The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is providing a detailed look at how easily COVID-19 cases in a local church spread across the municipality.
Source: CK health unit illustrates COVID-19 spread from church outbreak
Month: November 2020
This YouTube video is an interview with an engineer, William P. Bahnfleth, by some leaders in the United Church of Christ. The subject of this session is ventilation, specifically as it relates to church buildings. He also covers filters and how ultraviolet lighting can be used to counter virus particles.
The video is about one hour long, but very worthwhile as his expertise adds much useful information to help church leaders.
A study with less than 300 subjects in China surveys the numbers of patients hospitalized with Covid who wear eyeglasses, compared to the numbers of people in that region who wear eyeglasses. While this is a small study, larger and more comprehensive studies could demonstrate whether or not wearing eyeglasses has an effect on the prevelance or severity of Covid. The construction industry in the US adopted widespread use of safety glasses for all personnel about 30 years ago. So people with 20/20 vision would typically wear safety glasses all day while on the jobsite.
If you know of any other studies that relate glasses or eye protection to Covid, please link to them in the comments.
This cohort study assesses the association between daily wear of eyeglasses and susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 among patients admitted to a single hospital with infection.
Our study found that the proportion of inpatients with COVID-19 who wear eyeglasses for extended daily periods was lower than that of the general population, suggesting that daily wear of eyeglasses is associated with less susceptibility to COVID-19 infection.
Source: Association of Daily Wear of Eyeglasses With Susceptibility to COVID-19 Infection
Categories
Hospitals Know What’s Coming
“We are on an absolutely catastrophic path,” said a COVID-19 doctor at University of Nebraska Medical Center, one of America’s best-equipped hospitals.
“It’s very difficult to do this work when we know so many people are not doing their part.” The drive home from the packed hospital takes him past rows of packed restaurants, sporting venues, and parking lots.
Source: Hospitals Know What’s Coming
We have all heard about the role of surfaces, aerosols and droplets in the spread of COVID. Singing is believed to propel droplets beyond the typical 6 ft. social distancing standard. Dr. Heather Nelson is a vocologist (with a PhD in that field.) Her blog reviews research and adds her explanations and commentary.
Large gatherings remain one of the highest risk activities in which a person can participate. Learn about how to practice physical distancing at these events.
At least 62 cases of COVID-19 were linked to the church outbreak during the course of the investigation, according to Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah. The outbreak originated at the Brooks church, but quickly spread throughout Waldo County.
SOURCE:
CMDA has issued a plea for congregations to voluntarily take actions to protect their communities.
“It is tragic to see Christians become even more reviled because we appear to care only about our individual freedoms and don’t care that we may be contributing to others getting this illness because of our selfishness. As Christian healthcare professionals, we will voluntarily restrict our “freedoms” for a time to help protect my neighbor.”
Many churches in our area continue to offer virtual services as cases of COVID-19 continue to reach alarming levels in Michiana.
Catholic churches are still holding mass in person but with precautions in place. However, outside of Catholic churches most are choosing to keep the congregation at home. https://www.wndu.com/2020/11/19/churches-looking-to-manage-covid-19/
Many faith leaders may believe churches are singled out for blame, but one Baptist pastor in Maine called for safety precautions after members tested positive for the coronavirus.
Source: Some Faith Leaders Defiant, Others Transparent Over COVID-19 Outbreaks