As Labor Day festivities draw near and students return to school, the resurgence of coronavirus cases is causing concerns.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an over 18% increase in Covid-19 hospital admissions in the past week. With these numbers on the rise, experts are urging caution, particularly for older adults and those most susceptible to severe illness, by advocating for a return to masking.

As people gather for Labor Day and students head back to classrooms, the potential for Covid-19 transmission is raising important questions: What precautions should be taken for safe holiday events? Should students wear masks upon returning to school? How should families brace for a potential intersection of Covid-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the upcoming fall?

To navigate these inquiries, I consulted Dr. Leana Wen, our medical expert at CNN Wellness. Dr. Wen, an emergency physician and professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, shared insights into these pressing matters.

In light of the current situation, what precautions are advisable for guarding against Covid-19?

Dr. Leana Wen: The answer hinges on individual circumstances. We're now in a different phase of the pandemic compared to its earlier years. The coronavirus has become endemic, one of several viruses we must manage. Fortunately, we possess various tools for minimizing the virus's impact, like vaccines, treatments, masks, and improved ventilation.

The level of precaution to adopt largely hinges on a person's vulnerability to severe Covid-19. Younger, healthy individuals, especially those vaccinated or previously infected, face a lower risk of severe illness. For them, practicing good hygiene, like handwashing and proper sneezing etiquette, might suffice, without the need for extensive measures like masking and social distancing.

Do older individuals remain at heightened risk?

Wen: Yes, older individuals (65 and above) with underlying health conditions like heart or lung diseases remain most susceptible to severe illness. They should take additional steps. Ensuring up-to-date coronavirus boosters is crucial; less than half of those eligible received the bivalent booster introduced in fall 2022. The upcoming new booster, expected next month, is essential for them.

Moreover, awareness of the antiviral medication Paxlovid is vital. Taken within five days of symptom onset, it can decrease hospitalization or death risk by up to 80%.

Engaging with healthcare providers to gauge one's Covid-19 risk, considering booster and antiviral options, is crucial. Vulnerable individuals should adopt stringent safeguards—opting for well-fitting masks in crowded indoors and favoring outdoor gatherings.

As the pandemic's landscape shifts, tailored precautions become paramount. By addressing individual risk levels and following recommended steps, we can collectively navigate the challenges of Labor Day gatherings and the new school year.