The circumstances around Coronavirus have evolved, and so have we. Now that we have so much more information about the virus, we can start to think about the next steps to reopening society and jump starting the economy.
The benefits of universal masking. Masks reduce aerosolized droplet transmission to others and to surfaces that others may touch. They protect your mouth and nose from the droplets omitted by others, and they prevent you from touching your nose and mouth.
Spending more time outside is a good thing. Early on, America closed public parks and advised people to stay inside their homes. However, medical experts have concluded that being outdoors with appropriate distancing carries a lower risk of getting the infection than being indoors.
Businesses need to adapt. Many businesses are adapting by limiting the number of shoppers in a store, requiring masks, spacing out lines into 6 foot intervals, installing plexiglass guards, and cleaning incessantly.
Safeguarding those at high risk.
The data shows that the immuno-compromised are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. These practices will help optimize the health of the public until there is a vaccine available. In addition to saving lives now, mastering these strategies will save lives should we experience a second wave of the virus.
Early on, medical experts didn’t know what we were dealing with. But now that we have more information about the virus, we should use a more holistic approach to fight the virus to minimize the damage.
Sources:
New York Times. “How To Reopen America Safely” May 14, 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/opinion/reopen-america-coronavirus-lockdown.html
