Two Epidemiologists Discuss Coronavirus

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Highlights:
  • There is no reliable evidence masks work outside of a healthcare environment. They bring up an interesting point that as the mask moistens, it makes the situation worse. 
  • High humidity destablizes the virus (makes it less lethal). 
  • Cooler, less humid weather makes it less more transmissible on surfaces. 
  • There are many unknowns with regard to the transmission of this virus that are not understood and probably will not be understood until the autumn and winter. 
  • The chance of deaths in children is extremely low -- less than one in a million. 
As I was working on this post late Wednesday afternoon, I was watching the Royals v Cardinals. I have a couple of comments regarding this photo.
There is literally zero chance of catching any illness in the open outdoors by yourself. None. But, if you want to wear a mask, wear it properly. Note that his nostrils are not covered. 

Of course, if there is a law that says you have to wear a mask, wear a mask. I wear a mask indoors and surgical gloves as I believe the combination may be helpful even though there is considerable uncertainty. 

However, there is simply no evidence that you can catch any disease in the unconstrained outdoors (e.g., riding a bicycle, jogging, playing baseball). I worry about heat exhaustion with masks in very hot weather. 

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