The Latest: Settling the Great Mask Debate
Dear Reader,
Should you wear a mask? If you’re feeling whiplash about the conflicting messages, you’re not alone. Americans have been advised by the CDC to avoid mask wearing if they’re healthy. Health workers are still experiencing shortages (do not hoard masks, especially N95 versions). But the advice in other countries is different, and scientists are questioning whether some rational use of face masks makes sense.
We dove deep into the issue to answer all your questions. (Bottom line: Some coverage might make sense — but be informed about the risks and benefits).
What’s New:
- The virus is mutating slowly (That’s a good thing!): The SARS-CoV-2 virus driving the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be mutating slowly, which means any vaccine created now is expected to protect people long-term. Read more.
- Iceland envy: Iceland’s coronavirus tests suggest that up to 50% of infected people have no symptoms. The small country managed to test 5% of its population for coronavirus, which is admirable. The U.S. has only tested about 0.2% as of last week.
Follow our Medium Coronavirus Blog for regular updates.
We’ve curated some essential stories below.
Be well,
Alexandra Sifferlin
Editor, Medium Coronavirus Blog
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A Quick Q&A:
Should I wear a mask?
In an ideal world, everyone with Covid-19 would have access to a surgical mask, but that’s not the reality we’re living in. Instead, research suggests that thousands of asymptomatic people may be walking around spreading the disease during a rapidly progressing global pandemic. When faced with the decision between wearing a cloth face mask that promises negligible results or doing nothing at all, it’s hard to argue against the former. — Danielle Kosecki, Elemental
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Personal Stories:
‘The New Colossus’: One ER Doctor’s Coronavirus Story
An Open Letter to Our Brothers and Sisters in Medicine
The American Stuck in a Hotel Room During India’s Coronavirus Lockdown
Being a Nurse is my Calling — All Parts of It at All Times
The Homeless Mother and Daughter Who Are Surviving Day by Day
6 Smart Reads
You Never Forget Your First Viral Pandemic
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Coronavirus Is Bringing Back the Forgotten Tech Trends of 2012
Why It’s So Freaking Hard To Make A Good COVID-19 Model (FiveThirtyEight)
China Concealed Extent of Virus Outbreak, U.S. Intelligence Says (Bloomberg)
