Recently, the CDC made recommendations allowing kids to be closer together, 3 feet, rather than the traditionally recommended 6 feet. This part of the push to get kids back to school.This is ridiculous for a number of reasons.
When all this started, we assumed that SARS-Cov-2 behaved much like the Flu virus, spreading by droplets, through coughing and sneezing mostly, from one person to another. We now know better. Although it DOES spread that way, most of it is spread through aerosols, including simple breathing. And these aerosols can stay suspended in the air for hours and spread significantly farther than even 6 feet.
Secondly, kids have been shown to contract, and more importantly, transmit, the new variant viruses much more easily and extensively than the wildtype coronavirus.
The good news is that suspended aerosols disperse quickly with adequate ventilation, like using air filters, fans and simply opening windows and getting some airflow.
It’s been a year since this virus changed the lives of everyone on the planet. With vaccination rates increasing, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. However, if we are not careful, this will drag on for a lot longer than a year. I understand the need to get kids back to school but does it make sense to push it, only a few months before the academic year ends anyway? Does it make sense to remove mask mandates and open up bars and restaurants fully? Do you really need to go to the gym? Just go outside for a walk or run. Use a yoga app. Do you have to go to a packed club or bar? There are plenty of alternatives. Just a few more months and a few more vaccinations and we could get past this.
Alas, humans are selfish, impulsive and impatient. And we love to hear good, or even equivocal news about our bad habits. Give us an inch and we take a foot.
Vaccination or having had recovered from Covid-19 protects you, but not 100% and certainly not against the variant viruses which are on a rapid rise around the world, including in the US and Canada. They also do not eliminate your potential for spreading the virus if re-exposed.
AGAIN, it’s not about your safety, it’s about the safety of EVERYONE.
MASK UP, even if vaccinated or recovered. Wear it properly covering your nose. Wear a good one.
DISTANCE. 3 feet is NOT enough.
WASH your hands.
VENTILATE.
VACCINATE. PLEASE!!!!
GET HEALTHY.
Stay safe and be well.
AC