A Vermont prison worker caught the new coronavirus from asymptomatic inmates during a series of 22 short encounters in July 2020. The officer wore a microfiber cloth mask, gown, and eye protection goggles throughout the cumulative 15 minute period. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) adjusted its recommendations accordingly. We ponder over its new definition of close COVID-19 contact today
Multiple Brief Exposures Now Part of CDC Definition
The old definition for a close contact was spending 15 minutes or more within 6 feet of an infectious person. However, the new definition of close COVID-19 contact is more specific as follows:
1… A close contact involves a cumulative time of 15 minutes or more
2… It occurs within six feet of an infectious person over 24 hours
3… This applies even if that time spent together is not consecutive
However, those precise numbers are not a guarantee of catching an infection, or avoiding one. That’s because CDC says several other factors influence the risk of close contacts.
Variables Within New CDC Definition of Close COVID-19 Contact
Centers for Disease Control believes the following criteria make their revised definition ‘not exact science’:
1… Closer distance between parties likely increases exposure risk
2… Duration of exposure likely increases exposure risk too
3… Time since the infectious person began showing symptoms
4… The behavior of the infectious person (singing, shouting, etc)
5… Sufficiency of ventilation, whether the contact is indoors or outdoors
Scientists are confident the virus needs a certain length of interaction in order to spread. However, they are unsure how long this period should be, according to CNN news. And they also don’t know if a higher dose corresponds to how sick receivers are likely to become.
However, CDC does believe the Vermont study adds to the knowledge base of how COVID-19 contacts roll out. And moreover it ‘highlights again the importance of wearing face masks to prevent transmission’ and help control the pandemic.
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Preview Image: Table of Vermont Exposures
