We are a couple of weeks away from the anniversary of the first known COVID-19 death in the US. In February 2020 the US had approximately 20 total deaths. As we move into February 2021 we will be pushing 500,000 deaths w/ a trajectory aimed much higher.
We failed a year ago. Infections got too far ahead of us. Our response should now be an all-out war to starve this virus & its new variants of hosts, to do what we should have done 10-11 mos ago. We can lower the future death total before vaccines get us to where we need to be.
The ABSOLUTE MINIMUM that must be done to reduce inhalation dose in both the near- and far-fields is (1) UNIVERSAL mask wearing in ALL indoor environments other than one's own home in the presence of immediate family, and (2) physical distancing of AT LEAST six feet.
These two simple and nearly no-cost steps, if practiced by ALL can reduce inhalation dose by 70 to 95%, depending on quality of masks and nature of indoor environment. I cannot think of a better investment in terms of benefit/cost ratio. Save lives at almost zero cost.
Beyond that, additional reduction in inhaled dose should include shortened time in essential indoor environments other than one's own home, avoiding all non-essential indoor environments, improved ventilation, and .............
control measures such as improved filtration in mechanical systems, portable HEPA air cleaners, and UVGI.
Avoid unproven technologies when very good and proven ones exist.
Practice good hand hygiene.
Just do it!
Avoid unproven technologies when very good and proven ones exist.
Practice good hand hygiene.
Just do it!
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