Thread by @broadwaybabyto

No one is coming to save us - we must save each other. The CDC’s dangerous decision to reduce Covid isolation guidelines have further propagated the myth that Covid is no longer a threat. It still is. If the isolation layer is being removed - what are we left with? A thread 🧵/1

Let's start with vaccines. The vaxx & relax strategy is NOT working. I wish it was. Unfortunately the current covid vaccines are not sterilizing - they don't prevent transmission. They DO prevent severe illness & hospitalization (and they're quite good at it). /2

I look at these types of vaccines as very individualistic protection. Given they don't prevent transmission they aren't protecting the people around you - they're only preventing YOU from becoming seriously ill. /3

If you're vaccinated you will likely avoid severe illness - but that doesn't stop you from infecting a vulnerable person who could have a much more severe case. This is a big part of why I advocate for a layered approach - individual protection leaves too many open to harm /4

There are also people who can't take the vaccine & many immune compromised people whose bodies won't mount sufficient protection. Many others refused the vaccine. People may disagree with their decision - but they're now high risk for severe infection. Layers lower that risk. /5

What else do we have? Masking. Not with cloth & surgical masks - I'm well aware those don't prevent the spread of Covid. We can use good quality fitted respirators.
We know they offer excellent protection against airborne viruses like Covid & measles /6

I get it - you don't like to wear a mask. You think it's uncomfortable or annoying or a blight on your freedoms. Unfortunately Covid doesn't care. Masking is effective & arguably the quickest way to reduce transmission. We need to educate people on how & why they should mask. /7

We can also choose to clean the air. Filtration and ventilation are very successful at lowering transmission of viruses indoors. If you hate the idea of wearing a mask - get on board the clean air train! If we had clean air benchmarks in public settings we would all be safer. /8

Next up - testing! Too many people have decided the tests are ineffective or not needed ("if I'm sick - I'm sick"). The reality is we should absolutely be testing. If you're positive on a RAT - you're contagious. You have a moral obligation to take steps to avoid transmission. /9

Which leads me to isolation. I'm aware many people can't afford to isolate. This is a social justice issue which needs more discussion. Everyone deserves paid sick time. If you CAN isolate - you should. If you can't - wear a mask & avoid people as much as possible. /10

What else can you do? Changing behaviours helps a lot. Avoid crowded indoor gatherings, opt for outdoor where possible. Dine on patios or choose venues with excellent air quality. Not sure how to tell? A device such as an Aranet gives a CO2 reading to aid in risk assessment /11

There's also mouthwashes & nasal sprays that can reduce viral load. They aren't to be relied on as the sole means of preventing infection but as part of a layered strategy they're great tools. Look for CPC mouthwash & nasal sprays like Enovid. Saline rinses work well too. /12

I understand people will see these strategies as a lot of work. I'm prepared for the question "we didn't do this before Covid so why should we now?" The answer is simple - Covid changed the game. It's not just a cold. It's a severe multi system virus that should be mitigated. /13

A layered strategy doesn't have to be hard work. It becomes second nature once you get used to it. Plus you won't only be protecting yourself - you're protecting others as well. We can't continue to let Covid rip. The CDC proved we are on our own - so let's protect each other /14

If governments and public health won't do what's necessary - then we have to step up as individuals. We have the power to choose whether we are going to spread a dangerous virus or be someone who breaks a chain of transmission. Every chain broken could be a life saved. /15

Lastly if you do become disabled by Covid - you will quickly realize how little help is available. You will wish you had taken steps to prevent it. You may think masking & filtering the air are inconveniences but believe me - losing your health & independence is worse. /16

The only guaranteed way to prevent Long Covid is to avoid Covid in the first place. With these layered strategies it is possible to avoid infection (and reinfection). I urge everyone to make the choice to care. Make the choice to stop the spread. /17

The sooner we move away from this "you do you/your health isn't MY responsibility" mindset & approach the problem
collectively - the sooner we will see results.

We share the air and if we care about the quality of that air ... we will all benefit. / end