COVID-19 Changes Thanksgiving Family Times
November brings not only the beginning of the traditional American holiday season but in 2020 it is heralding the emergence of the much expected COVID-19 Fall surge. We have been warned that this surge would be worse than the devastation that occurred during the Spring and Summer of this year. Hospitalizations in the US reached a record 79,000 Americans yesterday. The lives of over 251,000 souls have ended due to this virus, including over 1800 yesterday. Infections are exploding. We have seen over 100,000 new cases diagnosed daily for the last 16 days and over 180,000 daily cases for each of the last 7 days. Over one million of our children have been diagnosed as positive. An infection rate of less than 5% is present in only six states. Community spread is astronomical in multiple states, specifically 91%- WY, 56%-SD and ID, 51%-IA, 44%-KS. Our infection rate in Ohio is 12.7%. Recall that a rate of 5% is felt to represent a level of community spread which would still allow most activities to still be conducted.
On the news front, two huge items need to be discussed. First, we know that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is spread by the droplets and aerosols that people produce when we cough, sneeze, breathe, talk, cough, or sing etc. It has been long known that masks protect the people from the wearer of the mask by controlling the source of the virus. The CDC is now coming forth with analyses of multiple studies and epidemiologic data that demonstrates that masks also help the wearer of the mask from those around her or him. This protection comes about because of the filtration effect of the mask that is being worn. The effectiveness of the filtration depends not only upon the number of layers (two-ply is better than one, and three-ply is superior to two), but also the type of the fabric. The CDC recommends the use of non-valved multi-layer cloth masks. Essentially masks provide “source control” from the wearer and filtration to the wearer. Research is ongoing regarding fabrics that deactivate exhaled viruses (Northwestern University). The bottom line is MASK up because it protects you from others, and others from you!
Some particularly important, much awaited, news has come forth regarding vaccines. Two vaccine manufacturers have provided preliminary information regarding their vaccines. Pfizer says that its vaccine is slightly over 95% effective and Moderna has revealed that its vaccine is 94.5% effective. Both will be requesting Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA before the middle of December. It is hoped that the initial doses will be available to health care providers during the latter part of December 2020. Unfortunately, it is likely that the widespread availability for the general public will not be until the Spring of 2021. Dr. Brett Giroir from the current White House Coronavirus Taskforce states that we will lose “tens of thousands of lives unnecessarily unless we use MASKS”!
We still have life to live and we must do our parts to keep safe during the approaching holiday season. The CDC (CDC.gov thanksgiving) has provided excellent, all-encompassing guidance for the holidays. We must modify our plans for gathering with family and friends. It is recommended that we celebrate virtually instead of gathering households which do not live in the same residence. A strict 14-day quarantine for convening household lowers the risks. If we decide to gather in person then MASKS should be worn by everyone older than the age of 2 except when eating and drinking. Maintain 6 feet of distance between guests, always. Outdoor gathering, though preferable, may not be practical. If celebrating indoors then crack windows/doors to maximize ventilation. Different households should use different serving utensils and should be seated in separate groups. It is best to avoid singing. Many more specifics are available on the CDC web site.
Because of the emotional stress caused by COVID-19, Americans assuredly anticipated this Holiday season as a respite from isolation and despair. Yet, we must dig deep as Americans and wait a little longer. Get our flu vaccine, MASK up, WASH our hands, WATCH our distance, avoid crowds, and WAIT to get vaccinated.
