The CDC has recommended that Americans wear masks “in public”, but are vague on what to do in many situations.
From the CDC website: “CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.”
The Cleveland Clinic is a little more lenient: “: If you’re unlikely to be around anyone or will have the option of maintaining a safe distance from anyone you encounter, then a mask likely isn’t necessary but having one handy is a good idea just in case.”
What’s the history of social distancing defined as six feet? Distancing from sick individuals, for better or worse, has a long history. In ancient times, people stayed away from “leper” colonies (leprosy is now known as “Hansen’s Disease”). No one really knew, however, how much distance was required. The Altons try to make sense of it all.
Also, millions of tons of plastic refuse have entered our oceans annually since about 1950, forming a Texas-sized dump known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (or GPGP). People are often confused about what the garbage patch is. The GPGP isn’t a landfill-like continent made of plastic that you can walk on or build a vacation home. , but it’s true that, due to currents, there is a higher concentration of plastic there than other parts of the ocean. Dr. Alton tells you what you need to know.
All this and more in the lastest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! To listen in, click below: