Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and SpreadLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: Not by itself. Important additional considerations include: • Ventilation • Number of people in the room • Duration of contact • Type of activity (silent, speaking, shouting/singing) • Use of masks Why are these additional precautions needed? Don’t airborne droplets fall to the ground within this distance? The history of the 6ft/2m distancing rule Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
What is “community transmission”? Isn’t *all* of it community transmission?
Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: In short, yes. At this point, it’s all community transmission—except in rare cases when contact tracers can pinpoint one specific point of exposure and identify the exact chain of transmission from person-to-person. Community transmission is a technical epidemiology term that means new cases can’t be linked back to a particular point of origin through Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What safety precautions for clothing, supplies, and shoes can I take if I am sending my children back to school?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: While there are no stringent guidelines, we know that we should wash everything frequently with soap and water. Continue to follow SMART guidelines. And make it a routine and it will be easier to remember. Here are some guidelines for children returning to school in descending order of importance: 1) Reinforce hand washing. Pack Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Does UV light kill coronavirus on surfaces? How about in the air?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
UVC light, a certain wavelength of UV light, has been used for many years to kill certain viruses. It is often called germicidal ultraviolet light. Here is what we know to date about UVC light and SARS-CoV-2. Most UVC light is blocked by the ozone layer. This means that there is not sufficient UVC light Read more…
What is considered “exposure” to someone who has COVID-19? Once you find out you were exposed, what should you do?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: If you have been in close contact (i.e., < 6 feet away for ≥ 15 minutes) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 anytime starting 2 days before their symptoms developed and up until the case meets the criteria to end isolation (i.e., at least 10 days have passed since the day of symptom onset AND Read more…
Is it safe to start seeing friends indoors?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: Not yet. While there are ways to minimize risks when indoors (increasing ventilation with outdoor air by opening windows or circulating air/using a high quality air filter/minimizing length of indoor interaction), experts still agree that the outdoors are where we should be. This point is very much emphasized in a recent preprint. TL; DR: Read more…
COVID Outbreak at Georgia Camp
Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
Today we are highlighting another *outstanding* source for COVID info aimed for the general public, Your local epidemiologist, who gave us permission to repost their recent report on what happened in a COVID outbreak at a summer camp in Georgia. Attack rate among kids at an overnight camp in Georgia. A case analysis. What happened? Read more…
What do we really know about COVID and kids?
Families/Kids Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
A: There are more questions than answers. What we know: ✅ Kids are capable of getting COVID-19 and transmitting it to both adults and other kids. ✅ Children who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and more likely to recover quickly and without the need for Read more…
