Health Watch USA - COVID-19
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Infection Control Today
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18. The COVID-19 pandemic
has shown the dangers of distorting science for political ends
On Feb. 15, 12 prominent scientists, sent a letter to
the White House and CDC pointing out that current policies appear to
be minimizing the importance of aerosolization and are not providing
adequate protection of frontline workers. And we are still following
advisements designed for stop-gap measures in an acute crisis, such
as resterilization of N95 masks. I am not sure if I am most
disturbed by the deficiencies discussed in the letter or that these
scientists are now out of the key inner circle, having to resort to
sending a letter. We must break this downward spiral in our society
by not distorting science for political ends and by giving the truth
to the public. Only then will we have the knowledge and willingness
to invest the needed resources to address this and future pandemics.
Courier Journal. Mar. 4, 2021.
References https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2021/03/04/coronavirus-pandemic-has-taught-us-danger-distorting-science/6905786002/
17. Schools can be reopened
safely amid COVID, but only if we take overdue steps
Political debate is one thing, but spinning science
and placing our children at risk is unacceptable. Statements that
research shows “schools are safer than the community“ or that we
should take the “default position of opening schools” are being
grossly misinterpreted. “Safer” is not “Safe.” It depends upon the
rate of community transmission, and “default” means to do something
if there is not a reason to otherwise not do it. .. Instead, we need
to focus on transformation and making the needed investments in our
society to effectively eliminate this virus and then to snuff out
outbreaks. And this includes schools. Smaller class sizes and
healthier buildings are something we should have done long ago,
regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. School-age children have always
been known to have an increased risk of transmitting infections from
school and all these transmissions are potentially preventable.
Courier Journal. Feb. 19, 2021.
References
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2021/02/19/louisville-school-reopenings-covid-19-orders-in-person-learning/6799161002/
16. Dangerous COVID-19
variants lurk, but there are signs of hope.
We are fighting not only a deadly virus, but an
inability of our nation to unite to confront this deadly adversary,
being kept apart by “fake news” and an alternate reality being
inflamed by a misplaced trust in false idols. Even more formidable
strains of the virus already exist. The P1 in Brazil and the 501Y.V2
in South Africa are even more concerning. They may evade monoclonal
antibodies, make the vaccines less effective and cause reinfections.
We all need to receive vaccinations when vaccines become available.
We now have many months of safety data which should capture the vast
majority of adverse events. So far, both vaccines have been found to
be effective and very safe, certainly safer than developing
COVID-19. Some recall the Tuskegee experiments and are concerned,
but this is much different. With this virus, our only choice is to
get the vaccine or be an experimental “control.” I for one will
choose the vaccine. Courier Journal. Jan. 29, 2021.
References https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2021/01/28/dangerous-covid-19-variants-lurk-but-there-signs-hope/4262830001/
15. With the coronavirus
mutating and vaccinations behind schedule, here's what we must do
now
The news media is filled with articles regarding the
new UK coronavirus mutation, which modeling has shown to be 56% more
infectious. This mutation appears to be widespread in the United
States, possibly emerging as early as October and now is spreading
in multiple states. Similar to the original virus, this one has
spread undetected because of inadequate testing. The United States
is not leading but is 43rd in the world for genetic sequencing to
detect new strains of the virus....Remember the Louisville Zoo’s
snow leopards. They are particularly good at enforcing social
distancing, not so much at wearing masks. They caught COVID-19. You
need to do both.
USA Today. Jan. 9, 2021.
References
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/01/09/coronavirus-vaccination-covid-19-britian-schedule-column/6594484002/
Courier Journal:
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2021/01/08/with-coronavirus-vaccinations-behind-schedule-heres-what-us-must-do/6557584002/
Yahoo News:
https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus-mutating-vaccinations-behind-schedule-120015673.html
Kaiser Healthcare News Morning Briefing:
https://khn.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-bring-back-science-trump-took-away-from-advisory-committees-create-a-real-vaccination-plan/
14. In Battling COVID-19,
Government Needs to Engage, Not Fight With Religious Communities
Public health strategists should realize these rulings
set a template for a unified national strategy that is not perverted
by economic or political interests. New York City, the genesis of
the Supreme Court Case, closed schools and allowed bars and
restaurants to remain open, which made little sense. And many in
Kentucky question the wisdom of closing schools with sporting events
remaining open. All of this is creating unnecessary public
confusion, eroding faith in our public health institutions and most
importantly ineffectively controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Courier Journal. Dec. 4 2020.
References
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2020/12/04/kentucky-covid-19-government-should-work-churches-against-virus/6469881002/
13. We can see a light at
the end of the COVID tunnel, but we still have to be diligent
We can now see a light at the end of the tunnel but
let’s not brick up the end. We must slow down the transmission of
this virus, so nature’s lab does not outpace our pharmaceutical
giants. If a safe and effective vaccine is available, please take
the vaccine and encourage others to receive it. And wear a mask
along with social distancing.
Lexington Herald Leader. Nov 20, 2020.
References
https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article247262694.html
12. Distortion of Science to
Inhibit the Adoption of Infectious Disease Strategies.
Distortion of science for political and economic ends
has prevented the allocation of needed resources to stop the spread
of dangerous pathogens. This places all of society as a whole at
risk, but exacting an insufferable toll of death and disability on
our front-line healthcare workers, along with our most vulnerable
populations. COVID-19 has demonstrated how dangerous this scenario
has become..... Whether one deals with MRSA or COVID-19, screening
and decolonization or self-isolation of healthcare workers is of
utmost importance. Their health, the health of their families along
with their patients depend upon it. BioMed Central. Nov.
13, 2020.
References
https://blogs.biomedcentral.com/on-health/2020/11/13/distortion-of-science-to-inhibit-the-adoption-of-infectious-disease-strategies/
11. Will the COVID-19
Pandemic Transform Health Care ?
Many lessons have been learned from COVID-19. We have
learned that case definitions can be rapidly created and a reporting
system which comprises all types of healthcare facilities can be
implemented. The same needs to be done for other dangerous
pathogens, including the CDC’s Urgent and Serious Threats, and
strategies need to be standardized across all types of facilities.
SARS-CoV-2 does not vary its lethality or infectivity based upon the
facility type or region of the country. BioMed Central.
Nov. 13, 2020.
References http://blogs.biomedcentral.com/on-health/2020/11/11/will-the-covid-19-pandemic-transform-health-care/
10. COVID-19: through the
eyes through the front line, an international perspective
COVID-19 is continuing to ravage the globe. In many
Western Countries, the populace has not embraced public health
advice which has resulted in a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus.
This vulnerable population of frontline workers are faced with a
choice of going to work with inadequate PPE or placing food on their
families’ table. In the United States, official recommendations seem
to be ever changing, based more upon supply and test availability,
than on science. We must rely on science and learn from the lessons
of past pandemics or we will relive, even to a greater degree, the
deaths and devastations experienced by our ancestors over 100 years
ago. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control.
Nov. 7, 2020.
https://aricjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13756-020-00850-2
9. To successfully deal with
COVID-19, we need to transform our way of life
It is imperative that we need to take our head out of
the sand and unite as a nation. Successfully dealing and living with
viruses is the new norm. We need to adapt and need to invest in our
infrastructure and transform our society. New Zealand, Australia,
Taiwan, China and South Korea have done this, so can the United
States. Courier Journal. Nov. 5, 2020.
References
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2020/11/05/to-deal-with-covid-19-we-must-transform-our-lives/6093570002/
8. Our nation needs to learn
how to live safely with the coronavirus
As our society continues to live in a way that defies
public health logic, one can only conclude the infectivity and
lethality of this virus is being severely underappreciated by our
leaders. An underappreciation exemplified by Kentucky Sen. Rand
Paul’s recent push for a policy of opening all schools and having
only those at risk wear masks.
We need to approach this pandemic not with third-world nation
strategies but by expanding rapid testing and case identification,
along with transforming our infrastructure and society to allow us
to safely live with this virus. Courier Journal.
Aug. 26, 2020.
References
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2020/08/26/covid-19-pandemic-how-live-safer-we-go-through/3402655001/
7. On COVID-19, the U.S. is
turning into a dangerous cult of bad information
Some of us formed into online cliques and developed a
Jonestown cult mentality in our approach to American life. Added to
the toxic mix, foreign agitation placed us on the precipice of one
of the greatest ordeals which our society may endure – COVID-19. A
study from Carnegie Mellon University found almost half the tweets
regarding the coronavirus are likely bots with a playbook similar to
Chinese and Russian disinformation campaigns. Reuters reported
similar findings, describing a European Union document which
concluded Russia implemented an online misinformation campaign, in
multiple languages, which was making the EU’s response to the
epidemic difficult. Lexington Herald Leader. July
8, 2020.
References
https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article244032807.html
6. Opinion: If we don't come together as a nation, the
coronavirus will win the battle
Currently, society is struggling on two
fronts, both for social justice and at the same time to control a
raging epidemic. The epidemic of COVID-19 may be with us for a long
time. And those who try to minimize it are doing so by placing
front-line workers and economically disadvantaged populations at
risk. We are opening our economy, but we need to do so safely, and
we need to learn to live with this virus. That means wearing masks
in public and in stores, social distancing and protecting, not
fighting others. While we fight for social justice, it is imperative
that at the same time we need to slow the spread of this virus, so
our technology and vaccine development can catch up. Courier
Journal. June 6, 2020.
References
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2020/06/16/coronavirus-kentucky-we-must-come-together-lose-battle/3191282001/
5. Healthcare system's basic infrastructure left it
unprepared for COVID-19
"Hospitals are receiving massive bailouts based upon their Medicare
billings. However, this will primarily shunt money to large
healthcare systems as opposed to frontline hospitals. Similar, to
everyday citizens’ stimulus checks, hospital bailouts should be
based upon need. Non-profits with high net assets should not receive
as much funds as frontline hospitals with negative assets. If
for-profit facilities or private equity firms receive a bailout, it
should be paid back with interest or the Government should acquire
an equity position in the company. And all of this should be
predicated on not furloughing workers." Lexington Herald
Leader. April 27, 2020.
References
https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article242268966.html
4. There's No Excuse for Lean Healthcare Systems —
Especially during COVID-19
"There is no excuse for running a system which is lean
on hospital rooms, supplies and staff. Net-profits and assets are
desirable, but not at the expense of public safety. Hospital staff
are being asked to see patients under draconian conditions and at
the same time they do not have an adequate economic and healthcare
safety net. Healthcare workers do not need paid sick leave, they
need adequate PPE and worker’s compensation benefits, if they become
infected. IPs are placing both themselves and their families’ lives
at grave risk under the crisis management CDC infectious disease
recommendations. That is the very least we can do for them."
Med Page Today (non-redacted version). April 20, 2020:.
References
https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/
covid19/86061
3. The United States has squandered resources it needs to fight
coronavirus
"The United States is on the verge of being ravaged by an invader
which we have far too little resources to confront. New estimates
from the United Kingdom are predicting 2.2 million deaths in the
United States from an unmitigated coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.
If our healthcare system is overrun, this care will not be available
to all. In Italy, there are reports of those over 80 not being
placed on ventilators. In addition, critical care survivors,
including the young, may well develop pulmonary fibrosis, a
disabling chronic lung disease." Lexington Herald Leader.
Mar. 24, 2020 (Online).
References
https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article241422756.html
2. The Untimely Reporting of Drug-Resistant Outbreaks in the United
States.
Over the course of the last few decades, the United States
has fallen into the dark abyss of secrecy: if truth is inconvenient,
just cover it up and don't disclose it. The United States needs to
implement mandatory real-time public reporting of the CDC's
dangerous biological threats. The Center For Disease Dynamics,
Economics & Policy. Mar. 3, 2020 (Online).
References
https://cddep.org/blog/posts/the-untimely-reporting-of-drug-resistant-outbreaks/
1. Coronavirus is the biggest challenge our healthcare system has
faced.
Is Kentucky prepared? In January, I concluded an OpEd with an
alarmist statement: "The epidemic of antibiotic resistant organisms
may be the final solution to global warming." We are currently on
the precipice of a massive pandemic from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Initial data from China has documented massive economic disruption
with a 25 percent drop in carbon emissions. A sobering observation,
but of even more concern when one considers the United States does
not have the authoritarian structure and a culture of population
control which exists in the Chinese government. According to the
CDC, the unknown is when, not if, the epidemic will hit the United
States and "severe disruption" of everyday life may occur. Lexington
Herald Leader. Feb. 27, 2020 (Online).
References
https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article240697331.html
Selected Radio Segments
Jack Pattie
Jeff Santos
2020, Dec. 28:
COVID-19: Herd Immunity Bar Raised -
Myocarditis, New Mutations & Travel Bans
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
discusses the implications of Dr. Fauci raising the bar for the
obtainment of Herd Immunity with vaccinations. This will be hard to
achieve and underscores the need for travel bans to slow down the
spread of the new mutations in England and South Africa. We need to
buy time, since it is a race between getting COVID and getting the
vaccine. In addition, he discusses the implications of the recent
illness of Keyontae Johnson, who developed myocarditis (heart
inflammation) after having COVID-19. This underscores the importance
of earlier reports involving OSU college athletes where 15% of those
with a positive COVID test had acute myocarditis. This virus can
cause long-term sequella in the young and we need to respect it and
stop its spread until we can receive the vaccine. Jack Pattie Show.
WVLK AM 590. (5:27)
https://youtu.be/Wm4clOLWPxI
COVID-19: New Zealand Virus Free
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
discusses how New Zealand and Australia have controlled this
pandemic by the public following public health strategies. In the
United States, public health officials are being threatened and in
Kentucky there has been a loss of almost 50% of public health
staffing. These frontline workers are heroes and need to be
supported. Jack Pattie Show. WVLK AM 590. Dec. 16, 2020. (6:16)
https://youtu.be/wa8NucaimFs
COVID-19: The UK Mutation
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
discusses the implications of the new mutation which is spreading in
the United Kingdom. The new virus appears to be 70% more infectious
but it is not thought to be resistant to the vaccines. Resistance
would require a mutation in the spike protein which could invade the
myriad of antibodies the body produces but still attach to the Ace
II receptor. This is hard, but not impossible to do. This occurrence
has happened before with the D614G mutation which infected the
United States and was discussed in a recent Lexington Herald Leader
OpEd.
https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article247262694.html
Jack Pattie Show. WVLK AM 590. Dec. 21, 2020.
(6:23) https://youtu.be/EhdBiMtw2P0
COVID-19: Should We Open All Schools And Masks Worn Only By
Those At High Risk?
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
responds to the strategy of only giving masks to those at risk
for COVID-19 and opening all schools. He stresses that cloth masks
do not provide effective protection to the wearer but are intended
to protect others and lower the R0 of the virus to slow down and
possibly stop the pandemic. It was stressed that the lethality of
the pandemic is the infectivity of the virus and that during a
raging pandemic children can be very infectious placing those at
home at risk for COVID-19. Finally, there are long haulers and
lasting disability in many who are stricken by this disease. Heart,
lung and cognitive problems are common in those hospitalized, even
those who are treated at home can develop disabling conditions. Jack
Pattie Show. Jack Pattie Show WVLK 590 AM. Aug. 14, 2020.
(14:52)
https://youtu.be/SMir00P3jC4
COVID-19. The Public Needs Testing Availability As The White
House & The False Narrative of Herd Immunity.
Kevin Kavanagh, MD, from Health Watch USAsm
discusses herd immunity and how the infectivity and immune response
to the virus makes this an unrealistic strategy. This is further
complicated by the emergence of a new strain 614G on the East Coast.
Jack Pattie Show with Scott Johnson. WVLK 590. (14:40) May 8, 2020.
https://youtu.be/AVpE6onrMTU
COVID-19: New Strain Faster & Meaner -- What We Need to Do
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm discusses the
reports of the new strain of the COVID-19 virus. This virus has been
found to be more infectious and produces an increased viral load in
the cell. The attachment spike has been mutated and this may cause
those who were immune to the previous version to be susceptible to
this one. Herd immunity does not appear to be an option. In
addition, vaccines need to be modified to increase their
effectiveness against this strain. WVLK 590 AM with Scott Johnson.
May 6, 2020. (5:31)
https://youtu.be/lp9mi09dYFg
Open or Not Open Our Economy - Is COVID-19 Herd Immunity
a False Narrative ?
Kevin Kavanagh, MD, from Health Watch USAsm,
discusses the COVID-19 experience in Sweden vs. Finland and if the
United States should open their economy, stressing the importance of
worker safety and patrons wearing masks. Problems with herd immunity
are also discussed along with the fast tracking of vaccines. Jack
Pattie Show. May 1, 2020. (15:31)
https://youtu.be/I__VsLXZ-XM
False COVID-19 Narratives from Elected Official's?
Kevin Kavanagh, MD from Health Watch USAsm responds to the false
narratives of elected officials. Issues of piecemeal opening in
states, infection rates and dangers of COVID-19 along with the use
of mask by both employees and employers in retail establishments.
The importance of officials wearing viral filtering masks in
hospitals was also emphasized. Jack Pattie Show. April 29,
2020. (9:43)
https://youtu.be/IFXjVkPfNwA
Video Meetings, Lectures, Comments & Interviews
13. Better Standards & Tracking To Protect Frontline Workers -
CDC HICPAC Meeting
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
discusses the need for stronger standards to stop dangerous
pathogens. These standards should be based upon what is required to
stop spread, rather than what we currently have or are willing to
provide. In addition, it is imperative that a national reporting
system, and harmonization of CDC materials and standards be
implemented. Greater attention also needs to be placed on
aerosolization of the SARS-CoV-2 and recommendations for air
sanitization and complete air exchanges. Mar. 4, 2021.
Download Written Comment YouTube Video:
https://youtu.be/G-Ea1dfecAQ
12. COVID-19: Benefits of Vaccinations and Risks of COVID-19
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
discusses the urgent need for all to be vaccinated. Risks of both
COVID-19 and vaccinations are discussed in relation to the different
vaccines becoming available and the different variants of the virus
which are emerging. The recent conclusion of the National Academy of
Science that the SARS-CoV-2 Virus is aerosolized is of utmost
importance, since most frontline workers do not have adequate PPE or
work in healthy buildings. This makes being vaccinated of utmost
importance. Health Watch USA & Massachusetts. Nurses Association.
The Labor Guild of the Archdiocese of Boston, Braintree, MA. Feb.
22, 2021. (34:17)
Download Slides View YouTube VIdeo:
https://youtu.be/GwJk5EcTg5Y
11. PACCARB: Universal Reporting of Pathogens, Better COVID-19
HAI Metrics.
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch
USAsmgives a public comment during the Sept 11, 2021 Presidential
Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria which
stresses the need for universal reporting of all dangerous
pathogens, including antibiotic resistant organisms. In
addition, the United States needs to increase support of public
health to implement early surveillance and case tracking. Health
Care Worker Acquisitions of dangerous pathogens need to be reported
along with revising our current COVID-19 HAI metric, which is not
effectively capturing infections. PACCARB. Feb. 11, 2021. YouTube
Video:
https://youtu.be/2O-yC0HC1dA
Expanded Written Comments:
http://www.healthwatchusa.org/HWUSA-Presentations-Community/PACCARB-WrittenComments/20210211-PACCARB-PublicComment.pdf
10. Dr. Regina LaRocque from MGH and Harvard Medical School
discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Massachusetts and the problems
and drivers of vaccine hesitancy.
Health Watch USAsm meeting Jan. 20, 2021.
(20:45)
https://youtu.be/5glqLCzcZto
9. COVID 19 Answers Dec 28 Dr Kevin Kavanagh Ron Crider
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh answers the most
important questions relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Kevin
Kavanagh is founder and Board Chairman of Health Watch USAsm,
a non-profit patient advocacy and healthcare policy research
organization. Dr. Kavanagh has been an Associate Editor for the
Journal of Patient Safety since July 2014, and is a member of the
Editorial Board of Infection Control Today.
Dr. Kavanagh discusses a wide range of subjects from the
implications of the newly reported viral mutations, how the new
vaccines were developed, safe food handling, how to stay safe and
slow down the spread of the virus, and long-term complications of
the virus including heart damage (myocarditis) along with long
hauler syndrome.
https://youtu.be/CD824wCyrVM
8.
COVID-19 Spread: A Role For
Air Disinfection
Edward Nardell, MD is a professor at Harvard Medical School and
discusses the safety and efficacy of upper room Germicidal UV (GUV)
fixtures and compares them to natural, mechanical ventilation and
portable room air cleaners. A historical review is given along with
the positive impact GUV fixtures have had dating back to cleaning
air in schools during the 1942 measles epidemic. These fixtures can
achieve the 6 to 12 complete air exchanges recommended by the CDC
for infectious disease pandemics. Health Watch USAsm
meeting Dec. 16, 2020. (24:14) Video link https://youtu.be/dAJCI0pcVKY
7. COVID-19 Down Under: The Australian Experience
Professor Imogen Mitchell, Dean of Medicine at
the ANU Medical School, located in Canberra, Australia. Since March
of 2020 she has been seconded to become the Clinical Director of the
ACT COVID-19 Response. She discusses the COVID-19 Australian
Experience. Although federated, Australia formed a national cabinet
in March to address the pandemic and implemented a uniform national
response. This strategy was advised by the Australian Health
Principal Protection Committee. Political leaders implemented
strategies which were recommended by public health officials.
Strategies of travel bans, fast and hard lockdowns, contact tracing
(even the use of apps in restaurants), social distancing and use of
masks are discussed. Australia is an example of how public health
strategies can efficiently and effectively control a pandemic. If
the United States did as well, adjusted for population, the USA
would only have 12 to 13 thousand deaths as of Dec. 16, 2020. Health
Watch USAsm meeting Dec. 16, 2020.
https://youtu.be/gtMo4SleRJQ
6. COVID-19: COVID Facility Updates for Public K-12 Schools
Ken Wertz Executive Director of the
Massachusetts Facilities Administrators Association discusses
environmental considerations to make facilities safer during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The processes of cleaning, disinfecting and
sanitizing were discussed. The difference between a disinfectant and
sanitizer was illustrated with the shift to students eating in
classrooms. Before the change, a disinfectant was used to clean
classrooms, but after the initiation of this strategy, a safer
product, a sanitizer, needed to be used. In addition, pandemic
strategies involving heating and air conditioning systems were
explained along with the difference between air quality and air flow
reports. The latter being of utmost importance in a pandemic.
Strategies of air filtration and sanitation using UV Light and
bipolar ionization of the air were also discussed. Health Watch USAsm
meeting Nov. 18, 2020.
https://youtu.be/GvE9LqxzEKM
5. COVID-19: Risks and Solutions For Safe School Systems
Rafael Moure-Eraso, PhD, Massachusetts Teacher
Association from Environmental and Safety Committee discusses the
road blocks teachers have encountered it there quest for safe
schools along with the importance of proper planning, PPE, social
distancing, air quality, and social distancing. Health Watch USAsm
meeting. Nov. 18, 2020.
https://youtu.be/tg5GxodZc3c
4. PACCARB, Sept. 2020 Public Comment: “One Size
Does Not Fit All” is an excuse for
inaction, it did not work with MRSA and it led to a disastrous
uncoordinated wack-a-mole approach with COVID-19. Of utmost
importance is the implementation of a National Reporting System for
Dangerous Pathogens.
https://youtu.be/yfJ8Yb5LiQk
Download Written Comment
3. COVID-19: Experience in Other Countries.
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch
USAsm discusses the 2019 COVID-19 International Webinar
which was organized with the Massachusetts Nurses Association. Most
nations underestimated the lethality and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2.
As more knowledge was gained public health guidance in various
countries changed and their public changed their behavior. In the
United States the changing narrative created mistrust and the public
did not follow guidance. Internationally two main strategies
emerged: The first strategy was a hard close down of the economy and
when cases bottomed out, aggressive case tracking was started. The
second strategy was universal use of masks. Case definitions differ
widely between countries and the best comparison can be made using
the rate of excess deaths as calculated by comparing historical
death rates with the current observed death rates. Preparation was
also key to confronting the pandemic. Singapore had a stockpile of
three N-95 masks per resident of the country and had an operational
cellphone tracking system for case tracking. Infection Control
Today. (15:25) July 28,
2020. https://youtu.be/XvNsTdV26t0
2. Founder of Health Watch USA: Kentucky should consider
shutting bars
“We still have our heads in the
sand, thinking ‘It won't happen here in Kentucky, we need to go on
just living as we always have,’” said Dr. Kevin Kavanagh, the
founder and board chairman of Health Watch USAsm, a non-profit patient
advocacy and healthcare policy research organization. “And that's
anything but the truth.”
Dr. Kavanagh is growing increasingly worried that the pleas for
people to wear masks are falling on deaf ears.
“I mean, if they're not wearing masks in the grocery store, they're
probably not going to wear them in a bar where they're trying to
drink at the same time,” Dr. Kavanagh said.
Citing research that shows daily growth in infections would be
significantly reduced if 80% of the population wears masks. Dr.
Kavanagh suggested the federal government issue a stronger directive
on masks.
“If you have a huge outbreak, you can have governors take the lead
in putting out fires,” Dr. Kavanagh said. “But to prevent spread
between states, the virus knows no geographic boundaries. You need
to have a national coherent policy.” Lex 18 News. July
2, 2020.
https://www.lex18.com/news/coronavirus/founder-of-healthcare-org-beshear-should-consider-shutting-bars
1. Protecting Our Protectors: A conversation with RN
Chris Pontus and Dr. Kevin Kavanagh.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
Critical Connections.
https://www.criticalconnections.org/covid-events/2020/4/1/protecting-our-protectors-a-conversation-with-rn-chris-pontus-and-dr-kevin-kavanagh

This webpage is for guidance only,
always consult your healthcare provider and the
CDC Website for information before making decisions relating to
the coronavirus.
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