North Dakota Physicians Offer Pandemic Health Advice

Posted 10/15/20 (Thu)

The Physician Advisory Group, which began meeting as part of the North Dakota Medical Association in August, is taking action to help get the word out on steps the public can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This letter was also a topic of discussion during NDMA's Annual Meeting Policy Forum.

The letter endorses care for the whole self to optimize health. In times of crisis, like this pandemic, this is more important now than ever. Part of the letter stresses avoiding the spread using this equation:

Infection = Exposure to Virus x Time

Based on this equation, the following strategies are effective in limiting the spread of Sars-CoV- 2:

1. Minimize virus in the air we all breathe by:
   1. Limit crowd density- fewer people per square foot = fewer breaths/sq. foot and less likelihood of infected person in that space
   2. Limit time in public places- less time in one spot=less breaths of recirculated air that may contain Sars-CoV-2 virus.
   3. Mask use- this reduces (not eliminates) the amount of droplets (which carry the virus) released when you breathe, speak, sing etc. The fewer droplets in the air, the less virus in the air.  The greater percentage of people wearing masks in a given setting, the less virus in the air.
   4. Increase air exchange/filtration of air- This air movement helps to disperse/dilute the amount of virus in a given air space.
   5. Stay home and isolate when infected with Sars-CoV-2- This confines your viral air to your small space that is inhabited by only you.
   6. Quarantining of those with exposure to an infected person that is significant enough to merit risk of infection has the potential to limit this person’s spread of virus through the air to others at a time when this person may be infected and contagious, but not feel symptoms.

2. Minimize virus on surfaces– Note that this is NOT the primary route of transmission, but does contribute to transmission
   1. Wash your hands frequently
   2. Do not touch your face- If you have to touch your face, please wash your hands before and after.
   3. Frequently disinfect surfaces.
   4. Stay home and isolate when infected with Sars-CoV-2- This confines your virally contaminated surfaces to your small space that is inhabited by only you.
   5. Quarantining of those with exposure to an infected person that is significant enough to merit risk of infection has the potential to limit this person’s spread of virus via contaminated surfaces to others at a time when this person may be infected and contagious, but not feel symptoms.

The Physician Advisory Group (PAG) is asking physicians from across the state to participate by adding their signature to the document. The letter and list of supporting physicians can be viewed here. This listing will be continually updated to reflect the latest physician signatures.

If you, as a physician, choose to add your name to the list, its easy to do. CLICK HERE.