Is it true that neck gaiters are *worse* than no mask at all?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Probably not. If you like neck gaiters, breathe easy 🙂. Fabric (tighter weave) and fit are the more important variables, and wearing a face covering is almost certainly better than nothing at all. Double-up the layering to be safe. “Gaiter-gate” as it’s been lovingly dubbed, emerged last week from coverage of a small study Read more…
So what’s the skinny on safe(r) hotel stays?
Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Travel and Leisure magazine to the rescue — w/a great set of tips from infectious disease experts! TL;DR: (1) Pay close attention to regional transmission rates (2) Do your research on the hotel’s safety protocols (3) Avoid shared facilities and high-touch surfaces For ALL the scoop on hotel and and AirBnB stays, we also recommend 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…
I heard the NBA invented a new Covid saliva test? What’s up?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Nerdy Girl Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN The great advice of Dr. Lindsey Leininger, one of our treasured Nerdy Girls, featured on CNN. Her take home points: We can all do our part to maintain best practices in reducing the spread of the virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep our space. Eating at 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…
Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: Probably not. If you like neck gaiters, breathe easy 🙂. Fabric (tighter weave) and fit are the more important variables, and wearing a face covering is almost certainly better than nothing at all. Double-up the layering to be safe. “Gaiter-gate” as it’s been lovingly dubbed, emerged last week from coverage of a small study Read more…
So what’s the skinny on safe(r) hotel stays?
Staying Safe TravelLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Travel and Leisure magazine to the rescue — w/a great set of tips from infectious disease experts! TL;DR: (1) Pay close attention to regional transmission rates (2) Do your research on the hotel’s safety protocols (3) Avoid shared facilities and high-touch surfaces For ALL the scoop on hotel and and AirBnB stays, we also recommend 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…
I heard the NBA invented a new Covid saliva test? What’s up?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Nerdy Girl Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN The great advice of Dr. Lindsey Leininger, one of our treasured Nerdy Girls, featured on CNN. Her take home points: We can all do our part to maintain best practices in reducing the spread of the virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep our space. Eating at 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…
Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
Travel and Leisure magazine to the rescue — w/a great set of tips from infectious disease experts! TL;DR: (1) Pay close attention to regional transmission rates (2) Do your research on the hotel’s safety protocols (3) Avoid shared facilities and high-touch surfaces For ALL the scoop on hotel and and AirBnB stays, we also recommend 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…
I heard the NBA invented a new Covid saliva test? What’s up?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Nerdy Girl Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN The great advice of Dr. Lindsey Leininger, one of our treasured Nerdy Girls, featured on CNN. Her take home points: We can all do our part to maintain best practices in reducing the spread of the virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep our space. Eating at 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…
Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. 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…
I heard the NBA invented a new Covid saliva test? What’s up?
Testing and Contact TracingAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Nerdy Girl Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN The great advice of Dr. Lindsey Leininger, one of our treasured Nerdy Girls, featured on CNN. Her take home points: We can all do our part to maintain best practices in reducing the spread of the virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep our space. Eating at 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…
Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Nerdy Girl Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN The great advice of Dr. Lindsey Leininger, one of our treasured Nerdy Girls, featured on CNN. Her take home points: We can all do our part to maintain best practices in reducing the spread of the virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep our space. Eating at 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…
Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN
Socializing Staying Safe VideosLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Nerdy Girl Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN The great advice of Dr. Lindsey Leininger, one of our treasured Nerdy Girls, featured on CNN. Her take home points: We can all do our part to maintain best practices in reducing the spread of the virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep our space. Eating at 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…
Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
Nerdy Girl Dr. Lindsey Leininger on CNN The great advice of Dr. Lindsey Leininger, one of our treasured Nerdy Girls, featured on CNN. Her take home points: We can all do our part to maintain best practices in reducing the spread of the virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep our space. Eating at 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…
Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. 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…
Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: Sort of, and not really. In a surprising announcement Tuesday, Russia claimed it had approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, which was only tested in 76 people thus far. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed using the vaccine, ambitiously dubbed “Sputnik V,” claiming that his adult daughter had received it. In reality, the Ministry of Read more…
Should I send my child to daycare*?
Families/Kids Reopening School Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: The data are not yet conclusive, but there are several considerations to keep in mind to help guide this individual decision. 1) Low level of community transmission matters. This can influence the likelihood of cases arising in the daycare center. We cannot emphasize this point enough. Many have asked what metrics to use. Most Read more…
What to make of that recent study on different types of masks?
Masks Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: Check out this excellent post from our friend Your Local Epidemiologist! Types of face masks. In the past, we’ve only used surgical masks during epidemics (think SARS and MERS). We know these work. If you need the science (including a meta-analysis) let me know. But, now that we need masks on a global scale, Read more…
Do you have any tips on a safe return to the office?
Reopening Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: Three key priorities: (1) Building + workspace safety; (2) Personal safety; (3) Open and honest communication Per the Dear Pandemic Q&A round-up, many in our community are curious to learn more about best practices for returning to the office. In our related external advisory work, Your Nerdy Girls have encouraged employers and employees to Read more…
I still have a few questions about my indoor and outdoor activities? Help!
Socializing Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: We can help! Remember, when you are doing activities indoors, ventilation helps. And plan most activities outdoors to minimize exposure to SARS-COV-2. Can I leave the air conditioner on if I have an indoor activity? According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), yes but with a few considerations: 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. 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…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact TracingSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying Safe
A: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
Do masks work at slowing the spread of Covid-19?
Masks Staying SafeA: YES! Wearing a mask reduces the spread of droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Blocking these droplets with a mask from shooting out into the world around us reduces transmission from person to person. Masks block a significant amount of these droplets while still allowing gases to pass in and out of the mask. Still Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact TracingAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask?
Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: Nope. COVER THOSE SCHNOZES! Why? The nose is often the first place the virus attaches and is a replication hotspot. This may be because ACE2 — the cell surface receptor that the virus uses to get into cells — is more abundant on nasal-lining cells and less abundant on the surface of lower airway 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. 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…
Is it safe for my child to play on public playground equipment when no other kids are around?
Families/Kids Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
A: The concern is not so much the playground equipment, but the activities that happen around the playground that require consideration. When making choices about playground visits, the following topics are worth consideration. Community Spread – The take-home message is that there are more counties in the country with rising cases of Covid-19 than the reverse. Read more…
