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dreamsharkSo, Minnesota diagnosed their first case of COVID-19, and handled it perfectly. Most impressive was the way they released information, and the way the local paper (Minneapolis Star Tribune) reported it. I think this is the single most informative article I have seen on how the virus spreads, as well as communicating exactly what people need to know about the local case. I'm not sure if you can read it if you don't have a subscription, but if you can I suggest doing so.
This is the first article I have seen that explained what is meant by the vague phrase "close contact" - being within 6 feet of an infected person for more than 10 minutes. That explains the occasional random comment from well-informed sources along the lines of "you are more likely to catch it in a classroom or conference than at the shopping mall" and the new phrase "social distancing" that is starting to pop up.
As for information on the local case - superbly handled. Rather than meaningless reassurances and useless advice about hand washing, the Minnesota Dept of Health acknowledged that community spread is going to happen eventually but explained in detail why this particular case is not it. They know where the individual was infected (cruise ship) and determined that they had had "minimal close contact with others" since returning home. And the Health Dept source made a point of praising this person for doing "exactly the right thing," and then explaining what that was: stayed home as soon as symptoms began, called ahead for an appointment when they got worse, showed up at the doctors office wearing a mask, and cooperated fully with in-home isolation instructions.
The article also provided reasons to believe that state health officials are fully engaged, realistically planning, and on the spot in their response to their first alert. The health facility the patient was directed to had staff in protective gear ready to receive them, testing was available, contact tracing started immediately, and "St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health officials will be available to support the patient through the isolation and to bring groceries or other essentials as needed." I don't know what more we can ask for at this stage.
This is the first article I have seen that explained what is meant by the vague phrase "close contact" - being within 6 feet of an infected person for more than 10 minutes. That explains the occasional random comment from well-informed sources along the lines of "you are more likely to catch it in a classroom or conference than at the shopping mall" and the new phrase "social distancing" that is starting to pop up.
As for information on the local case - superbly handled. Rather than meaningless reassurances and useless advice about hand washing, the Minnesota Dept of Health acknowledged that community spread is going to happen eventually but explained in detail why this particular case is not it. They know where the individual was infected (cruise ship) and determined that they had had "minimal close contact with others" since returning home. And the Health Dept source made a point of praising this person for doing "exactly the right thing," and then explaining what that was: stayed home as soon as symptoms began, called ahead for an appointment when they got worse, showed up at the doctors office wearing a mask, and cooperated fully with in-home isolation instructions.
The article also provided reasons to believe that state health officials are fully engaged, realistically planning, and on the spot in their response to their first alert. The health facility the patient was directed to had staff in protective gear ready to receive them, testing was available, contact tracing started immediately, and "St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health officials will be available to support the patient through the isolation and to bring groceries or other essentials as needed." I don't know what more we can ask for at this stage.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-08 08:25 pm (UTC)