What to do when the virus is still here but we all need haircuts
How do I know if it’s safe for me to leave home?
Here’s what I’m watching for, and if you stop reading after this paragraph know you read the most important part.
I’m watching case counts in my county and state very carefully these next three weeks. But even more important, I’m narrowing in on the two weeks following Memorial Day. The holiday will inevitably bring people together, yet it’s also the mark of much warmer weather. IF cases spike anytime the next three weeks, and by “spike” I mean several consecutive days of higher than usual case counts, we know we have to go back to being extra careful. IF cases decline, we should cheer and jump up and down with tempered enthusiasm. I promise to keep posting updates on the data I review.
How do I leave my home? What do I bring? How do I act?
Iowa still has community spread. Polk county has not decelerated and continues to see elevated case counts and hospitalizations. Yes, case counts nationally are SLOWLY declining, but there is still community spread of this virus nearly everywhere. Our mindset must remain cautious.
1. Keep wearing your mask. Even if it provides minimal protection it reminds us of the need to be careful simply by feeling the mask and seeing them on others.
2. Keep limiting errands to the essentials. There is no reason to go gangbusters at Target right now, unless you have a car full of returns from your online quarantine shopping hobby.
3. Research and watch how the stores you frequent are managing. Are they reopening slowly? Good. Are they requiring or recommending masks for guests and employees? Yes. Are they providing guidance on how to distance or even physical cues on how to space? Good. Are they limiting capacity? Good.
4. Do not congregate. No large groups, no parties, no church. A recent article published by CDC showed ONE person was able to spread COVID19 to 52 other people and two people died DURING CHOIR PRACTICE. One symptomatic person + one choir practice (61 people total)= 52 cases and two deaths. Small groups, friends. Ten or less, preferably family.
5. Limit store trips to those who truly need to go with you.
6. Carry sanitizer. Use it after touching ANY shared surface.
What about going to the dentist or doctor?
Extensive guidelines were provided to dentists and enacted by medical practices. If you schedule a visit, the office should walk you through any special protocols for ensuring your safety during the visit. Follow their rules. I’ve seen some of this in action and am quite impressed.
Shouldn’t I get antibody testing to see if I’ve had it?
No. That’s a futile action right now, in my statistical opinion. Not only are the 12 tests (with only interim FDA approval) brand new, but their ability to detect immunity depends on how much actual disease is present in the community. Those tests work best with at least 5% of the community actively infected. Iowa is running at about 1%.
If there is one common action we can all take to stay safe and keep others safe, it’s taking PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. We cannot change the positions and actions of everyone else, but we can be the example.