The days are getting shorter, cooler, and wetter. The prospect of going inside and leaving the relative safety of outdoor socializing is anxiety-inducing. It’s hard to imagine giving up even more of our favorite traditions, like trick-or-treating or Thanksgiving dinner. This anxiety and impending sense of loss might make some activities feel worth the risk. Naturally, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about this decision-making process.
Dr. Heather and Dr. Kate got together (virtually) last week to unpack these issues and provide guidance on mitigating the risk. Spoiler alert: outdoor and virtual gatherings are going to be safest.
For those who do gather indoors, here are some key takeaways:
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Plan ahead (talk with everyone involved about possible exposures, share perspectives on risk, modify seating arrangements, and other issues). Respect one another’s risk tolerances.
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Asymptomatic (and presymptomatic) spreading is real. If at all possible, do a strict 14-day quarantine beforehand.
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Be prepared with an alternative plan, in case someone has or develops symptoms.
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Minimize the number of people/households in attendance.
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Maximize the amount of space between people/households.
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Everyone ought to wear masks except while eating, and wash hands on arrival and regularly thereafter.
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Asymptomatic (and presymptomatic) spreading is real. If at all possible, do a 14-day quarantine afterwards.
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The most infamous COVID cluster yet
We’ve all seen the news. A cluster of COVID-19 cases has sprouted in the White House, including the President of the United States. The President and his staff are tested on a regular basis. Visitors receive rapid tests before entry. How did this happen?
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Frequent contact with people from multiple households? Check.
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Relaxed attitude towards wearing masks and maintaining physical distance? Check.
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Using testing as a substitute for protective measures? Check.
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We have written frequently about how taking shortcuts opens the door to infection. But this episode makes it clearer than ever that no amount of testing can prevent someone from spreading the disease.
The White House outbreak is one more example of how the virus spreads best when people from multiple households are gathered in bunches without masks — a church in La Grande, a funeral in Chicago, a megachurch near Seoul, a choir rehearsal in Washington state, a wedding in Maine, a business conference in Boston, an NFL team, and more frat parties than you can shake a beer bong at — and then carries on from there.
Safe haven
A setting that does appear to be fairly safe from COVID transmission risk is hospitals and doctors’ offices. We understand why people may be wary of seeking medical care at this time, but we want to encourage patients to not put off necessary medical care. A recent study showed that hospital- acquired COVID cases are exceedingly rare.
At Baskin Clinic, we are doing everything we can to keep our facility safe for our team and patients. Since March 1st, 85 percent of those who completed our survey said they felt safe or very safe during in-person appointments with us, and 100 percent said they felt as safe or safer at Baskin Clinic compared to other medical facilities. We will continue providing as much virtual care as possible during this time. Please know that when you do need an in person visit, you are in good hands.
As always, we want to end this with something light. Perhaps one of these 2020-inspired Halloween costume ideas will be perfect for your virtual costume party? If ewe didn’t find that funny, perhaps this one will make you jump for joy:
Don’t be afraid to share some lighthearted internet content with us! We might even put it in the newsletter.
Take care,
Baskin Clinic