Coronavirus in Massachusetts (Boston, Worcester: middle schools, condo, colleges)

[redplum33]

CDC expands definition of who is a ‘close contact’ of an individual with covid-19


"The new guidance is likely to have the biggest impact on schools, workplaces and other group settings since more people are likely to be considered at risk."


"The CDC had previously defined a “close contact” as someone who spent at least 15 consecutive minutes within six feet of a confirmed coronavirus case. The updated guidance, which health departments rely on to conduct contact tracing, now defines a close contact as someone who was within six feet of an infected individual for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, according to a CDC statement Wednesday."


"“It’s easy to accumulate 15 minutes in small increments when you spend all day together — a few minutes at the water cooler, a few minutes in the elevator, and so on,” Rivers said. “I expect this will result in many more people being identified as close contacts.”

She added: “This change underscores the importance of vigilant social distancing — even multiple brief interactions can pose a risk.”"

[jtolpin]

Fatigue.... Burnout.... It's going to take it's toll - 20 somethings Im sure feel it already.

Parents of them can manage it ok (Gen X) but it will take its toll.

[sawyer2]

Originally Posted by sawyer2

A few contributing factors off the top of my head

- Colder weather
- More businesses returning to in-office
- Knock on effect from relaxed restrictions over the last few months
- Increase social/family gatherings (may be one of the greatest contributing factors to current spike)
- Increased apathy/weariness

Originally Posted by redplum33

The "small social gatherings" that we keep hearing about...sounds like an indirect way of saying college kids hanging out.

No, unfortunately I am seeing it all the time with our extended group of family, friends, acquaintances.

People who were taking all the precautions until recently seem to be throwing caution to the wind - socializing at each others houses without masks, play dates, inside at bars/restaurants etc.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by redplum33

The "small social gatherings" that we keep hearing about...sounds like an indirect way of saying college kids hanging out.

...or maybe the backyard wedding reception that took place in my neighborhood last weekend. There were more than 40 cars parked on the street.

[porterhouse]

Originally Posted by msRB311

Yep! Not a school, but an activity my kids do. Gonna be a long winter.

As has been the case all along, kids are the ones who will suffer here. Listen, I can see how hockey is higher risk than an outdoor sport, but the vast majority of the documented transmission due to ice hockey has been due to adult leagues and games.

No in person school, no hockey, no halloween. No wonder the kids are depressed. The bars and casinos are open though... It’s a joke really.

[sawyer2]

Originally Posted by robr2

...or maybe the backyard wedding reception that took place in my neighborhood last weekend. There were more than 40 cars parked on the street.

You can't get covid from people that you know - just from strangers in the grocery store, and students

[msRB311]

Yes kids are the ones who are suffering.

as far as hockey goes I thought they were doing a pretty good job. the kids were getting dressed in the parking lot or at home, not in the locker room all together, the rink we went to allowed one parent in the rink. I'd never seen the rink look so empty. They were spaced out on the bench, plus many of the helmets have a shield over them. It didn't seem particularly high risk to me, at least not the rink we went to. From what i understand it was middle school/high school where it was spreading. My kids are younger and easier to control.

who knows when hockey will be back, I'm not sure what will be different in two weeks. Just seems unfair that the other sports can continue. You cant tell me that middle school/high school football is all good.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by porterhouse

More likely post college 20-30 somethings feeling invincible and entitled.

On The Today Show this morning, it was said that cases are skyrocketing with 20-somethings.

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by redplum33

On The Today Show this morning, it was said that cases are skyrocketing with 20-somethings.

not surprising at all. I am in my 40's but if i'd been in my 20's I'm not sure how much i'd let this stand in my way in terms of my social life. I actually feel bad for single people who are looking to date and meet people.

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by msRB311

I actually feel bad for single people who are looking to date and meet people.

They are still doing it, which is part of the problem. Really the biggest complaint from the 20-somethings I know that are single has been the lack of locations to go to on a date, which makes it tricky to plan.

The gossip 2-3 weeks ago at the workplace was my coworkers 20-something year old roommate who hooked up with 2 different guys, on two different occasions at parties, who ended up coming down with COVID in the next day or so after. Believe it or not, the roommate never caught it. It was certainly close contact.

The idea that 20-somethings are the driving force behind the recent wave doesn't surprise me based on what I've seen in my social circle I would even extend that age up to 30-somethings as well as there are plenty of single 30-somethings here in MA who are still out socializing with strangers to meet new people.

And yes, because of those types of actions, the kids are the one who bear the consequences right now. I have one coworker who coaches a youth hockey team with his daughter. Their games are now cancelled and she is bummed. I understand peple want to get on and live their lives, but their actions do have indirect consequences. It's a no-win situation for all