On June 1, the prestigious medical journal The Lancet published an article on the efficacy of various prevention measures against the SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19.
This is the cause of the current COVID-19 pandemic and is of great importance due to some contradictions that, since the initial phases of the viral outbreak, have arisen between the World Health Organization and other health authorities such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
And other health authorities such as the United States Center for Disease Control or CDC for its acronym in English.
The study published in The Lancet systematically evaluated a set of 216 scientific studies conducted in 16 countries.
They included 25,697 patients with COVID-19 or Middle East Respiratory Distress Syndrome (MERS) or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (SARS).
All caused by different types of coronaviruses, both in healthcare facilities and other non-hospital settings.
The study concludes that the use of any type of mask in general decreases the risk of contagion to 3.1%, compared to 17.4% when it is not used.
In other words, if we do not use a mask when going out in the street, being in a public place or working in a hospital, we are almost 6 times more likely to become infected.
The following video is an experiment published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
In which, using lasers, the difference between the amount of saliva droplets and the distance they travel in the air without masks was detected.
With simple cloth masks, saliva droplets are observed as small bright dots, and the difference between the number of droplets observed without and with masks is remarkable.
Regarding the distance we should keep between people in public places, the study concluded that when the distance is less than one meter:
- there is a risk of contagion of 12.8%, compared to 2.6% when it is greater than one meter.
- compared to 2.6% when the distance is greater than one meter.
This means that when the distance is less than one meter, we have 5 times more risk of contagion.
For distances greater than one meter, the study concludes that for each additional meter of distance, the risk decreases twice as much.
Depending on whether the environment where we are is high risk (such as a hospital) or low risk (outdoors, such as a park).
This means that the distance should be the greatest possible in a hospital, and that 1-meter distance is sufficient in all other scenarios.
Let us remember that Mexico is currently in ninth place worldwide in terms of mortality caused by COVID-19.
It is everyone's responsibility to contain the havoc that the pandemic is causing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented global upheaval, and it is everyone’s responsibility to contain the havoc that it is causing. This virus has affected not only our physical health, but also our mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as our economic stability and social connections.
As individuals, we can play a critical role in slowing the spread of the virus. We can protect ourselves and others by following recommended health protocols such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands frequently. It is also essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the pandemic and to adhere to local health guidelines.
However, containing the pandemic is not solely the responsibility of individuals. Governments, organizations, and businesses must also take action to prioritize public health and safety. This includes increasing access to testing and vaccines, providing resources and support to healthcare workers, and enforcing regulations to prevent the spread of the virus.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted longstanding inequities in our society, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of its impact. To contain the virus effectively, it is crucial to address these inequities and ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need.
The pandemic has also brought to light the importance of global cooperation and solidarity. COVID-19 knows no borders, and it is only through working together that we can combat its spread. International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have a critical role to play in coordinating the global response to the pandemic.
As we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to remember that containing its havoc requires a collective effort. Each one of us has a role to play in protecting ourselves and others, and we must hold governments and organizations accountable for prioritizing public health and safety.
Finally, it is important to recognize that the pandemic is not over yet. Despite the availability of vaccines, many parts of the world continue to experience high levels of COVID-19 transmission. We must remain vigilant and continue to take the necessary precautions until the pandemic is fully under control. By working together and taking responsibility for our actions, we can help bring an end to this crisis and build a healthier, safer, and more resilient future for all.
