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Controlling Coronavirus: 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing Text by Matthew Mcqueen, Director, Public Health Program and Associate Professor of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder Licensed under ASSIGNMENT DIRECTIONS As you read, consider the question: why could "social distancing" help save lives? QUESTION 1 (POLL) Which statement below reflects your thoughts on the new coronavirus? ANSWER "I'm not sure what the big deal is. It sounds like just a bad cold." "Let's take precautions, but can everyone please calm down?" "This seems really scary. I am worried about myself and my family." I have a different thought. (Be ready to share.) https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/grading/1474546/data 1/11 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing A resident of New York City peers out from a ski mask she adapted to try to protect herself1 from coronavirus. Source: AP Photo, Kathy Willens Anywhere from 20% to 60% of the adults around the world may become infected with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. That’s the estimate from leading epidemiologists.2 Based on these numbers, that means that 40 million or more American adults will get sick. Some people may hear these numbers and feel hopeless. There are no vaccines and no treatments for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Others might feel complacent.3 While COVID-19 is deadlier than the seasonal flu, most of those who get infected have mild to moderate symptoms similar to a cold or the seasonal flu. Some may wonder, “What’s the point of fighting something that’s bound to happen? Why not just let the virus run its course?" Those who are young and healthy may also wonder, “If I’ll be fine, why should I worry so much?" Public health officials and medical professionals want to correct this thinking quickly. They are advocating for rapid and decisive efforts to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 as much and as early as possible. https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/grading/1474546/data 2/11 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn Flattening the curve SARS-CoV-2,4 like other viruses, is made of DNA, the molecule that carries genetic information. In order to survive and spread, the virus needs to infect a host cell. Once inside a host cell, the virus uses the host cell’s machinery to make copies of itself that can then infect other host cells. For example, when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes, the virus can be transferred through the air and potentially infect other people nearby. Experts say that spreading the infections out over a longer period of time will be safer. The goal is to “flatten the curve.” Rather than letting the virus quickly rampage5 through the population and burn itself out fast, they want to slow down the spread.6 Yes, this will potentially extend the epidemic. But in doing so, public health agencies and the health care infrastructure will get more time to respond to the crisis. https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/grading/1474546/data 3/11 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn QUESTION 2 DOK 2 STANDARD RI.7 In paragraph 6, the author said, "The goal is to 'flatten the curve.'" In the context of this article, what does the phrase "flatten the curve" mean? ANSWER Flatten your hands while washing. Spread the number of cases overtime. Find a cure for the disease before it spreads. Speed the disease up so it is over quickly. Most importantly, “flattening the curve”7 provides an opportunity to significantly reduce deaths from COVID-19. If the disease is allowed to spread quickly, there will be a tremendous burden on health care providers.8 Many medical workers will fall ill themselves and then will be forced to self-isolate. This means there will be fewer people available to care for the ill. At the same time, medical facilities will not be able to keep up with the demand for patient care. There might be shortages of hospital beds and ventilators,9 which are important for those seriously affected by COVID-19. So yes, even if every person on Earth will eventually get COVID-19, there are real benefits to making sure it doesn’t all happen in the next few weeks. https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/grading/1474546/data 4/11 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn QUESTION 3 DOK 2 STANDARD RI.1 Why is it important that people do not get sick with COVID-19 all at once? ANSWER Scientists need more time to find a cure to the disease. There may not be enough medical staff and equipment to help patients in need. Hospitals are running out of hand sanitizer and toilet paper. Doctors and nurses do not want to work over time to help so many patients. Keep your distance How, then, can people help “flatten the curve”? At present, COVID-19 is spreading through communities in both the US and other nations around the world. We are entering a phase where we all need to work together to slow the spread. As a result, we’re left with an old but quite effective strategy: social distancing. It means staying out of close contact in crowded public places, avoiding large gatherings, and maintaining personal space. Experts recommend you maintain about six feet of distance between yourself and others when possible. Social distancing requires changes in how people work, live, and interact with each other. This is why big events, like sports games and concerts, are being canceled. Some schools are instructing students to stay home and holding classes online. Others are simply practicing social distancing and good hygiene to keep students and their families safe. https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/grading/1474546/data 5/11 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn A commuter wears a face mask while riding a nearly empty subway car into Brooklyn on March 12, 2020, in New York. Source: AP Photo, John Minchillo It’s important to remember that while most students are safe,10 they can spread the virus to people who are at higher risk of dying from the disease. The elderly and people who have weak immune systems are at higher risk. QUESTION 4 DOK 1 STANDARD RI.2 Which option explains the term social distancing? ANSWER Do not leave your house for any reason. Avoid crowds and keep your personal space. Avoid talking to friends and family over social media. Do not travel long distances. QUESTION 5 DOK 3 STANDARD RI.2 Pause and reflect: The author explains that social distancing will require us to change how we "work, live, and interact with each other." How are you affected by social distancing? Explain using details from your personal life. https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/grading/1474546/data 6/11 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn A balancing act Social distancing can help slow the spread, but it will hurt the economy. People won't engage in the same work and life activities that fuel the economy, like going out for meals or attending social gatherings.11 As a result, public health and government officials must balance “flattening the curve” with protecting the economy. Public health experts are working hard to collect data and communicate information to the public. This will help health care providers, research laboratories, public health agencies, and policymakers respond to the emerging threat. In the meantime, one of the most important things individuals can do for our collective public health is to listen to the experts and follow their advice. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently said, “We need to remember that with decisive, early action, we can slow down the virus and prevent infections.” We’re not going to stamp out12 COVID-19. But we can take steps to slow its spread and “flatten the curve.” If we all work together, we can protect the health care system and ensure medical workers can respond to those in need. QUESTION 6 DOK 4 STANDARD RI.2 Write a letter to your friends and family explaining the importance of social distancing. You can use an informal tone, but be sure to explain the meaning and importance of social distancing. https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/grading/1474546/data 7/11 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn QUESTION 7 DOK 3 STANDARD RI.7 Extension question: Proper hand washing is an important step to slow the spread of COVID-19. Watch the video on proper hand-washing technique. Then, explain how "proper hand washing" is different from how most people wash their hands. https://www.youtube.com/embed/3PmVJQUCm4E?feature=oembed&rel=0 This article was adapted by Actively Learn staff with permission from the author, Matthew McQueen, Director, Public Health Program and Associate Professor of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder. https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/grading/1474546/data 8/11 4/9/2020 Controlling coronavirus: "Flattening the curve" using social distancing - Actively Learn Notes MRS. BROOKS 1 Public health officials say that masks will not help protect you from the virus. Hand washing and "social distancing" are the best protective measures. MRS.
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