Be Smart, Not Fearful (Groundhog Day, Part 2)

I have heard thoughts and seen actions of public leaders, hospital boards, and friends that have made me think about patterns of thought and how we repeatedly make the same mistakes in our society.

One mistake, in particular, is the thought process that may lead to stereotyping. Stereotyping is a defense mechanism in nature and we often make assumptions from a small sample size and categorize. We tend to fear the unfamiliar or unknown and rationalize that fear into hate.

Which brings me to the current reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. I do believe in the guarded reopening, as referenced in my last article. As expected, laxity in precautions and different timing on the pandemic curve are just some variables that are causing certain states to reach a delayed or second peak.

What disturbs me are the actions being taken to force people to self-quarantine after visiting these “hotspot” states and the rules that condemn interstate travel. This can certainly be recommended, but to make mandatory regulations seems wrong. These rules are irrational and are contrived from the same fear that leads to stereotyping.

I understand this fear, but we have enough understanding and scientific logic to realize that coming from a “hotspot” state should not make a difference because we should be assuming that everyone is an asymptomatic carrier. There is a growing fear of the “asymptomatic carrier,” however, that fear should dissolve with the understanding that in a non-aerosolized environment, all parties wearing masks and having clean hands is an adequate defense. Therefore, the rules that mandate self-quarantine for the asymptomatic and restrict interstate travel are not necessary, in fact, they somewhat belittle the important precautions.

Society may continue to see steady positive test results for COVID-19, but this should not raise too much concern, as long as hospital admissions, especially ICU admissions, are under control. PPE equipment also needs to be in adequate supply. Multiple non-infective, low virus quantity exposures may elicit some level of immunity over time.

I hope, as we work through this pandemic surge on reopening, that we can continue to use science and education, rather than fear to dictate our policy and actions.