Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh

Universal mask wearing is critical to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as the pandemic persists throughout the United States.

Evidence consistently demonstrates that mask wearing is one of the best measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in a community, and it is recommended by the CDC and other health experts as the best method available to do so.

 Person to person spread of COVID-19 has been known as the primary method of transmission.

However, the CDC recently updated their guidance based on evidence that COVID-19 can sometimes spread by airborne transmission from small droplets and particles that linger in the air for minutes to hours.

 Without federal mask mandates in place, inconsistencies exist across the country as many states have eased restrictions. According to Johns Hopkins University, there have been over 225,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the United States as of October 26, 2020.

An epidemiological study analyzed data across the country from the first recorded case through September 21, 2020 to determine different scenarios for the future trajectory of COVID-19.

The study found different patterns of COVID-19 across the United States, including data that demonstrated that sixth of the deaths (16.6%) occurred in New York alone. Between February and September 2020, the highest levels of daily deaths occurred in New York (998), New Jersey (311), and Texas (220). On September 21, 2020, the highest level of daily deaths occurred in Florida at 101 deaths per day.

The study projected that if states continue to ease restrictions, the total death rate in the United States could reach over 1 million by February 28, 2021.

 In addition, the study predicted that if states begin to shut down social interaction and the economy when daily deaths reach a threshold of 8 deaths per million, the projected death toll is predicted to decrease to 511,373 deaths by February 28, 2021. The implementation of universal mask use, or 95% mask use by the general public, is predicted to result in better outcomes as the pandemic surges in many states and is estimated to save an additional 129,574 lives from September 22, 2020 through the end of February 2021.

This study provides important evidence about what the future could hold for the United States in terms of COVID-19 deaths and the critical nature of universal mask use to save lives. Limitations of the study include that it involved estimations of real-world scenarios and the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may not be accounted for in the analysis.

, Anthony Fauci, MD, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director, calls for universal mask adherence, keeping distance from others, and frequent handwashing measures, especially as the winter months approach.

“They sound very simple. But we’re not uniformly doing that and that’s one of the reasons we’re seeing these surges,” said Fauci in the interview.

Health care professionals can play a critical role in educating the public about the importance of correct mask use (covering mouth and nose) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

 It is important to emphasize that masks work along with social distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from others) and frequent handwashing.

 As the holiday season approaches, it is vital to continue these measures to prevent serious COVID-19 illness and death.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

. Updated October 5, 2020. Accessed October 26, 2020.

Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. Coronavirus resource center.

Reiner RC, Barber RM, Collins JK, et al. IHME COVID-19 Forecasting Team.Modeling COVID-19 scenarios for the United States. 

. Published online October 23, 2020. doi: 10.1038/s41591-020-1132-9.

. Fauci says it might be time to mandate masks as COVID-19 surges across US. 

https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/23/health/fauci-covid-mask-mandate-bn/index.html

. Published October 23, 2020. Accessed October 26, 2020.

Articles

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States, universal mask wearing is critical.

Study: Universal Mask Wearing Could Save Nearly 130,000 US Lives from COVID-19 

Halloween will likely look different this year as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic persists throughout the United States. Many families look forward to Halloween festivities, and there are a variety of creative and safe ways to celebrate while reducing the spread of COVID-19.

This is a great time for health care professionals to educate the public and remind everyone about the importance of masks, physical distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart), and frequent hand washing. Individuals should not let their guard down during Halloween, as it is critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is also an important time to remind the community that everyone’s actions have a direct impact on the health of others.

Both the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have issued guidance on Halloween activities, and health and safety measures.

 “The decisions we make on this 1 day can have a ripple effect on our family members.We can find safe ways to celebrate and create magical memories,” said Shelly Vaziri Flais, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and AAP spokesperson in a prepares statement.

Evidence demonstrates that even small family gatherings can lead to COVID-19 spread when appropriate safety measures are not followed.

Hosting a virtual costume party is a great way to stay connected with family and friends.2 Pumpkin carving, decorating, and a Halloween movie night with members of the same household can be fun for all ages. Creating a Halloween themed scavenger hunt by hiding treats around the house is also sure to be a big hit.

Outdoor activities with family and friends that are not in the same household should involve physical distancing, mask wearing, and frequent hand washing.

 Drive through events are being advertised on social media as a safe way to experience Halloween without getting out of the car, and may even have curbside treats and pumpkins. Attending an outdoor costume parade can be a fun way to celebrate Halloween, as long as all health and safety measures are followed.

 If visiting a pumpkin patch, it’s important to wash hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after touching surfaces and pumpkins.

 Crowds should be avoided, and individuals should not attend indoor events such as haunted houses, as these can increase the spread of COVID-19.

Individuals should avoid traditional trick-or-treating, and residents should sit outdoors wearing face coverings if they would like to hand out individually packaged treats.

 Families should bring hand sanitizer and use frequently while trick-or-treating, and wash their hands after returning home. All individuals aged 2 years and older should wear adequate face coverings, as costume masks are not sufficient against COVID-19 transmission, if trick-or-treating.

It also is important to offer non-candy options for children with food allergies, and in doing so, households can participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.

 All families should wipe down treat bags and keep candy in quarantine for a few days as an extra precaution.

CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Trick or treating and other Halloween activities. Updated October 9, 2020. Accessed October 14, 2020. 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html

AAP. American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips for a safe Halloween during pandemic. Published September 22, 2020. Accessed October 14, 2020. 

https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/health--safety-tips/american-academy-of-pediatrics-offers-tips-for-a-safe-halloween-during-pandemic/

Schwartz NG, Moorman AC, Makaretz A, et al. Adolescent with COVID-19 as the Source of an Outbreak at a 3-Week Family Gathering — Four States, June–July 2020. 

Many families look forward to Halloween festivities, and there are a variety of creative and safe ways to celebrate while reducing the spread of COVID-19. 

Halloween Activity Health Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic persists, families with substance abuse disorders face many challenges.

According to the CDC, stress during COVID-19 can lead to an increased incidence of substance abuse.

 Mental health and substance abuse can take a large toll on families, especially children as many school resources are not currently available. 

Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC), in partnership with DisposeRx, has expanded its parental addiction program with a new webinar series for the health care community including child and family therapists, first responders, community leaders, pharmacists, physicians, and other service providers.

 The goal of the webinar series is to provide new resources and tools for the health care community, and to serve as a support system for children affected by parental addiction.

Last fall, 

SSIC introduced Parental Addiction resources

 for families featuring Karli, a 6-year-old 

 Muppet whose mother struggles with substance abuse and addiction.

 The new workshop for the health care community will feature 4 webinars with the first beginning July 29, 2020. Entitled “The Child’s Voice: How Parental Addiction Affects Young Children,” the first webinar presents Sis Wenger, president and chief executive officer, National Association for Children of Addiction, to discuss strategies to offer support and care.

Three additional webinars are planned and the series will be presented monthly. The webinars are free to viewers and available on any platform.

A version of this article was originally published by Pharmacy Times. Visit 

CDC. Coronavirus disease: Alcohol & substance use. CDC website. 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/alcohol-use.html

. Updated June 12, 2020. Accessed July 28, 2020.

Sesame Workshop Launches New Webinar Series on Substance Abuse and Parental Addiction to Help Providers Support Children and Families [news release]. New York, NY, and Sanford, NC; July 29, 2020: Sesame Street in Communities and DisposeRx. 

https://disposerx.com/press.show/42/Sesame-Workshop-Launches-New-Webinar-Series-on-Substance-Abuse-and-Parental-Addiction-to-Help-Providers-Support-Children-and-Families

Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC), in partnership with DisposeRx, has expanded its parental addiction program with a new webinar series for the health care community. 

Sesame Workshop Offers New Webinar Series for Health Care Community

Current evidence demonstrates that underlying health conditions can put people at risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As more evidence becomes available, the list of underlying health conditions that are risk factors for COVID-19 complications (e.g. hospitalization, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, death) continues to grow.

The CDC revised the list of conditions July 17, 2020 to include cancer as 1 of the risk factors for severe COVID-19.1 Individuals at any age with the following underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of severe COVID-19: cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant, obesity (body mass index of 30 or higher), serious cardiovascular conditions (e.g. heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies), sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes.

The CDC study estimated county-level prevalence of selected conditions (COPD, heart conditions, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity) associated with severe COVID-19 illness among U.S. adults 18 years and older using survey information from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and U.S. Census population data among residents in 3142 counties in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.2A total of 437,500 individuals participated in the 2018 BRFSS telephone survey. The study revealed that 40.7% of US adults had at least 1 of 5 underlying medical conditions that would put them at risk for severe COVID-19. Among 3142 counties, the median estimated county prevalence of individuals having any underlying health condition was 47.2%, with a range of 22%-66.2%. Counties with the highest prevalences of any condition were mostly in the Southeastern states, especially Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Counties in Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and northern Michigan also had high prevalences of underlying health conditions.

This study provides important data on the high prevalence of underlying health conditions in the US that can be risk factors for COVID-19 complications. Offering a break down by county can also provide critical information for public health outreach and COVID-19 prevention measures. Limitations include that there is the possibility of inaccurate disease state information being self-reported.

Sickle cell disease and solid organ transplant underlying medical conditions were not included in the BRFSS data, which may have underestimated the results.

 Cancer was added to the CDC list of health conditions that are risk factors for severe COVID-19 after this study was conducted, so it was not included in the analysis.

Health Care professionals can play an important role in educating patients about lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation to reduce the prevalence of underlying health conditions and COVID-19 complications.2 Individuals with underlying health conditions should try to stay home if possible and avoid cruises and non-essential air travel.1 Mask wearing, frequent hand washing, and social distancing are extremely important if individuals must go to public places. Home delivery of medications, groceries, and other supplies can also help to protect this vulnerable population against COVID-19.

CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): People with certain medical conditions.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

. Updated July 17, 2020. Accessed July 23, 2020.

Razzaghi H, Wang Y, Lu H, et al. Estimated County-Level Prevalence of Selected Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness — United States, 2018. 

The CDC revised the list of conditions July 17, 2020 to include cancer as 1 of the risk factors for severe COVID-19.

Articles

Study: Universal Mask Wearing Could Save Nearly 130,000 US Lives from COVID-19

Halloween Activity Health Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sesame Workshop Offers New Webinar Series for Health Care Community

CDC Study: Underlying Health Conditions Can Increase Risk of Severe COVID-19