COVID Facts

This past week I had to complete a "returning to work" module on Covid 19 knowledge for the University of Nevada. While I dreaded completing yet another (boring) on line training, this module actually had some information that I found helpful. I'd like to share a few of these facts as I've found getting good, reliable data about the COVID-19 challenging the past few months.

How many virus particles does it take to become infected with COVID-19? It is estimated it takes approx. 1000 virus particles to become infected with COVID-19.  Here is a list of approx. how long it would take to inhale 1000 particles by different activity:

• Breathing: an infected person sheds approx. 20 particles per minute, so it would take about 50 minutes to inhale 1000 particles and potentially become infected. 
• Speaking: an infected person sheds approx. 200 particles per minute, so it would take about 5 minutes  to inhale 1000 particles and potentially become infected. 
• Cough: One cough contains approx 200,000,000 viral particles, so exposure time to inhale 1000 particles is immediate. 
• Sneeze: One sneeze contains approx 200,000,000 viral particles, so exposure time to inhale 1000 particles is immediate. 

How long does SARS-CoV2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) last outside the body? (From a study and paper by the New England Journal of Medicine, CDC, UCLA, Princeton)

• As an aerosol in the air--up to 3 hours*
• On copper--up to 4 hours
• On cardboard--up to 24 hours
• On plastic--2-3 days
• On stainless steel--2-3 days 

*Researchers used a nebulizer to simulate coughing or sneezing and found that the virus became an aerosol. 

Because the SARS-CoV-2 virus may remain viable on non-porous surfaces for several days, you should disinfect surfaces using a product that meets the EPA criteria for use against the virus. The University of Nevada uses TB-Cide Quat to disinfect. An important note. There is a difference between cleaning (wiping off dirt/grime) and disinfecting a surface. To disinfect, you need to spray the surface from approx 6" away, and allow the disinfectant to sit on the surface for approx. 2 minutes. You can then wipe the surface off, and finish by washing your hands.

So friends, wear your mask, wash your hands, and stay safe.

Prayers for health care workers

As the impact of COVID-19 spreads, it is hitting close to home as the list of health care professionals that have died in service to others grows. Medscape keeps an updated list of health care workers who have died from COVID-19. I posted the link of Facebook previously, but it is worth sharing again. Unfortunately and sadly, it was updated again this morning as more names had to be added. For the most up to date list click here. 

Right now I feel the force of my two vocations, medicine and ministry, colliding. It is only through prayer and faith in God's sustaining strength that I can put my fears aside to serve those hospitalized with psych issues on my weekends on call. And it is through prayer that I respond to the growing list of those who have already died while serving others. Below are three prayers from Grace Cathedral that I find beautiful. 

Please, think about your physician or a health care worker that you know and offer one of the prayers below. We will all appreciate it more than you will ever know...

For Those Who Are Sick and Those Who Minister to Them

Gracious God, source of life and health: Jesus came to our disordered world to make your people whole. Send your Spirit on those who are sick and all who minister to them; that when the sick enter your peace, they may offer thanks to your Great Name; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

For Health Care Providers

Give your blessing, gracious God, to those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and the prevention of disease and pain. Give them the wisdom of your Holy Spirit, that through their work the health of our community may be advanced and your creation glorified; through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

For Emergency Workers

God our strong deliverer: when those charged with the urgent mediation of your healing power feel overwhelmed by the numbers of the suffering, uphold them in their fatigue and banish their despair. Let them see with your eyes, so they may know all their patients as precious. Give comfort, and renew their energy and compassion, for the sake of Jesus in whom is our life and our hope. Amen.