We’re still struggling with different states and jurisdictions having different and changing requirements and/or “suggestions.” When this is coupled with variability in testing availability and turnaround time, it makes return-to-work testing doubly challenging. Florida was the first to suggest two negative tests were needed prior to returning to work (or 7 days plus three fever free without fever reducing medication). At this time, we are not aware of any jurisdiction requiring negative testing for those who have not been hospitalized. Many hospitals are obtaining one or two negative tests prior to discharge. And the reason for two is that they are occasionally seeing someone test negative, then positive (and eventually negative again).
Yes! Several clinics on Long Island in particular are providing rapid results. We don’t yet have information on their accuracy (or lack thereof compared to lab results which we know may have a 30% false positive rate). But beginning yesterday, many of our clients are getting COVID positive documentation (which is great compared to the self-reporting we were getting a lot of previously) from rapid tests done at urgent cares and some drive-thru testing sites. This is a huge step forward.
Short answer: you shouldn’t. Food grade thermometers aren’t FDA approved for medical use. It’s also true that your forehead temperature is generally a few degrees lower than your core body temp ( 98.6°F on average). Medical thermometers are calibrated to that and tack on a few degrees for forehead readings.
If you have to use food-grade IR thermometers because it’s required in your jurisdiction and you don’t have access to medical thermometers, be aware that 91°F-94°F is a normal range, take every reading with a grain of salt -- and remember to turn off the laser. They’re only for aim and we don’t want to blind anyone. Read more here.
Ideally, someone wearing a cloth mask has two and wears one for a single day and then lauders it and wears the other. Following basic laundering instructions using the highest water temperature permitted for the fabric and detergent.
Although each state with masking executive orders differs, their intent is for anyone who comes within six feet of someone else in a public space (not at home) to be masked. That includes any employees who come within 6 feet of each other, too, including back of house, service center employees, etc.
How does herd immunity work, and is it a useful way to keep infection rates down? Understanding the concept of herd immunity is important to understanding when and how this will end successfully.
We found ourselves referring back to this social distancing visual that the New York Times published several times in the last twenty four hours. It’s worth taking a look and sharing so everyone understands why 6 feet… (or even further if you read some of today’s other news)
Again today our conversations were focused on what comes next and how we emerge from sheltering. And again that is encouraging.