Denver sees surge sharper than forecast

A White House advisor cries out for action; a study shows how COVID-19 can spread outside, and economists say debate over lockdowns is a "false dichotomy" between economy and health.

COVID-19 keeps on spreading, even while others pause to follow the US Presidential Election.

Today's Denver Post tells a story that has been playing out in many parts of the country. The current surge is sharper than models predicted.

A few other stories of note:

• “We are entering the most concerning and most deadly phase of this pandemic…. This is not about lockdowns — it hasn’t been about lockdowns since March or April. It’s about an aggressive balanced approach that is not being implemented,” says White House advisor Dr. Deborah Birx, in an internal memo reported by the Washington Post and the New York Times.

• Texas now has recorded more COVID-19 cases than any other state. More than 18,000 Texans have died from the disease.

• A study by physics researchers in Singapore finds that COVID-19 is quite capable of spreading from person to person outdoors. After conducting experiments modeling dispersal of viral droplets when a person coughs, the researchers estimate that staying six feet away from an infected person reduces risk by more than 60% compared to standing three feet away. Note that face coverings reduce the expulsion of droplets, which is why face coverings plus social distancing are the recommended ways to prevent COVID-19 spread.

• Swiss economists call on the country’s government to impose a strict lockdown to halt COVID-19, saying that the choice is not between economic viability and health but instead that economic viability requires control of the pandemic. They also say that the long-term economic consequences of a continued uncontrolled pandemic are far greater than the short-term pain of a lockdown.

• Hong Kong now requires arriving international travelers to stay quarantined in a hotel for 14 days after arrival.

Whatever the outcome of today’s voting is, controlling COVID-19 requires us to keep up with our social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene. This is the way it will be for at least several more months.

Stay safe, everyone!