Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How do we protect ourselves against the new COVID virus variants?
Masks Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: To protect ourselves from COVID-19 (including the new variants), we need to use all our SMARTS! ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered with a mask that fits well. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Restrict: Keep your circle small. ⏰ Time: Keep your interactions Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Is it safe to play on a playground?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES, playgrounds can be safe with some guidelines. The risk of transmission on an outdoor playground is low (but not zero). The greatest risk of infection comes from the people on the playground, not the equipment. Skip the snack, pack some hand sanitizer, and stay SMART. SPREAD OUT. Keep space between your crew and Read more…
If I get vaccinated and I’m with another person who has gotten vaccinated, is it safe to spend time together without masks?
Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Are usual precautions effective against new strain of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: The new coronavirus strain is more transmissible than the older strain. Does this mean our usual precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) are less effective? A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions. The new variant is transmitted the Read more…
Reframing Christmas 2020
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How do we protect ourselves against the new COVID virus variants?
Masks Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: To protect ourselves from COVID-19 (including the new variants), we need to use all our SMARTS! ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered with a mask that fits well. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Restrict: Keep your circle small. ⏰ Time: Keep your interactions Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Is it safe to play on a playground?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES, playgrounds can be safe with some guidelines. The risk of transmission on an outdoor playground is low (but not zero). The greatest risk of infection comes from the people on the playground, not the equipment. Skip the snack, pack some hand sanitizer, and stay SMART. SPREAD OUT. Keep space between your crew and Read more…
If I get vaccinated and I’m with another person who has gotten vaccinated, is it safe to spend time together without masks?
Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Are usual precautions effective against new strain of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: The new coronavirus strain is more transmissible than the older strain. Does this mean our usual precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) are less effective? A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions. The new variant is transmitted the Read more…
Reframing Christmas 2020
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: To protect ourselves from COVID-19 (including the new variants), we need to use all our SMARTS! ↔️ Space: Keep your distance from other people. 😷 Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered with a mask that fits well. 💨 Air: Keep it fresh. 🔄 Restrict: Keep your circle small. ⏰ Time: Keep your interactions Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Is it safe to play on a playground?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES, playgrounds can be safe with some guidelines. The risk of transmission on an outdoor playground is low (but not zero). The greatest risk of infection comes from the people on the playground, not the equipment. Skip the snack, pack some hand sanitizer, and stay SMART. SPREAD OUT. Keep space between your crew and Read more…
If I get vaccinated and I’m with another person who has gotten vaccinated, is it safe to spend time together without masks?
Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Are usual precautions effective against new strain of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: The new coronavirus strain is more transmissible than the older strain. Does this mean our usual precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) are less effective? A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions. The new variant is transmitted the Read more…
Reframing Christmas 2020
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Is it safe to play on a playground?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES, playgrounds can be safe with some guidelines. The risk of transmission on an outdoor playground is low (but not zero). The greatest risk of infection comes from the people on the playground, not the equipment. Skip the snack, pack some hand sanitizer, and stay SMART. SPREAD OUT. Keep space between your crew and Read more…
If I get vaccinated and I’m with another person who has gotten vaccinated, is it safe to spend time together without masks?
Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Are usual precautions effective against new strain of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: The new coronavirus strain is more transmissible than the older strain. Does this mean our usual precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) are less effective? A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions. The new variant is transmitted the Read more…
Reframing Christmas 2020
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Is it safe to play on a playground?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES, playgrounds can be safe with some guidelines. The risk of transmission on an outdoor playground is low (but not zero). The greatest risk of infection comes from the people on the playground, not the equipment. Skip the snack, pack some hand sanitizer, and stay SMART. SPREAD OUT. Keep space between your crew and Read more…
If I get vaccinated and I’m with another person who has gotten vaccinated, is it safe to spend time together without masks?
Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Are usual precautions effective against new strain of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: The new coronavirus strain is more transmissible than the older strain. Does this mean our usual precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) are less effective? A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions. The new variant is transmitted the Read more…
Reframing Christmas 2020
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: YES, playgrounds can be safe with some guidelines. The risk of transmission on an outdoor playground is low (but not zero). The greatest risk of infection comes from the people on the playground, not the equipment. Skip the snack, pack some hand sanitizer, and stay SMART. SPREAD OUT. Keep space between your crew and Read more…
If I get vaccinated and I’m with another person who has gotten vaccinated, is it safe to spend time together without masks?
Socializing Staying Safe VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Are usual precautions effective against new strain of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: The new coronavirus strain is more transmissible than the older strain. Does this mean our usual precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) are less effective? A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions. The new variant is transmitted the Read more…
Reframing Christmas 2020
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Are usual precautions effective against new strain of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: The new coronavirus strain is more transmissible than the older strain. Does this mean our usual precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) are less effective? A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions. The new variant is transmitted the Read more…
Reframing Christmas 2020
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
Q: The new coronavirus strain is more transmissible than the older strain. Does this mean our usual precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) are less effective? A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions. The new variant is transmitted the Read more…
Reframing Christmas 2020
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe VideosJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
On this Christmas Eve Eve, we offer up a clip from our weekend Q&A from Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist at Baylor University & your Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Dr. Smith is also the spouse of a Christian minister and offers a faith perspective on this COVID-19 Christmas Eve. Some highlights: 🎄Christmas is not cancelled, we need Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines VideosLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying Safe
A: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
Today on the Live Q&A, we welcome Dr. Emily Smith of sister COVID info page, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist! We’ll be doing a bit of a Christmas theme today–don’t miss it! ➡️ Welcome to Dr. Emily Smith! (0:00 – 8:25) Related link ➡️ Safe Advent & Xmas celebrations (8:50 – 14:47) Related link ➡️ Public health Read more…
How safe would a contactless cookie exchange be this holiday season?
Staying SafeA: We LOVE this idea. A cookie exchange CAN be done safely, and in fact, it’s just the kind of creativity we need to spread joy in this year’s unique holiday season. We know that many of our holiday traditions are too risky this year. From loud, boisterous meals to crowding our loved ones around Read more…
How do I celebrate Christmas with my religious community? It’s not negotiable. We will be celebrating.
Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: We liked this simple advice from another COVID info page by Your Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist to TAKE CARE: T 🎄 Take holiday celebrations outside or online. A 🎄 Avoid indoor gatherings. K 🎄 Keep visits brief. E 🎄 Explore creative ways to celebrate safety. C 🎄 Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Read more…
What can I do to “improve ventilation” in my house or my office? What does that even mean?
Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: We recently talked to environmental strategist and air quality expert Dr. Tim McAuley, founder and CEO of CHANGE Environmental, LLC. Dr. McAuley told us that the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is to create cleaner indoor air *in general*. Ventilation–exchanging indoor air for outdoor air–is just one part of cleaner indoor Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeA: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe TravelAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
