Want to stay safe during a pandemic? Here’s one suggestion, do what epidemiologists are doing. After all, they are, by definition, experts in that branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases—like COVID-19.
The coronavirus pandemic and threat of COVID-19 has made 2020 anything but normal. What are epidemiologists doing? Into the breach came The New York Times with a survey of over 500 epidemiologists. They asked these infectious disease experts: when would THEY personally feel comfortable doing certain tasks or activities before there is an available COVID-19 vaccine?
Survey Says…
Turns out, 60% of those disease experts surveyed would be willing to see a doctor for a non-urgent issue before the end of the summer.
But beyond that…the only other tasks that a majority of those surveyed would be willing to do before the end of the summer are vacationing overnight within driving distance and bringing in the mail without precautions.
Other, former, everyday tasks that the majority of epidemiologists would wait at least three more months, if not more, to do include sending kids to school or camp, returning to an office, traveling via public transportation, and eating out.
Taking the Hard Pass for at Least a Year on…
A few activities were a hard pass for at least a year for a majority of epidemiologists. Concerts, plays, and sporting events garnered a one-year + rating from 64% of those surveyed, and another 32% said they would consider attending an event in the fall at the earliest. Respondents pointed out that these are luxuries that are not worth the risk, and one reported that he would support the arts by donating in lieu of attendance.
Attending weddings and funerals, as well as religious services were also considered not worth the risk within a year and without a vaccine available. Finally, donning the mask is here to stay, at least among most epidemiologist. Over 50% plan to continue wearing a mask in public for the next year with only 7% willing to stop using them before the end of the summer. Despite the inconvenience, the reduction in disease transmission is worth it to most of those surveyed.
