Let’s Talk COVID-19
This is our initiative to take on the controversial topic of the global pandemic. The initiative was created with the aim of providing a platform for people to have brave conversations about the virus and its effects on the world. The hope is that by having these brave conversations, we can move closer to finding solutions to the problem. The initiative asks that people respect each other's opinions and refrain from attacking one another. It also asks that people challenge each other's beliefs in a respectful way. This is an important effort that can help us to better understand the pandemic and find ways to solve it.
Brave Space Agreement
•Controversy with civility
•Own your intentions and impacts
•Challenge by choice
•Respect
•No attacks
.....what else?
Real Talk: What is keeping you from getting a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?
Go to www.menti.com and use the code 1461 6530
Getting a vaccine or booster shot isn't just about protecting yourself. It's also about protecting others, especially people who are more vulnerable to the virus. So if you're still on the fence about getting vaccinated, I want to ask you: what is keeping you from getting the shot? Is it fear of the unknown? Concerns about side effects? Or something else entirely? Whatever it is, I hope you'll take a moment to consider the risks and benefits of vaccination before making your decision. After all, this is one pandemic we can put an end to - but only if we all do our part.
Myths vs. Facts: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-facts-for-young-adults
History of Pandemics
A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads across a large region, multiple continents, or even worldwide. A few notable pandemics in history include the Antonine Plague of 165-180 AD, which killed 5 million people; the Black Death of 1346-1353, which killed up to 60% of the population of Europe; and the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed 50 million people worldwide. More recently, the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002-2004 infected 8,096 people and resulted in 774 deaths. The current pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread to over 180 countries across the globe. As of June 2020, there have been over 8 million confirmed cases and nearly 450,000 deaths attributed to Covid-19. While the death toll from this pandemic is still far lower than that of previous pandemics, the speed at which it has spread around the world is unprecedented. In just a few short months, Covid-19 has had a profound impact on virtually every aspect of our lives.
(After Skool, 2020)
MA Statistics: Vaccine and Booster by Age
Figure 1
figure 2
-The graph (figure 1) is showing that In MA 89% of the population has received at least one dose compared to78% of the national population. This is broken down by age group.
-On the (figure 2) it is showing us that of the people who are vaccinated, 56% of the population have received a booster.
-Pretty consistent with the older groups having more vaccinations. They tend to be more vulernable and such.
MA Statistics: Booster by County and Race
(Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2022)
COVID-19 Guidelines: Staying Protected
(Centers for Disease Control, n.d.)
Staying Protected
(COVID-19 Vaccine | Mass.gov, n.d.)
•Get vaccinated
•Take a test
•Get treatment as needed
•Stay home when you are sick
•Mask up as necessary
•Enable notifications
•Wash your hands
Taking a Test
Finding a Testing Location: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing
Free at-home COVID-19 Tests: COVID.gov/tests
Mobile Vaccine Finder: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mobile-pop-up-vaccination-clinics
Pop Quiz
What is the current quarantine protocol if you test positive for COVID-19?
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
•Regardless of your vaccination status, you are required to self-isolate.
•Days to Isolate
⚬Day 0-5: Isolate
⚬Day 6-10: If your symptoms improved or you are asymptomatic, you can leave isolation and resume most typical activities, however you must wear a mask at all times around people, including those in your household.
**If you cannot wear a mask, are not improving, or symptoms are worsening, you should isolate for the full 10 days.
Quarantine guidelines at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-guidance-for-the-general-public
(COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for the General Public | Mass.gov, n.d.)
Selecting a Mask
(Massachusetts Department of Public Health, n.d.)
Question?
References
• After Skool. (2020, March 17). The Worst Pandemics in History - What Do They Teach Us? YouTube. https://youtu.be/_uL0ZgV6POc
•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). People Spread COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/easy-to-read/downloads/prevention.pdf
•COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for the General Public | Mass.gov. (n.d.). Www.mass.gov. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-guidance-for-the-general-public
•COVID-19 Vaccine | Mass.gov. (n.d.). Www.mass.gov. https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
•COVID-19 Vaccine Availability | Mass.gov. (n.d.). Vaxfinder.mass.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/
•Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (n.d.). COVID-19:
•Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (n.d.). COVID-19: How to Select and Wear a Mask | Mass.gov. Www.mass.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-how-to-select-and-wear-a-mask
•Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022, May 12). Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Report. https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-vaccination-report-may-12-2022/download
