Doing their bit: (From left to right) Heeirun, Lim and Theivina are taking preventive measures seriously to curb any risk of exposure.

       PETALING JAYA: With the current surge in Covid-19 cases and the Omicron variant present in communities across the United States, Malaysians there are taking extra precautions to ensure their own health and safety.

       In Wisconsin, software engineer J. Heeirun said there had been a sudden spike in the total number of Covid-19 cases within Dane County, where he lives, alone.

       “The total number of cases, along with hospitalisation rates within the county, are fast closing in on a new high due to the influx of new cases.

       “Mask mandates are still present and actively imposed throughout indoor areas, although bars are not as strictly regulated.

       “Despite not being made compulsory, booster shots are strongly recommended by local authorities towards combating the disease,” said the 23-year-old.

       Heeirun added that as of now, he did not intend to cancel any plans but was worried about an upcoming company trip.

       “I am required to travel to Boston next week for my company’s kick-off week, so I’m feeling anxious due to the current situation.

       “As a precautionary measure, I will do self-testing before and after the trip,” he said.

       In California, Lim Fei Shyuan, 25, said masks were still required in most public places, with people being encouraged to either get vaccinated or get their booster shots as soon as possible.

       “Local pharmacies also offer gift cards to those who make vaccination appointments with them.

       “Covid-19 testing has continued to be made accessible free of charge,” said the mechanical engineer based in San Jose.

       He said he had also declined to attend some official and social events.

       “Many events and festivals were also cancelled due to the surge in cases and as a precaution against Omicron.

       “I was supposed to travel to Las Vegas to attend my cousin’s wedding last December, but I cancelled the trip as a safety precaution.

       “I also chose to stay home during the Christmas and New Year celebrations and only spent time with the same bubble of friends to prevent potential exposure,” he added.

       Lim also advised his fellow Malaysians to take extra precautions even if they were fully vaccinated.

       Santa Clara-based Charlotte Wan said at present, there was a larger emphasis on getting booster shots.

       On New Year’s Eve, there was an increase of about 20,000 cases in her area.

       “There’s also been talk of San Francisco mulling a booster requirement for people to be allowed into stores,” said the content moderator.

       Wan, 23, said booster shots were being looked into aggressively and measures were being put in place to make them easily accessible.

       She said Covid-19 testing and self-test kits have become much scarcer since the holiday season, with many being fully booked or sold out.

       “Self-test kits were restocked on Amazon last week but sold out within a couple of hours.

       “The high demand for Covid-19 tests along with the rising number of cases may also potentially burden the local healthcare system,” she added.

       She also said since the Omicron outbreak, she has been reaching out to her parents back home more frequently in order to keep them updated.

       “It’s not only about whether we have been infected but also about who we may infect,” said Wan, who was infected last year but has since recovered.

       In Oregon, V. Theivina said there was an influx of cases within the community.

       “Despite getting my booster shot last week, I am still cautious at large gatherings, especially if physical distancing is not practised,” said the 25-year-old chemical engineer.

       “Masking up is still mandated. I am also continuing to take the necessary precaution of avoiding crowded places,” she added.