Thread by @DearPandemic

1/ Q. What's the update with COVID-19-sniffing dogs?

A. The Helsinki-Vantaa airport welcomed COVID-19-sniffing dogs to their staff last week, hoping to use their keen sense of smell to detect COVID-19 positive patients up to 5 days before symptoms appear. bit.ly/33t3Utg

2/ Here's how the airport testing works: Prospective passengers rub a wipe against their neck to pick up some sweat, & then drop the wipe in a cup. While inside an isolated booth, the trained pup takes a whiff of the cup & provides a positive or negative verdict.

3/ If the dog sniffs a positive, he creates an audible signal. Then, the passenger is informed & sent to the airport's health information area. This is much quicker & less invasive than a nasal swab.

4/ If this pilot program is successful, the goal in Finland is to train & distribute dogs around the country to provide early COVID-19 detection in schools, malls, hospitals, & retirement homes. Perhaps you'll be seeing them at an airport near you.
nyti.ms/3niuDAu

5/ The Dear Pandemic team is cheering on innovations that allow for easy & widespread testing, including sewage tests, medical detection canines, & antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests.

6/ If you don't have access to those options, there's always the sniff-your-dirty-socks test. If your nose can't smell your stinky feet, then stay home! 🧦

7/ While widespread testing is certainly part of a comprehensive public health response, testing alone is not enough:

A positive test should be followed by isolation, appropriate care, & contact tracing. Follow the guidelines of the @CDCgov & your health care provider.

8/ Also, a negative test does not mean that you are free & clear to return to normal times. Continue to social distance, avoid indoor gatherings, & wear a mask outside your household.