The first time I was going to build a Corsi–Rosenthal Box I accidently built a Creutzfeldt–Jakob Box, and we didn't know what the hell we were even doing for weeks.
The second time it turned out I had the plans for a Dunning-Kruger Box but I persevered anyway, and it turned out brilliantly. Everyone said I was an idiot but they just didn't understand how amazing I am.
So I am in a group text with 8 high school friends ( 50 year reunion coming up!) one common theme from all of them - except me and 1 other - is “colds” “flu” bronchitis” “allergies” and “RSV”. (All self-diagnosed) Is there a gentle, funny way to remind them to wear a mask, and maybe buy a HEPA filter- I mean , the bare minimum!? I don’t want to preach you understand. #wearamask#CovidIsntOver#hepa#ventilation#flu#rsv#covid
CDC director recommends #masking against tide of rising respiratory illnesses, including #COVID
The CDC hasn’t seen anything new in terms of viruses or sickness, but recommended a handful of precautions
By Nicole Karlis
December 7, 2023
"CDC director Mandy Cohen released a video this week about how to take precautions this winter as the #pirola clan outpaces previously dominant COVID-19 variants, alongside the rise of other respiratory viruses across the country. In the video, Cohen said respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are 'elevated.' COVID-19 is starting to increase again, and pneumonia cases are also on the rise. Cohen specifies the CDC hasn’t seen anything new in terms of viruses or sickness.
"Still, she recommends taking specific precautions for people to protect themselves, like getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine, this season’s influenza vaccine, and the RSV vaccine for those over the age of 60. Additional layers of protection, she said, include washing your hands, improving #ventilation, and wearing a #mask.
"As masking recommendations eased up over the summer, the CDC appears to be tightening its guidance on masking this winter in light of Cohen’s latest video briefing. In May 2023, the CDC advised healthcare facilities to take a risk-based approach when it came to universal masking in healthcare facilities. In addition to masks, Cohen urged Americans to get tested when they’re sick in order to receive proper treatment. As of November 20, 2023, households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of four free coronavirus tests.
"'CDC will continue to closely monitor respiratory illnesses including respiratory viruses and pneumonia spreading across the US and around the world,' Cohen said. 'And we'll be sure to share additional updates and information.'"
There is no reason to doubt the effectiveness of cleaner indoor air in reducing the transmission of communicable diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
There is reason, however, to doubt the cost-effectiveness if no consideration is given to quantifying the amount of delivered clean air or its cost.
Recommended clean air delivery targets exist, as do standards for measuring clean air delivery.
Use the standards & price transparency to deliver the targets at lowest possible cost.
WHY WE'RE STILL BREATHING DIRTY INDOOR AIR
by @apoorva in the @nytimes
"…Had indoor air quality ever been a priority, the pandemic would have exacted a far lighter toll in the United States.
More than three years later, little has changed. Most Americans are still squeezing into offices, classrooms, restaurants and shops with inadequate, often decrepit ventilation systems, often in buildings with windows sealed shut."
CO2 ppm up till the first intermission of the #Boston Symphony Orchestra.
It starts around 800 ppm - the level at which CDC says to start thinking about supplemental #ventilation.
It goes up steadily to 1290 ppm (about 2.3% rebreathed air). That's when my friend left the hall to give me the monitor. I imagine that the CO2 level in the hall continued to increase during intermission and the second half.
“Only 2 days to go until #WorldVentil8Day!
We'll be sharing inspiring news, compelling stories, and actionable tips all day long! Stay tuned and get ready to be part of the movement towards healthier air for everyone, everywhere.” https://worldventil8day.com/facts-resources
Don’t leave people in your communities behind just because it would be inconvenient for you to adapt!
– Make the most of hybrid events (if not completely online)
– Encourage people to wear a mask (at least FFP2/N95)
– Ensure adequate ventilation and monitoring of air quality
– Take appropriate measures to make your event accessible
– Communicate all the steps you are taking, so people don’t have to ask
I asked if we could bring our @smartairUK Sqair & keep the window open, & not only were they cool with it - they thanked us for making sure the air was cleaner 🥰
Everyone here knows covid's ⬆️. What ppl don't know is how to reduce risk. This is where we can make a difference! ❤️😷
I'm getting really excited about the all virtual Clean Air Expo, it is going to quick talks from a variety of speakers, QA sessions with panel discussions, expo booths, all sorts of topics, hosted by @whn , THIS TUESDAY, Oct. 24th,- 2pm-9pm EDT, if you havent checked it out or registered, you should, so you can join us on Zoom for all or any parts, learn more/register at https://www.cleanairexpo.global/
Update on my partner, he's still positive (day 9 of positive tests, day 10 since symptoms, and 12 days since exposure). He's starting to feel a little better, cold-like symptoms remain and immense fatigue. He'll continue isolating until he's had two negative tests 48 hours apart.
In other news, today was an exciting day for me. All booked for my #Novavax COVID shot! I had to wait 90 days from my previous positive test in August, per epidemiological recommendations, and I have to drive 45 minutes to the nearest location that carries it, but I'm looking forward to the protection it'll offer before the next surge.
Stay #COVIDSMART:
🛌 Isolate when showing symptoms or testing [+]
😷 Wear N95s indoors
🫧 Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces
👐 Clean hands regularly
🪟 Open windows
🔲 Air purifiers & HEPA filters
🧪 Test (swabbing throat and nose on RAT) & report +C19 cases to @makemytestcount
What I am appreciating and #grateful for about #mastodon today is getting to know a few more #covid and #ventilation knowledgeable people who are trying their best to avoid Covid.
There is no doubt that a well ventilated space reduces the risk of transmission of viruses like #SARSCoV2 compared to a space with no ventilation.
The only question is around cost effectiveness of #ventilation and/or filtration as a #publichealth intervention which depends greatly on implementation.
It does not need to be expensive, and in fact can be free (open windows/doors on a nice day), needing only awareness to implement.
Marketing obscures costs & needs to be approached with skepticism.
Important info for all #canadians! @MoriartyLab has just released their latest #covid19 report for Canada and provinces, and it's baaaad, bad bad, as could be expected.
The infection numbers are through the roof all across Canada. #MaskUp, use #ventilation, and avoid crowds to try to avoid catching Covid!
(image uploading is failing, but I'll try to post it later)
Please see the updated C19 Resources Canada page for all the details!
To point out the main highlight, the hazard rating for all of Canada is 12.5, on a scale of 0-10 (seriously). That rates as SEVERE, and is the highest its been since this reporting has been going on, more than a year now! 😱
Please folks, it is important that you go post your comments to the CDC, everyone needs this vaccine, not just immunocompromised and people over 75! https://newsie.social/
I use and like the #Aranet4#CO2 monitor. The #Aranet 4 is usually USD$249. It's on sale, direct from the manufacturer, till September 17, for $184.35, with free shipping in the US.
“Achieving #cleanair delivery targets in every classroom”
This may be mechanical #ventilation, multiple portable air filters, or both.
The goal is achieving real risk reduction, not a box ticking exercise with little impact.
The portable air filter recommendation tool at https://filters.cleanairstars.com was built with this is mind, helping achieve clean air delivery targets at required noise levels.