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A message to the @GeorgiaTech community.
Yesterday we had a jump in surveillance positives with a one-time increase to ~2.5% (significantly above recent trends near 1%).
Thoughts below on critical steps all of us need to take.
Yesterday we had a jump in surveillance positives with a one-time increase to ~2.5% (significantly above recent trends near 1%).
Thoughts below on critical steps all of us need to take.
First, good news: we continue to see high levels of testing in the absence of mandate. But, testing alone does not stop transmission.
Testing is *synergistic* with mask wearing, physical distancing, and NPIs: a message shared at 8/20 community town hall w/ @genomestake.
Testing is *synergistic* with mask wearing, physical distancing, and NPIs: a message shared at 8/20 community town hall w/ @genomestake.
This means that if folks test once a week but are complacent vis a vis mask-wearing and distancing, then there will be spread. Testing alone is not enough.
Second, even as we test ~10K/week, many are not testing regularly, such that the percentage in residence halls who have tested in past week is 60%.
Good, but not enough.
As we explained earlier, at that level of testing, we are likely to see outbreaks late in spread.
Good, but not enough.
As we explained earlier, at that level of testing, we are likely to see outbreaks late in spread.
Third: masks, socializing, and friend groups.
I get it, there is complacency, but this past summer, our community fought hard to seek and win a mask mandate: https://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/university-system-georgia-require-masks-classrooms-after-all/VyTlGue4hfyynzl2snRHqK/
I get it, there is complacency, but this past summer, our community fought hard to seek and win a mask mandate: https://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/university-system-georgia-require-masks-classrooms-after-all/VyTlGue4hfyynzl2snRHqK/
This not just a classroom issue (indeed, most classes are held online). Instead, it is critical that individuals wear masks when indoors at all times when not alone in their own room.
But (you might say), I only hang out with one group.
That's not how #Covid19 works.
But (you might say), I only hang out with one group.
That's not how #Covid19 works.
Restaurants, common spaces, etc. - indoor spaces where individuals are together for extended periods of time significantly increase risk.
Mask-wearing is *required* in all USG buildings and same guidance applies (even if not required by the state) off-campus.
Mask-wearing is *required* in all USG buildings and same guidance applies (even if not required by the state) off-campus.
In fact, clusters of cases are apparent in both Greek houses, residence halls, and levels of positive %-s for 'off campus' students mirrors that of on-campus.
Advice: behaving as if there are already cases in your residence is the best way to control an outbreak.
Advice: behaving as if there are already cases in your residence is the best way to control an outbreak.
Finally, we are two weeks from Thanksgiving. Which means that steps taken right now are essential to prevent bringing #Covid19 home for the holidays to friends and family who may be more likely to have a severe case: https://www.wired.com/story/thinking-about-a-holiday-gathering-look-at-this-map
We have seen these levels before in late August/early September, and together, through a commitment to testing, mask-wearing, and physical distancing rapidly drove down cases to <1% positivity for ~2 months.
My advice: share this thread, and then get tested 3 times in the next two weeks, this week, early next week, and again at least 2 days before the break.
This won't be easy, but protecting ourselves, our community, and our loved ones is worth it.
http://mytest.gatech.edu
This won't be easy, but protecting ourselves, our community, and our loved ones is worth it.
http://mytest.gatech.edu
