COVID-19 updates for Dancers
from the national CDC website -- Best article explaining the URGENCY of stopping the spread of COVID-19
March 10, 2020 Coronavirus Why You Must Act Now >>>>> (more than 40 million views in the past week) followed by the same author's new article March 19, 2020 -- " The Hammer & The Dance: What the Next 18 Months Can Look Like, if Leaders Buy Us Time >>>>>>> Washington Post article Why Outbreaks Like Coronavirus Spread Exponentially and How to Flatten the Curve >>>>>>>>
Great illustration of how the spread of a virus is controlled best using Social Distancing practiced by the whole population, rather than an isolation of just smaller areas with live action dot simulations!!. Coronavirus can persist in air for hours and on surfaces for days, study says (Reuters)
This says they aerosolized the virus to mimic the micro droplets in a cough or sneeze. It's half life is 66 minutes in and aerosol droplet (This contradicts a previous doctor’s statement that the Virus is not aerosolized in a cough or sneeze or that you can only get infectedif you are sneezed on! DANCERS -- My point with this article is that PROBABLY the main way the virus is spread is by: 1 -- the infected person expelling the virus carried by moisture from your lungs into the air by cough, sneeze, or simply BREATHING it out 2 -- then the next person BREATHING it into their lungs, where it is absorbed into cells that live in your alveoli, where they then attach to the cells DNA,multiplying itself rapidly. This manner of spreading is shown by studies done in the 1940s showing people don't get common cold viruses from germs off their hands, but rather from the coughing and sneezing from other sick people. This makes more sense than than touching of hands to surfaces then touching your face. The infection needs to travel into your respiratory system (mouth, nose, throat, lungs) to infect you. The virus does NOT travel by itself from your skin into your lungs! You need to BREATHE IT IN. THEREFORE-- strict Social Distancing and wearing of face masks by everyone are our best defenses for stopping the spread of the virus. p.s. if you have infection from any Common cold virus (probalby including Coronavirus), the best ways to clear it (according to WebMD:
(JOKE) --
WARNING if you don't dance ENOUGH during your Coronavirus Quarantines....>>>> just look what happened to my friend Arnoldo!! thanks to teacher Ari for forwarding >>>> ------------------ Sadly, NOT A JOKE!!!!! >>> --The NBA season was just suspended, largely because one of the players on the Utah Jazz just tested positive for coronavirus. The worst part? Earlier today while the team was taking extra precautions for a media event he thought it would be a funny joke to go around and touch every microphone in the room. ----------------- Published March 13, 2020 As of Wednesday, March 11 all Santa Cruz Waltz & Swing group dance events are postponed indefinitely (likely into April) until COVID-19 pandemic subsides. This is painful!! for me, and all our community leaders in their respective dance, school, faith, business and other groups. but wise, due to our social responsibility to not spread this HIGHLY contagious virus, and thus cause harm to other more vulnerable members of our society, and lessen impact on our health care system. Social dancing is one of the best activities to keep us strong, EXCEPT in this case ... where the main prevention to coronavirus is SOCIAL DISTANCING... I admit, it is kinda tough to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance with your dance partner, even in line dancing, and especially because likely the MAIN WAY the COVID-19 virus is spread is through our breath moisture. The coronavirus infection is in our LUNGS and respiratory system. When infected person coughs, sneezes, even talks and breathes, (and we breathe HEAVILY in social dancing). s/he is expelling some of the virus in the invisible moisture in their breath, in tiny microdroplets, which go into the air and are BREATHED IN by nearby people. The closer you are and the more viruses are expelled, in a huge blasting sneeze, for example, the bigger dose of virus you get. A bigger dose is harder for your body's immune system to fight off, so you would be sicker with worse symptoms and longer. Thus the SOCIAL DISTANCE between people and amount of time together make a HUGE difference, between getting a weak dose of virus, or massive dose. between getting a little bit sick and quickly fighting it off, or getting VERY sick for longer. Your body's immune system then starts building antibodies to the virus, once it is exposed to it. Then eventually you become immune. But that takes a bit of time. So with time, our whole population will grow more resistant. So the sooner we slow down the spread and severity of this highly contagious COVID-19 virus, the less impact it will have on our population, and sooner we can get back to normal life. The NBA season was just suspended, largely because one of the players on the Utah Jazz just tested positive for coronavirus. The worst part? Earlier today while the team was taking extra precautions for a media event he thought it would be a funny joke to go around and touch every microphone in the room. https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca Published March 20, 2020
March 18, 2020 -- The Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) reiterates that the current Shelter at Home order is in effect. The County Health Officer issued the mandate requiring people to stay home except for essential needs. It is not a recommendation; it is a directive The Santa Cruz County Public Health Department has also created a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the County Order visit www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus. how the City of Santa Cruz is monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 www.cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus all virus related questions should be directed to 2-1-1, or text coronavirus to 211211, or visit www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus |
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Published March 11, 2020
TWO sources of vindication this week affirming Dr. Bob's Common Cold Care (and likely Coronavirus) Advice!
Dr. Bob says:
1. Touching surfaces and your face is NOT the main way the Coronavirus is spread.
<< Santa Cruz Good Time article today: "The coronavirus does seem to be able to live on surfaces, though it is unclear for how long and doesn’t seem to be the main way the virus spreads." >>
but rather it is spread mainly by breathing in air from a nearby virus=infected person (contaminated by their virus-infected micro-droplets of moisture expelled by coughing,sneezing and breathing. The amount of virus you are exposed to makes a big difference in how well you can fight it off, so the further away you are and the less virus germs you get the better.
2. The virus replicates faster (= your cold grows worse) in cooler temperatures, therefore take care of yourself with Warm & Steamy practices!
A March 6, 2020 National Geographic article on coronavirus research speaks to what latest research is showing: " relatively recent research suggests that dry, cold air may also help viruses stay intact in the air or travel farther as they become airborne.
One of the first studies to test how environmental conditions affect viral transmission was published in 2007, and it looked at how influenza spread through guinea pigs infected in a lab. High temperatures and in particular high humidity slowed the influenza spread, and at very high humidity levels, the virus stopped spreading completely.
Warmer air holds more moisture, which prevents airborne viruses from traveling as far as they would in dry air. In humid conditions, the small liquid droplets in a cough or sneeze gather more moisture as they’re expelled. Eventually too heavy to stay airborne, they drop to the ground." >>
Thus, doing the opposite of cool & dry inhibits the virus from spreading and multiplying, as was shown from research done wayyyy back during World War 2 in the UK Common Cold research institute. Plus it instantly feels good so try it and help your body fight off a host of common cold viruses.
Published March 9, 2020
As we all know the COVID-19 is now a serious world-wide concern progressing rapidly,
a totally new thing for everyone on this planet,
so no human yet knows all the answers about it,
with already both big physical and social/economic impact.
So I’m analyzing much international, national and local news,
from UCSC, from my work headquarters , from friends,
and discussing it all heavily with my husband, Dr. Bob,
a UCSF trained (graduated with honors) 35-year ER physician
who has treated more than 100,000 patients with cold viruses.
(summary of Dr. Bob’s advice below)
Best way to decide whether to hold/attend our wonderful dance classes is a
~~~ Benefit/Risk Analysis ~~~
So as your teacher, here’s my careful advice:
The BIG benefits to social/partner dancing:
It helps you stay healthy and strong to fight off many diseases!
Partner & social dancing is a safe low-impact exercise that strengthens your all-body physical health
including your immune system
to fight off many diseases
(including COVID-19 when it comes)
plus emotional and mental health with social and physical connection,
exercising your brain to learn new moves,
and inspiring and delighting your spirit with enjoyable music
It makes us feel very happy,
which is VERY good for us.
Our RISKS:
As of today, Santa Cruz Sentinel reports two known cases (who caught it elsewhere
but no community spread of it so far…
so our infection risk here, is at the moment very low
for people who have not traveled to a hot spot, or who visited with people who have
That will change soon,
as news media will inform us.
Our TWO big risks are
1. getting infected
2. unwittingly infecting other people
it has a 2-week incubation period without symptoms!
If YOU wear a surgical mask, we are told the purpose is more to prevent YOU from spreading the virus,
Since it doesn’t filter out virus germs you breathe IN,
because they are too tiny.
Thus, for now, I advise that YES, holding/attending the class (for HEALTHY dancers)
is currently still OK, since there is not a public health directive to cancel such activities in Santa Cruz area yet
But certainly anyone NOT HEALTHY, or who is worried about it, should stay home.
(dancing is no fun if you are worried about it the whole time.)
So for those who are VERY confident you are healthy and NOT been exposed,
let’s dance while we can, and keep our ears in the news.
ADVICE from the wise Dr. Bob*
In addition to CDC’s normal advice of washing hands and area frequently,
getting lots of sleep, eating healthy,
Dr. Bob also recommends this lesser-known advice
for fighting off any common cold virus,
because they tend to grow faster in COLD temperatures,
which likely applies to COVID-19
since, although it is is a new version,
it is still one of the categories of Common Cold viruses:
Corona virus
(named "corona" because its shape resembles a crown.)
Keep your upper respiratory system Warm & Steamy!
by…
-- Teacher Peggy
*my husband, Dr. Bob Pollard-- a 40-year Emergency Room physician
(graduated with honors from renowned UCSF Medical School)
who has treated 100,000 patients with cold viruses in his career and has some excellent wisdom on Common Cold virus behavior in general from his clinical practice.
Sunday, March 8
from Traditional Dancers of Santa Cruz, Contradance Community :
We are keeping an eye on the situation in Santa Cruz and do not think that cancellation of [yesterday's] dance is warranted. In these difficult times, maintaining the fabric of our community is more important than ever.
Local information on COVID19:
(One known case in Santa Cruz, not from community spread).
We do ask that you do not attend if any of the following applies to you:
- You have any flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
- You returned from travel in the last 3 weeks.
- You live in an area with sustained local transmission.
- You have had close physical contact with a person currently under investigation for COVID-19, or whom is a confirmed case of COVID-19
Information that I have found useful:
https://www.danceplace.com/grapevine/dance-in-the-time-of-corona/
Wash your hands often with soap for more than 20 seconds, and try not to touch your face.
---------------------
Good Health and Happiness to you!
-- Teacher Peggy
TWO sources of vindication this week affirming Dr. Bob's Common Cold Care (and likely Coronavirus) Advice!
Dr. Bob says:
1. Touching surfaces and your face is NOT the main way the Coronavirus is spread.
<< Santa Cruz Good Time article today: "The coronavirus does seem to be able to live on surfaces, though it is unclear for how long and doesn’t seem to be the main way the virus spreads." >>
but rather it is spread mainly by breathing in air from a nearby virus=infected person (contaminated by their virus-infected micro-droplets of moisture expelled by coughing,sneezing and breathing. The amount of virus you are exposed to makes a big difference in how well you can fight it off, so the further away you are and the less virus germs you get the better.
2. The virus replicates faster (= your cold grows worse) in cooler temperatures, therefore take care of yourself with Warm & Steamy practices!
A March 6, 2020 National Geographic article on coronavirus research speaks to what latest research is showing: " relatively recent research suggests that dry, cold air may also help viruses stay intact in the air or travel farther as they become airborne.
One of the first studies to test how environmental conditions affect viral transmission was published in 2007, and it looked at how influenza spread through guinea pigs infected in a lab. High temperatures and in particular high humidity slowed the influenza spread, and at very high humidity levels, the virus stopped spreading completely.
Warmer air holds more moisture, which prevents airborne viruses from traveling as far as they would in dry air. In humid conditions, the small liquid droplets in a cough or sneeze gather more moisture as they’re expelled. Eventually too heavy to stay airborne, they drop to the ground." >>
Thus, doing the opposite of cool & dry inhibits the virus from spreading and multiplying, as was shown from research done wayyyy back during World War 2 in the UK Common Cold research institute. Plus it instantly feels good so try it and help your body fight off a host of common cold viruses.
Published March 9, 2020
As we all know the COVID-19 is now a serious world-wide concern progressing rapidly,
a totally new thing for everyone on this planet,
so no human yet knows all the answers about it,
with already both big physical and social/economic impact.
So I’m analyzing much international, national and local news,
from UCSC, from my work headquarters , from friends,
and discussing it all heavily with my husband, Dr. Bob,
a UCSF trained (graduated with honors) 35-year ER physician
who has treated more than 100,000 patients with cold viruses.
(summary of Dr. Bob’s advice below)
Best way to decide whether to hold/attend our wonderful dance classes is a
~~~ Benefit/Risk Analysis ~~~
So as your teacher, here’s my careful advice:
The BIG benefits to social/partner dancing:
It helps you stay healthy and strong to fight off many diseases!
Partner & social dancing is a safe low-impact exercise that strengthens your all-body physical health
including your immune system
to fight off many diseases
(including COVID-19 when it comes)
plus emotional and mental health with social and physical connection,
exercising your brain to learn new moves,
and inspiring and delighting your spirit with enjoyable music
It makes us feel very happy,
which is VERY good for us.
Our RISKS:
As of today, Santa Cruz Sentinel reports two known cases (who caught it elsewhere
but no community spread of it so far…
so our infection risk here, is at the moment very low
for people who have not traveled to a hot spot, or who visited with people who have
That will change soon,
as news media will inform us.
Our TWO big risks are
1. getting infected
2. unwittingly infecting other people
it has a 2-week incubation period without symptoms!
If YOU wear a surgical mask, we are told the purpose is more to prevent YOU from spreading the virus,
Since it doesn’t filter out virus germs you breathe IN,
because they are too tiny.
Thus, for now, I advise that YES, holding/attending the class (for HEALTHY dancers)
is currently still OK, since there is not a public health directive to cancel such activities in Santa Cruz area yet
But certainly anyone NOT HEALTHY, or who is worried about it, should stay home.
(dancing is no fun if you are worried about it the whole time.)
So for those who are VERY confident you are healthy and NOT been exposed,
let’s dance while we can, and keep our ears in the news.
ADVICE from the wise Dr. Bob*
In addition to CDC’s normal advice of washing hands and area frequently,
getting lots of sleep, eating healthy,
Dr. Bob also recommends this lesser-known advice
for fighting off any common cold virus,
because they tend to grow faster in COLD temperatures,
which likely applies to COVID-19
since, although it is is a new version,
it is still one of the categories of Common Cold viruses:
Corona virus
(named "corona" because its shape resembles a crown.)
Keep your upper respiratory system Warm & Steamy!
by…
- keeping your room air warmer, closer to 80F especially at night,
- Sipping hot (not scalding) beverages frequently
- If air is cool outside, cover face with a scarf or mask,
- Take two hot steamy showers/day
- breathe warm steamy air from a hot, wet washcloth several times/day
- use a warm air humidifier in your bedroom at night
-- Teacher Peggy
*my husband, Dr. Bob Pollard-- a 40-year Emergency Room physician
(graduated with honors from renowned UCSF Medical School)
who has treated 100,000 patients with cold viruses in his career and has some excellent wisdom on Common Cold virus behavior in general from his clinical practice.
Sunday, March 8
from Traditional Dancers of Santa Cruz, Contradance Community :
We are keeping an eye on the situation in Santa Cruz and do not think that cancellation of [yesterday's] dance is warranted. In these difficult times, maintaining the fabric of our community is more important than ever.
Local information on COVID19:
(One known case in Santa Cruz, not from community spread).
We do ask that you do not attend if any of the following applies to you:
- You have any flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
- You returned from travel in the last 3 weeks.
- You live in an area with sustained local transmission.
- You have had close physical contact with a person currently under investigation for COVID-19, or whom is a confirmed case of COVID-19
Information that I have found useful:
https://www.danceplace.com/grapevine/dance-in-the-time-of-corona/
Wash your hands often with soap for more than 20 seconds, and try not to touch your face.
---------------------
Good Health and Happiness to you!
-- Teacher Peggy