Young adults aged 20-29, are on the move. They are social. And they just saw a large spike in new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
At first the virus’s impacted older citizens. But it has shifted.
This was just reported in a paper by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It looks at the summer months, June to August. It found young adults accounted for >20% of cases. That is a big jump.
It is spreading through community transmission.
Where they live is also a factor. The paper found a higher number of new cases in young adults in the southern United States.
This shows a need to develop targeted messages. And to place the messages so that they reach young adults.
There are several key steps to take to reduce the spread of the virus. They are social distancing, wearing a mask, hand washing and to avoid touching of the face.
Masks are key. And we have underscored this since the beginning. We collected our first data on masks in January, 2020. And in February, 2020, we began regularly conducting surveys.
Here are the key mask messages. Please share them.
Masks Protect the Person Wearing the Mask
Masks protect us from the virus. This is key.
Masks Protect Others, too
They also protect others, too. It can be days before symptoms appear. Yet, you could still spread it. Also, some people carry the virus but never experience symptoms themselves.
Masks Telegraph a Key Health Message
A mask is a health message. Wearing one telegraphs an important health message.
A mask reminds the person wearing it that the virus is serious. It also reminds others of the same message, too. Please set a positive example for others. Wear a mask.
A Face Shield Alone is not enough
A face shield alone will not stop COVID-19. Here is why.
We first published this story on September 2. It is worth repeating.
A simple study shows the limits of a plastic face shield. And they will not protect us from the virus. Nor protect others. It was done at the Florida Atlantic University.
However, wearing a face mask with the face shield does work.
Face shields have some advantages. Experts point out that a face shield will protect the eyes and discourage touching of the face.
Testing is Key
One the key tools to reduce the spread is testing. See our guide on testing.
This is our guide to key tools and resources published on our site. Please bookmark it.
Photo courtesy MentatDGT