CNN Health put a special message out on July 22, 2020. We could stop the spread if we did what we should, instead of ignoring reality it said. A group of scientists in Netherlands say they have proof of this that could put an end to denial. Just wash hands regularly, wear face masks, and keep distance and we can manage the spread, they said.
Results in PLOS Medicine Confirm We Could Stop the Spread
The Dutch scientists stake their claim on a detailed study they published on July 21, 2020. You could read the entire document below by following the link, but for now we’ll provide you this overview. We could stop the spread if we washed hands, distanced, and wore face coverings for over 50% of the time.
The researchers from University Medical Center of Utrecht say that’s all we need do to stop a ‘large epidemic’ in its tracks. They gathered their data in Netherlands, but they believe their conclusion is relevant for other Western countries too. Government interventions can help, they say but it’s what the people do to prevent transmission that makes the difference.
The Power in the Peoples’ Hands for Stopping COVID-19
Washing hands, distancing and wearing face masks for over 50% of the time away from home can prevent an epidemic if we do so willingly. The following are the possibilities if we ignore this advice again according to the Dutch scientists:
1… If we are slow to adopt, but eventually follow their advice, there will be fewer cases but we will not delay the peak
2… If the government imposes a shut down, but we ignore their advice this will delay the peak but not prevent it
3… If the government imposes distancing, disease awareness and personal hygiene the peak will be less severe
The authors of the study recommend governments focus on educating people how to stop the spread. That’s because they are more likely to follow their own beliefs than do what they are told by government.
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Preview Image: ‘Un-Socially Distanced’
Report in PLOS Medicine |
