Ending COVID
Public Health Measures Regarding COVID Social Interactions in the US
Social Gatherings For the Holidays
The following is pertaining to the COVID situation regarding whether the American public can engage in social gatherings in private and public environments during the upcoming holiday season. At the current time it is within reason to resume all normal activities regarding social gatherings without the concern of adverse long term health ramifications concerning COVID.
The vast majority of the public has been exposed to the virus in the United States and it is no longer considered a threat. Areas of concern only pertain to the segment of the population which is immuno-compromised, such as those with pre-existing/on-going health conditions, disabilities, and the elderly.
Starting with transportation, regarding if it is appropriate to travel in automobiles, airplanes, etc. at the current time throughout the United States. Current incoming data implies that large segments of the population is utilizing public and private transportation in order to move around the country without incurring adverse health effects.
Pertaining to air travel, there are several airlines which are currently operating in the US at full capacity (booked out flights). Concerns regarding the spread of the COVID virus due to mass transport of individuals from one area to another are not relevant at this time.
Case study statistics from the states of California and Texas can be used to show that there are already millions of COVID positive individuals in the region. COVID (+) positive test results from states such as California where over a million individuals have tested positive (+) in a overall population of 39.78 million. As well as the state of Texas, which also has over a million positive COVID (+) individuals moving around the region freely (no quarantine), in a population of over 29.90 million. Both imply that the vast majority of the population has already been exposed to or infected with the COVID virus and are either mild cases or asymptomatic.
Since these are two of the most heavily populated states in the country, and both have upwards of millions of individuals who have been exposed to or infected with COVID; it is clear that the virus has surpassed any measures of containment. Enforcing public health mandates to a population at this time, will no longer have the impact intended of containing the spread of the virus (2019).
Educating the public to practice general hygiene practices in order to prevent illness and the spread of disease is a practical measure to reduce the rates of viral infections. Similar to concerns regarding preventing the spread of influenza/H1N1/SARS/flu/cold/respiratory diseases/viral/bacterial/etc.
Age specific guidelines regarding who can travel without severe health ramifications is directly corelated to the strength of the immune system. Age demographics pertaining to the level of how strong the immune system of the individual are the following. (1-5), (6-10), (11-20), (20-30) (31-40), (41-45), (46-50), (51-55),(56-60), (61-65), (66-70), (71-75), (76-80), (81-85), (86-100). Those past the age of 60 are at a higher chance of being infected with general respiratory viruses along with any individuals who have pre-existing health conditions. However the health benefits of socializing for the same age bracket far outweigh the possible negative ramifications of not.
Regarding social gatherings, transportation is clear, housing/hotel accommodations are clear. Typical gatherings involve a wide variety of people of different age demographics/ professions
Can you travel --> Yes
Safe for children --> Yes
Safe for young adults --> Yes
Safe for middle age adults --> Yes
Safe for upper middle age adults --> Yes
Safe for older adults --> likely
Safe for the elderly --> most likely (most cautious for respiratory viral exposure)
Other Concerns
Food Preparation/Smoke/Nutrition/Exertion
Accommodations/housing/sleeping/rest conditions
Proper Outer Coverings/Stay Warm/Avoid temperature fluctuations
Health benefits/social gatherings/life events/etc.
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