- April 25, 2024
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Social distancing is not a substitute for wearing a face mask in public, said Dr. Peter Schoch, chief medical officer of Integrated Health Services for AdventHealth's Central Florida Division, during a COVID-19 briefing on Thursday, July 2.
“When you’re out and about, you want to make sure that you are wearing a mask to maximize the protection and minimize the spread of the virus, even when you’re socially distancing," Schoch said.
With Independence Day celebrations this Saturday, July 4, likely to result in gatherings of families and friends, Schoch said individuals choosing to get together should not bypass the precautions outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gatherings should be kept small if possible, and Schoch advised keeping a distance of 6 feet between you and people outside your immediate family. If in a bigger group, the doctor said people could consider wearing masks, regardless of whether the gathering is taking place indoors or outdoors.
The Florida Department of Health reported 10,109 new cases in the state on Thursday, July 2. Of those, 129 were reported in Volusia County and the positivity rate was 13.3%. Flagler County reported 15 new cases, with a positivity of 6.9%.
Schoch said there are a number of factors that are probably responsible for the state's recent spike of coronavirus cases. More people are out and about since the reopening phases began, several Black Lives Matter protests and rallies were held across the state, and the Memorial Day holiday also resulted in public gatherings.
The briefing cited a study by the Massachusett Institute of Technology that found particles expelled into the air due to a cough or sneeze move at about 100 feet per second and can travel up to 25 feet. These particles can linger in the air for several minutes.
“The mask serves to block it at the source of transmission," Dr. Vincent Hsu, AdventHealth epidemiologist and infection control officer. "This is the most affective way if you can’t social distance.”
Schoch said that while wearing a mask may feel uncomfortable, it doesn't limit the exchange of air or increase the inhalation of carbon dioxide. Everyone — except children under 2 years old and persons that have difficulty breathing — should be fine wearing a face covering, he explained.
It's a personal and social responsibility, Schoch added, saying it "is bigger than ourselves." if someone is asymptomatic and not wearing a mask, they can transmit the virus to others.
“I would not want that on my conscience to be honest with you, that I didn’t take the minimum precaution necessary to prevent you, or someone else in the community from getting the virus, a virus that can be very serious for some folks," Schoch said.
