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COVID-19: Promising Signs of Slowdown Show Social Distancing Works
April 10, 2020
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Promising Signs of Slowdown
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing”, is working! Signs of a slowdown across various countries in recent days are offering a beacon of hope to other nations that have implemented physical distancing and lockdown measures and where the pandemic is still spreading rather quickly.
After four weeks of lockdown, Italy’s efforts to combat the coronavirus finally appear to be paying off. Italy’s daily new case rate has gradually decreased since March 9 and is now averaging 3.8% to 4.2% new cases per day. Likewise, Spain who has been on lockdown since March 14 is showing similar signs of slowdown with daily case rates plateauing in recent days. In the United States, several states who have been hit the hardest, New York and Washington State, are also showing early signs of a slowdown and have been able to flatten the curve.
From Social Distancing to Physical Distancing
In recent days, the World Health Organization and the CDC have shifted their language and began using the term “physical distancing” when discussing how to stem the coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of this change is to emphasize that while people should avoid physical contact with others, they should remain connected socially with their friends and family.
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Cloth Face Coverings to Help Prevent the Spread
In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, the CDC issued on April 3rd a recommendation to wear a face mask or cloth covering whenever people are in a community setting. Covering your face will help:
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Protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms
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Realize when you are about to touch your face and learn to avoid it
Medical masks and N-95 respirators should be reserved for healthcare providers and first responders. The CDC lays out clear directions on how to use a face masks and make one with easy sew and no sew instructions (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html).
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ASSIST AMERICA TIPS & ADVICE
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While the signs of slowdown are promising news, physical distancing and lockdown measures will not be lifted anytime soon. Many countries, including Spain, France, United Kingdom, Thailand, India, and the United States have reported they will maintain lockdowns until end of April or early May.
To help our members escape from this new, isolated lifestyle, the Assist America Team has compiled suggestions and ideas for you to keep traveling the world without leaving your home. Check out our latestarticles below:
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For pre-trip information: Assist America members can view pre-trip information on the Assist America website, www.assistamerica.com. Log in using your Assist America reference number. Interested in learning more about Assist America? Please visit us at www.assistamerica.com. Tell a fellow traveler about the newsletter and show them how to subscribe online! Interested in having your organization become a member of Assist America? Please e-mail us at sales@assistamerica.com. The content of this edition of AssistAlert is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace further investigation or personal observations. If you are planning travel, or are traveling in or proximate to the locations identified in this newsletter, you are encouraged to contact SecurAssist for additional information.
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