Question

You are a newly hired epidemiologist in the state of MA during the COVID 19 crisis and have been tasked with explaining why certain policies are necessary. For each of the following policies currently in place explain why it is necessary from a pandemic and from an evolutionary perspective.

•Handwashing

•Wearing a Mask

•Dining Outside

•Social Distancing

Answer 1

•Handwashing- Washing hands with plain soap and plain water kills viruses, but only if it’s done thoroughly and often. Hands should be scrubbed for at least 20 seconds, to ensure germs won’t be transferred to objects or spread from person to person. It decreases disease transmission.

•Wearing a mask- wearing mask in public can limit the spread of COVID-19 by people who have the virus. Masks may protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the mask wearer. Masks also remind others to continue practicing physical distancing.

•Dining Outside- should be totally avoided. Food hygiene and good food safety practices can prevent the transmission of Corona virus throughthrough food.

•Social Distancing- Is a preventive measures to reduce the chances of infection. It include staying at home, avoiding crowded places.