COVID-19 Daily Update for June 24, 2020
Coping with widespread community infections...
I’m writing this while listening to a CDC briefing that includes a scientist reinforcing the rationale for face coverings. She notes that the main reason to wear a face-covering is to protect others from your own droplets (the kind that each of us naturally emits when speaking, shouting, sneezing or singing.)
If you wear a face covering and the people around you wear face coverings, too, the risk of COVID-19 transmission goes down dramatically. However, keeping about six feet away from others and washing hands frequently and thoroughly are “equally important,” said the scientist, especially if there are any people around you who cannot wear face coverings for medical reasons or simply choose not to.
California joins the list of states with dramatically high rates of new infections. The state reported more than 6,000 cases on Monday, the most ever - until Tuesday, when 6,652 new cases were recorded. Los Angeles counted 2,000 new cases on Tuesday, and the health director says some of the spike may be related to recent protests.
The percentage of positive tests among people tested for COVID-19 in Florida has jumped. In the Miami area, nearly 20% of tests reported Monday were positive — almost double the rate observed just a week ago.
Federal support for COVID-19 testing may be winding down. Multiple outlets report that the Trump Administration will end funding for coronavirus testing in five states - Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas - where federal funding had not already been eliminated.
Are public restrooms safe? Dr. Jen Gunter, a California reproductive health physician and respected blogger on health topics, explains the answer and provides useful safety advice in the New York Times. Two key points: Don’t linger longer than necessary, and skip those paper toilet seat covers.
A device to disinfect airline seats using UV light was an inventor’s pet project for years, but he could not have predicted the demand for his device now that COVID-19 has made travel riskier. Now, Honeywell is working to get the devices into wide use.
The CDC is out with new guidance on food safety. No major changes - COVID-19 is not thought to spread through food, take-out from restaurants is a good, safe option, and you don’t need to worry too much about the virus lurking on packages. The guidelines also explain how to clean produce and handle other foods safely. Key tip: Don’t wash fruits or vegetables with soap, bleach or other chemicals.