STORY SNAPSHOT
1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that masks are one of the most powerful weapons to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19.
2. As of Aug. 11, 2020, there have been 5,064,171 cases of COVID-19 in the United States and 162,407 deaths. Cases were first reported last March.
3. The number of cases is likely higher because not all cases are reported. Some people have mild symptoms and do not go to the doctor. Other people show no symptoms but have the virus.
4. The CDC is doing “Serology Surveillance” to estimate the actual number of COVID-19 cases.
5. Serology Surveillance involves drawing blood from people to see if antibodies to the COVID-19 virus are in their blood.
6. The CDC took blood samples from people at 10 sites for their surveillance.
7. The CDC estimates the actual number of cases in those 10 sites ranged from six to 24 times larger than the reported cases.
8. The CDC director said the public is not DEFENSELESS against the virus.The CDC has issued guidance on how to wear and clean masks.
9. In addition to wearing masks, it is very important for people to wash their hands often to remove pathogens, (bacteria and viruses that cause infections).
Graphic Novel: On the Front Lines with Larry Lather by Redwood Learn
(Graphic: CDC)
STORY by Judith Stanford Miller, Redwood Learn editor
Aug. 12, 2020 – A sure sign of the COVID pandemic is the ubiquitous presence of masks. The cloth protectors can be seen hanging from rear view mirrors in cars, folded up in pockets and purses, and of course, looped around ears. The CDC has guidance on how to properly wear and clean masks. And early on during the pandemic, there was a run on hand sanitizer because the CDC recommends washing your hands often to remove pathogens (bacteria and viruses that cause infections). Washing your hands with soap and water is preferred. Hand sanitizer should be used as an alternate to soap and water.
COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States
According to CDC stats, as of yesterday, there have been 5,064,171 cases of COVID-19 and 162,407 deaths in the United States since the first cases were reported last March.
Most likely, there have been many more cases since not all people visit the doctor when sick. The CDC is conducting testing, called “Serology Surveillance” at ten sites to estimate the total number of people infected with the virus. By sampling blood to test for antibodies to the virus, CDC scientists can then estimate the total number of people infected in a specific location.
From blood samples drawn in April and May, the CDC issued the following estimates:
1. Connecticut: cases are at least six times higher than reported
2. Louisiana: cases are at least 16 times higher than reported
3. Minnesota: cases are at least 10 times higher than reported
4. Missouri: cases are at least 24 times higher than reported
5. New York City area: cases are at least 12 times higher than reported
6. Philadelphia metro region: cases are at least seven times higher than reported
7. San Francisco Bay area: cases are at least nine times higher than reported
8. Utah: cases are at least 11 times higher than reported
9. Western Washington state: cases are at least 11 times higher than reported
10. South Florida: cases are at least 11 times higher than reported
CDC: Masks could reduce spread of COVID-19
On July 14, 2020, the CDC issued the following statement and quote from Dr. Robert R. Redfield, CDC director:
CDC statement
“In an editorial published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), CDC reviewed the latest science and affirms that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when used universally within communities. There is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.”
The COVID-19 virus is a respiratory virus. It’s spread when people with the virus do not cover their coughs and sneezes. Millions of viruses are released into the air. Other people who are near them breathe the air containing viruses. People become infected. Then it’s a battle between the virus and a person’s immune system. People at highest risk of serious disease from COVID-19 are those who are older (over 70 years) and have other medical conditions such as diabetes or are obese. Many other respiratory diseases, such as influenza and the common cold, are spread in the same way as COVID-19.
Dr. Redfield quote
“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” Dr. Robert R. Redfield, CDC director said in a July 14, 2020 press release. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
There is a right way and a wrong way to wear a mask.
For information on how to make a mask, properly wear one, and clean it, visit the CDC.
For information on proper handwashing techniques, visit the CDC (Clean Hands Saves Lives.)
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Why should a person cover their coughs and sneezes?
2. How many cases of COVID-19 have been reported to the CDC since last March?
3. What is “Serology Surveillance?”
INQUIRY QUESTIONS
1. What has the CDC concluded from their Serology Surveillance?
2. Why are masks a powerful weapon to slow and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus?
3. Why are strategies to slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially covering coughs and sneezes with tissues and washing hands often, good hygiene overall?