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Search Results for: social distancing

What does contact tracing look like now, what could it look like in the future and do I need to be worried about privacy?

Testing and Contact Tracing

A: Health departments are notified when an individual tests positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing staff reach out to new cases by phone to determine who (i.e., friends, family, co-workers) they may have had close contact with (within 6 ft) beginning with the days leading up to the onset of their symptoms, as well as what Read more…

When will we go back to normal?

Reopening

A: “There is no going back (to normal). The only way out is through.” This Atlantic article summarizes key steps as the United States enters the next phases of this pandemic. 1) Reopening – We are currently in lockdown (in most places) which was the last line of defense in slowing the spread of the Read more…

I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?

Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing

A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…

What is the correct way to wear a cloth mask?

Masks

A: CDC recommends your cloth mask: -fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face -be secured with ties or ear loops -include multiple layers of fabric -allow for breathing without restriction -be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape Most importantly, cloth masks are to be worn Read more…

The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?

Data and Metrics Infection and Spread

A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…

Are racial and ethnic minorities at a higher risk of dying from COVID-19?

Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice

A: Unfortunately, from the available data, African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately represented among COVID-19 deaths in the US. At present, most states are not reporting on the racial and ethnic patterns. There are many pathways through which minorities may have worse outcomes including social, socioeconomic and living circumstances increasing susceptibility to infection, in addition Read more…

Do all encounters with the coronavirus present the same risks for becoming infected and becoming very sick?

Infection and Spread

A: No. Definitely worth reading this full article but here is a summary = TL;DR = too long; didn’t read Prolonged one-on-one encounters with infected individuals (ex: a visit with a person with the virus or patient care in a health setting with infected individuals ) carry greater risk of infection than short, indirect exposures Read more…

DATA NERD ALERT!

Data and Metrics

Today Google released “Community Mobility Reports” demonstrating how movement patterns have changed since social distancing’s enactment. You can check out your own community here. Link to original FB post

America and UK Response Comparison

Staying Safe

As an American in the UK, I’m watching the different responses across my two “home” countries with both interest and trepidation. Here, most kids are still in school, and the government is seemingly “behind the curve” in mandated social distancing, making some people a tad nervous. A thoughtful explainer from Ed Yong. Link to original Read more…