask mandate for bars and gyms. Chicago is eliminating the proof of vaccination for large venues. The U.S. states that have fully vaccinated 52% of the population: Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts’s, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Washington D.C. United States with the least amount of fully vaccinated residents: Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Louisiana. There are still a few states where more than 50% of the population has been fully vaccinated and boosted: Vermont, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine, Iowa and Rhode Island. Asymptomatic transmission continues to account for more than 40% of all cases. The S&P 500 continues to decline due to events unrelated to the pandemic: technology stock for AMC, Salesforce, SoFi Technologies and Snowflake continue to be monitored. Oil prices are continuing to increase due also due to events not related to the pandemic. Oil decreased to $100 per barrel. Interest rates for homes continue to increase as home prices have skyrocketed. The energy market is bracing for turmoil. The housing market may mirror the 2007 and 2009 recession. Inflation remains problematic limiting the access to goods and services. 

Education

           School systems are still working to navigate the impact of the Omicron variant. Some colleges and universities are still giving students the option to learn remotely. Vaccinations remain a priority for both students and educators. California, Oregon, Washington, Atlanta, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts have lifted indoor mask mandates in the school systems. Although the Omicron variant is highly contagious the number of fatalities has declined. Teachers exiting the education sector is starting to decline slowly. Health officials are continuing to work with school officials to obtain case data. Adults under 40 and their children have a vaccination rate around 24%. The number of school districts lifting restrictions due to the virus are increasing. Pfizer remains the only vaccine approved for youth ages 12-17. Moderna’s approval for authorization for children ages 12-17 is still delayed. Pfizer has been approved for children 5-11. Pfizer obtained authorization for boosters for children ages 12-15. Pfizer is now seeking authorization for children 5 and under. Maintaining health remains a priority. Adhering to guidelines and avoiding contact with at-risk family members is vital because vaccinated individuals are still at risk of being exposed at the same rate as unvaccinated individuals. Develop a plan and goals to ensure that students excel.

Healthcare

Healthcare officials continue to grapple with staffing shortages, overcrowded hospitals and nursing facilities. About 56% of the United States population is fully vaccinated. Yet only 46% have received boosters. The number of individuals obtaining the vaccine continues to decline. Scientist and health care professionals have approved a second booster for Pfizer for individuals over 50 and the at-risk population in the U.S. Extensive trail data is still limited among the vulnerable population. Pfizer’s pill trial data has been proven effective after contracting the virus. The vaccine effective rate is extremely low for children ages 5-11. Healthcare professions leaving the medical professionals sector is starting to decline. Military doctors and nurses remain in hospitals and facilities amid the shortages. Individuals with Guillain-Barre Syndrome should continue to refrain receiving the vaccine as it is still deemed unsafe. CVS, Walgreens and Wal-Mart continues to make progress vaccinating and providing boosters to the general public and is still offering free N95 masks. The military is also continuing to assist with the distribution of vaccines to combat the needs globally while also working in healthcare facilities due to shortages. Individuals with pre-existing conditions [high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc.] should continue to limit contact due to the B.1.1.7, Delta and Omicron variant.

Government

           Federal, State and local government agencies are developing strategies to reduce the spread of the virus. There is still a decrease in vaccination distribution and administration among the general population. Individuals can request free in-home testing kits and masks to be shipped to their homes. Mandates still have not been lifted for the Transportation Security. Pfizer has delayed authorization to vaccinate children 5 and under. Approval was granted for children ages 12-15 to receive boosters. Parents still remain hesitant to allow children of all ages to receive the vaccination as some of the parents are not vaccinated. Pfizer is continuing it’s efforts to donate vaccines to countries with limited supplies. The number of States lifting restrictions in the U.S is starting to decline. Global travel from India has increased. Government officials must continue to work with healthcare professionals to develop long-term solutions to combat the deadly virus. Employers are continuing to offer incentives to increase vaccination rates among the general population. The military and some employers are continuing to terminate employees for refusal to obtain the vaccine. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions should continue to limit exposure to no more than 15 minutes to decrease the likelihood of contracting the virus due to the resistant B.1.1.7, Delta and Omicron variant.

Focus on Your Goals

When life gives you lemons what do you do? You’re correct if you think of lemonade. Focus on your goals and what’s important to you. The world is full of unknowns thus, you must protect your peace and establish boundaries. Always help others with a positive outlook while creating new opportunities to excel. Once again, when people display negative emotions and energy simply let them go. No matter how nice you are and how eager you are to save the world there will always be some individuals full of jealousy, envy and strife. Be kind as it costs you nothing to be a good person. Remember you can not thrive in a negative environment, so if it’s not conducive to positivity then change your surrounding. Peace is the foundation to develop your thoughts and establish goals. Dream big and create timelines to accomplish your goals. You can live the life that you desire if you develop an action plan for success. Be the star that shines bright even when it’s gloomy. Continue to celebrate your accomplishments as you build an empire. It’s your life so do what makes you happy. Everyone will not change and you will encounter some individuals who get a thrill from being a nuisance. Continue to incorporate time for community initiatives with a mission to make the world a better place. Be a force for good and focus on your goals.

Summary

           Federal, State and local governmental officials’ emergency use of Pfizer has been delayed for children ages 5 and under. The vaccine has a low effective rate among children ages 5- 11. Pfizer has approved a second booster for individuals over 50 and the immunocompromised. Some areas are lifting indoor mask mandates and travel restrictions. Pfizer obtained authorization to authorize boosters to children ages 12-15. Moderna’s approval for children ages 12-17 is still delayed. The vaccination rates among seniors continues to increase. Global travel restrictions vary among regions. Pfizer’s pill to combat the virus has been proven effective based on trial data. Only 46% of the U.S. general population has obtained boosters. Scientists and Health Officials are encouraging individuals to obtain boosters for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca due to Omicron BA. 2 variant. It is important to continue to proceed with caution when gathering because fully vaccinated individuals are still prone to contracting the virus. Focus on your goals as we continue to lead from home to save lives.