So the record spike in cases (which is not just occurring in California) is because the Lakers and Dodger won the championship and a few numbskulls celebrated without a mask? Wow. I've seen some crazy "science" but that one is a keeper. Here are a few facts. Cases are at record levels in most every state. In states like California, NY, and PA and others where mask wearing has been mandatory for many months, the case numbers are soaring at record highs just as they are where mask wearing is not mandated. It doesn't take a lot of science to understand that means they are not the game changers that the CDC and a certain political party has suggested. If they were, then the numbers would be noticeably lower where masks are mandated. They certainly would not be higher than they were earlier in this year when no one was wearing a mask. As I said before, everyone should wear a mask. Better safe than sorry but they are just not as effective as advertised. In fact, if they are giving folks a false sense of security during the pandemic, they could actually be contributing to the spread by making people feel that they can safely go about their lives as usual.
Events that drive people to have close contact, especially indoors, are driving the spikes even in areas with severe restrictions.
This excerpt from The Atlantic says it best to me,
"The coronavirus spreads through the air, so—no matter where you are, even if you’re at your grandma’s house, or your best friend’s—breathing the same air as other people for extended periods of time is risky.
Your best bet is to avoid indoor gatherings altogether. They can be made marginally safer through testing, masking, (my add: ensuring proper ventilation) and limiting the number of attendees, but none of these methods is foolproof. As my colleague Sarah Zhang has written, a negative COVID-19 test is not a “get out of jail free” card; it’s unclear how well the tests work on people who aren’t feeling sick.
Masks don’t do much good if people spend several hours together in an unventilated room. And several public-health experts recently told The Washington Post that even small, casual get-togethers are significantly contributing to the spread of the virus."
I occasionally have had to let someone into my house for various reasons. I open all the windows, turn on fans, and enforce masks for everyone inside. We have had no issues.
Masks are game-changers if used the right way, but right now everything has its limitations. Even the vaccine will have its limitations, as other have pointed out. Since we all seem to study military history, it is a very simple defense in depth strategy.
Stay home and isolated if you have cold/flu like symptoms.
Limit your time around strangers, especially indoors.
Where masks when around strangers/people not in your household. (eye covers too if in very close contact)
When indoors, ensure excellent ventilation.
Stay at least six feet away from strangers/people not in your household. (if someone is sneezing or coughing, this becomes much more important, but hopefully they are self-quarantining)
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Get your flu shots, vaccinations.
The above is a proper defense in-depth plan blessed by Dr. Fauci and in order of priority under normal circumstances. This is what he and his family are doing. As they say, "Actions speak louder than words."
I have the privilege of personal contact with Dr. Fauci and people who work with him. I trust him above all others, even if he has made some mistakes.
