October 12, 2020

back to basics

Guess what? We have improved our hand washing since the pandemic began! A study comparing how often people remembered to wash their hands in different situations last fall was compared to how many remembered in June. Much improved, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating.

Which is a good thing. Even though we hear all the time now about SARS-CoV-2 being airborne, it can still be passed via dirty hands touching our noses or mouths or eyes. You may have read about coronavirus lasting longer than we thought on things, such as dollar bills, surfaces in bathrooms, handrails, and other sites. Remembering to wash and sanitize our hands remains a big part of staying safe.

Don’t worry that every dollar you touch or item you bring home from the store will infect you. The chances are still rare. We don’t know if the viruses found are still viably infectious, but it is a good reminder to wash you hands after going out or touching possibly contaminated items. And don’t forget to clean your phone. We touch our phones more than anything! Here is some advice about cleaning them.

The UN warns against trying to reach herd immunity as a way to contain the virus. Too many people’s health would be at risk, especially as we recognize more and more that many people that survive have long term symptoms. Reaching herd immunity may mean that as many as 70-80% of the population need immunity and we are only at 10% in the US. Too many would suffer if we try to reach herd immunity by allowing and encouraging infections. Being outdoors is helpful but is not completely protective if you don’t follow the distancing or mask wearing guidelines. Following our guidelines of mask wearing, social distancing, and washing our hands will continue to keep us safe. That is our herd immunity.

Wash your hands, cover your nose, keep safe six, and stay sensible.

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/publichealth/89023 hand washing

https://www.mdlinx.com/news/being-outdoors-doesn-and-8217-t-mean-youre-safe-from-covid-19/48zdb1XRaMINLrAlEYiPhK

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/coronavirus-can-persist-for-four-weeks-on-banknotes-study-finds/

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/coronavirus-cleaning-tips-for-your-iphone-android/

https://www.medpagetoday.org/infectiousdisease/covid19/89063 1/10 antibodies

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/un-warns-against-pursuing-herd-immunity-to-stop-coronavirus/