As the country begins to lift restrictions, here is a guide to minimize the risk of infection with COVID-19.
Health care workers have provided a natural experiment that is instructive. They have had greater exposure to people infected with COVID-19 than any other population. And yet their infection rate is significantly lower than the general population.
This lower rate occurred in the context of extreme exposure (not only the presence of infectious patients but many high transmission-risk procedures such as intubation), inadequate personal protective equipment and a delayed appreciation of the virus’ virulence.
This suggests that if the general public adopts the measures taken by health care workers, it would provide significant protection.
The list of practices is familiar; social distancing, face masks, hygiene and screening. They have been likened to a drug cocktail. Any one of them alone, has limitations and cannot provide adequate protection. They must all be followed.
Social Distancing
The virus is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks (loud talking has been shown to emit significantly more droplets than quieter talking). The primary route of transmission…
