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There is a critical message that needs to get out to save lives. Holiday gatherings are going to do enough to accelerate the pandemic without having people think that if they sit in cozy living/dining rooms at opposite ends of 6 foot tape measures they will be safe. (1/)
This virus is largely transmitted in aerosols rather than large droplets. Most of the virus we exhale does not magically fall to the ground within 6 ft from an infected person but rather spreads as an aerosol cloud and fills a room. (2/)
The concentration of aerosol particles (and thus the concentration of virus) decreases at further distance from the source so risk diminishes as distance increases-but this ignores ONE CRITICAL CAVEAT: aerosols do not rapidly fall to the ground. They accumulate indoors. (3/)
Thus, the public health messaging should not be “you should socially distance – but if you can’t you should wear a mask” but rather “Wear a mask at all times whenever you are indoors with anyone who is not in your immediate household regardless of the distance". (4/)
The # of US cases is rapidly increasing and will soon be going over 100,000 cases per day. Much of the current spread is happening at gatherings in people's homes. Indoors with people talking without masks poses the highest risk. (5/)
Healthcare workers are exhausted. Hospitals are filling. Cases are skyrocketing. Not having holiday gatherings this year will insure your family members are healthy and alive to have gatherings next year. It will also protect our HCW who are doing all they can to help us. (6/)
We can stop this pandemic by working together-wearing masks to protect ourselves and each other is a requirement to reduce the spread and save lives. We are all tired but direct your frustration and attention to beating the virus! (7/)
Everyone should take the time to thank at least one healthcare and front line worker each day. We cannot lose sight of the fact that it is because of them that we are able to stay home with our immediate families and enjoy the holidays this year. Happy/safe/masked holidays. (8/)
@DrLaPook @joncoopertweets @DrTomFrieden @CIDRAP @mtosterholm @EricTopol @linseymarr @jljcolorado @ShellyMBoulder @trishgreenhalgh
