Tony's Diary Package — page 386

6 October 2020 1.The overall picture continues to deteriorate raising concerns across the United States -- with continued spread in the Upper Mid West, the Heartland and now early warning signs in NE -- early movement in TX after moving to 75% occupancy -- see daily report -- new hospitalizations continue to rise 2.Data driven laser focused interventions will be essential as we move into the fall : there needs to be a clear recognition of in household, small gatherings among neighbors and family events are active spreading events when there is even one asymptomatic COVID positive individual -- although outdoors are safer both the level of the viral load and closeness of contact can lead to increasing spread 3,The overarching concern relates to the balance of personal mitigation behaviors and the weather driving more activities indoors with the lower humidity increasing the K value (dispersion factor) with lower humidity the droplets partially evaporate allowing for longer suspension in the air and together -- poor personal mitigation and cooling weather with heating will increase the R value and the clear evidence of aerosol contribution 4 Traveling the NE this week and next to ensure careful attention to personal mitigation and needs for aggressive action for any community hot spots 5.Will be key to increase testing in the communities and states where test positivity is rising to prevent further community spread to prevent increases in hospitalizations and fatalities 6.This first several tranches of BINAX to states should be prioritized to states with high community spread • Fireside Chat for Cornell (Ithaca) Homecoming - Kate Snow • Holy Cross fireside chat • Fireside chat with American University Political Union with Sylvia Burwell