Over the past few months, health experts have warned that the COVID-19 pandemic can get out of control during the winter months. On Tuesday, their worst predictions came true when the U.S. reported the highest daily number of COVID-19 deaths, with more than 4,320 deaths attributed to the virus. At the Futures Forum on Preparedness presented by Schmidt Futures and Social Science Research Council, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading expert in infectious diseases and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discussed our current situation with former first daughter Barbara Bush. He reveals the handful of things that are effective in preventing the spread of the deadly virus. Read on – and do not miss it to ensure your health and the health of others Sure signs that you already have a Coronavirus.
“We are in a very difficult situation,” Fauci conceded, pointing out that hospitals in parts of the country are overcrowded. “It’s getting worse.” He added, however, that things could turn around soon. “I hope by the end of January we will see a peak in a turnaround, especially if people are hanging out there and not getting discouraged about COVID-19 fatigue and abandoning their public health measures,” he said. According to dr. Fauci there are some proven strategies, supported by science, that will effectively slow down the spread. “If we do not do that, it could be even worse than what we are currently seeing,” he said.
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others is to hide when you are close to other people. “CDC recommends that people wear masks in public institutions, such as on public and mass transport, at events and gatherings, and wherever they will be in the vicinity of other people,” they explain on their website. However, not every mask is effective. They suggest that you choose masks that contain two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face and have no gaps.
Social distance is also crucial to protecting yourself and others. “To exercise social or physical distance, you must stay in indoor and outdoor rooms at least 6 feet (approximately 2 arm’s length) of other people who are not from your household,” the CDC suggests.
Every time people from different households come together, there is an increased risk of infection. “The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19,” the CDC explains. Dr. Fauci has repeatedly warned that congregational institutions, especially the indoor ones such as religious services, family gatherings or other functions, have a super-distributor potential.
Practicing hand hygiene, which includes washing with soap and water as well as disinfecting hands, has been recommended since the beginning of the pandemic. “Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from the sick,” says the CDC.
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As for yourself, follow the principles of Fauci and help end this upsurge no matter where you live – wear a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, do not go indoors with people you do not shelter with (especially in pubs), practice good hand hygiene, be vaccinated if it is available to you and around your life and the lives of others, do not visit one of this not 35 places you are likely to catch COVID.