The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendations for likely person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2 to warn about the risk of multiple, brief, “close contact” encounters with others who are positive for COVID-19. New data suggest each close encounter, coming within 6 feet of an infected person, can increase the risk for transmission.

Previously, the CDC cautioned against spending 15 minutes or longer in close proximity to an infected person, particularly in enclosed spaces. In a new report published online October 21, 2020 in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, however, investigators “determined that an individual who had a series of shorter contacts over time that added up to more than 15 minutes became infected”.

CDC Director, Dr. Robert Redfield remains optimistic about the limited availability of a vaccine or vaccines by year’s end but added that “it is important for all of us to remain diligent in our efforts to defeat this virus”. “I know it’s been a difficult year for Americans, but we are going to come through this on the other side”.

Take time to review the data, read the reports, listen to the experts, we will make it through this, time is a great healer. Stay well, stay safe, and stay tuned!