In these challenging times, the emergence of new COVID variants can understandably heighten anxiety. As we entered 2021 with hopes for an effective vaccine, the sudden return to lockdowns and news of more contagious variants, like those from the U.K., South Africa, and Brazil, have dampened our spirits. The recent detection of the Brazilian variant in Minnesota and the South African variant in South Carolina only adds to the unease that many of us feel.
Panic is a natural response to a year of ongoing stress, but we must remember that we still have power over our safety. There are proactive steps we can take to protect ourselves, even as these variants circulate.
Experts, including Dr. Lila Johnson and Professor Marcus Lee, recently shared valuable insights on how to stay safe amid the B.1.1.7 variant in an article on Oregon Live. Their research in fluid dynamics and aerosols emphasizes the importance of reinforcing the safety measures we’ve adopted since March 2020.
The B.1.1.7 variant has a higher viral load, meaning individuals release more virus particles when they cough, sneeze, or talk. This increased contagiousness necessitates the use of effective masks. They recommend N95 masks, which are used by healthcare professionals, but if you opt for cloth masks, ensure they have multiple layers. As Dr. Johnson and Professor Lee advise, “The material should ideally be tightly woven, such as high thread count cotton. A proper fit is also crucial, as gaps can reduce effectiveness by 50%.” Double masking—wearing a sturdy mask like an N95 or K95 under a cloth mask—provides added protection.
Controlling your surroundings is equally important. Practicing social distancing and only going indoors when spaces have proper ventilation is essential. The CDC recommends maintaining 6 feet of distance, yet Dr. Johnson and Professor Lee suggest that this may not be sufficient with the new variants. Limiting indoor gatherings is crucial now more than ever.
Additionally, consider reducing trips to grocery stores. Dr. Alice Green, a former CDC director, recently tweeted, “Spending five minutes in the grocery store is significantly safer than 30 minutes. If possible, choose curbside pickup or grocery delivery.” Many stores now offer these services at no extra cost, helping to minimize exposure for both customers and employees.
Ultimately, the most effective measure against COVID-19 and its new variants is vaccination. While not everyone has access, those who do should seize the opportunity to get vaccinated. Dr. Tom Sanders, an infectious disease specialist, warns that controlling the virus’s spread is critical to preventing further mutations. He states, “We need to vaccinate as many people as we can with the current vaccine to avoid future updates.” Achieving a vaccination rate close to 90% is essential for herd immunity, allowing us to return to some semblance of normalcy.
So, let’s do our part. Follow the precautions outlined above, and if you’re offered the vaccine, take it.
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If you’re looking for additional safety measures, you might find our other blog post helpful as well.
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In summary, while the rise of new COVID-19 variants can be alarming, there are effective strategies we can adopt to enhance our safety. From wearing the right masks to limiting indoor gatherings and getting vaccinated, taking these precautions can help us navigate through these uncertain times.
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