The U.S. continues to set daily records for the new number of cases, over 60,000 just yesterday. No, this is not the result of more testing, as the positivity rate in over 28 states is rising. Positivity rates should be under 5% for at least 14 days in areas with adequate testing, according to the World Health Organization. Some states, such as Florida and Arizona are seeing positivity rate of over 25% — one in every four people tested has COVID-19.
Health experts believe that expansive testing with fast results is essential to slowing the spread of the virus. But the US is still facing significant challenges with testing.
For this Weekend’s Reading, explore Case Identification: Speed is of the Essence for some of the latest information regarding the state of testing and how math could help solve some of current problems. Check out True or False for quick fact checks – 4 to 8 min reads! Explore What Is Lost for the sobering impact of COVID-19. And last, do not miss the Take Care of Yourself articles!
I hope you enjoy the following:
1. Case Identification: Speed is of the Essence
- Vox: Covid-19 testing in the US is abysmal. Again.
- Kaiser Health News: As COVID Testing Soars, Wait Times For Results Jump To A Week — Or More
- Nature: The mathematical strategy that could transform coronavirus testing
2. True or False?
- Reuters: Fact check: Masks worn during COVID-19 response do not cause fungal lung infections (4 minute read)
- Reuters: Fact check: False and misleading information in post listing ‘dangers’ of face masks (7 minute read)
- Reuters: Fact check: COVID-19 nasal swab tests don’t touch the blood-brain barrier (4 minute read)
- New York Times: Mask Exemption Cards From the ‘Freedom to Breathe Agency’? They’re Fake (8 minute read)
3. What is Lost
- The Atlantic: The Tragic Loss of Coronavirus Patients’ Final Words
- The Atlantic: The Pandemic Broke End-of-Life Care
4. Taking Care of Yourself
- The New York Times: Gentlemen, Take Control of That Beard
- The New York Times: Give Yourself the Perfect Summer Pedicure
- The Conversation: An ode to mac and cheese, the poster child for processed food
I hope you enjoy the weekend!
Regards,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
