How Do You Stay Safe Now That States Are Reopening?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has finally released new guidelines for businesses, bars and schools that are considering reopening. Although following these guidelines should help, it’s frustrating there hasn’t been more clear, concise communication about the risk of infection. And without strict guidelines, it will be up to us to minimize our own risk and the risk of everyone around us.

In large part, this is because there is still so much we scientists and physicians don’t know about the new coronavirus. The pace of new research on the virus, SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it causes, COVID-19, is truly astonishing. There are also times when the science and the necessity of the moment are in conflict; a prime example is the confusion about using face masks while a worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment exists.

And the pattern of disease is extremely localized. Michigan’s outbreak looks different from Iowa’s, which looks different from Colorado’s. Even within states, outbreaks are very distinct. The outbreak I’m experiencing in southeast Michigan is not like the one my grandparents are experiencing two hours north of here. As a research scientist, I study herd immunity and vaccine effectiveness. As we slowly begin to return to normal life – albeit a new normal – I can tell you there are ways we can minimize our risk.

As a survivor of leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, I am part of a high-risk population, so my risk calculation is likely different from yours. As my state starts to relax restrictions, I will continue to limit my interactions with others as much as I can. Here are things you can consider. Read More

Also See:
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What we can learn from conspiracy theories

The author of the lead article introduces the fascinating concept of "layers of intervention," which explains why we need to take a number of measures to protect ourselves and our families from COVID-19. Sadly the COVID-19 pandemic caught the United States with its pants down. Confusion and division over the seriousness of the pandemic and how we should respond to it continues to hamper efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Despite the urging of politicians and pundits many Americans are not comfortable with leaving the relative safety of their home where they have some control over their exposure to COVID-19 for the larger world where they have negligible control. When the girls were younger, we sometimes camped in the backyard. It was a lot of fun. Conspiracy theories abound on Facebook and other social media platforms. A number of people appear willing not only to believe but also spread their favorite conspiracy theory than come to terms with the fact a dangerous highly infectious virus is spreading across the United States and that only coordinated, unified response will mitigate its effects. One encounters arguments that COVID-19 is no worse than a bad case of the flu and that the United States can reduce the number of fatalities from the pandemic by allowing the virus to go unchecked.