COVID-19 Update with Dr. Ted Bailey - April 15, 2020

*This is a rapidly changing situation. This interview was recorded on April 14, 2020. For the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov*

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic seems to become more complicated every day and it’s difficult to know fact from fiction. To help clarify, Theodore Bailey, MD, JD, MA, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases at GBMC, called in to WBAL Radio and answered listeners’ questions.

What is the process for getting tested for COVID-19?

In order to be tested for COVID-19, you need to have an order from your doctor. “Testing must be filtered through physicians so that we can make sure you’re getting all of the tests you need. You may have something other than COVID-19 causing your symptoms and we don’t want to miss that,” said Dr. Bailey.

Currently, testing is done in a drive-through fashion and is by appointment only. If you think you may have COVID-19 and would like to learn more, contact your primary care provider or call the Maryland Coronavirus Hotline at 211.

Will warmer weather in the summer kill the virus faster?

Although temperature may impact how long the virus can live on surfaces, there is no evidence that the change in season will alter its spread. COVID-19 has infected people in every climate zone and temperature does not seem to affect how it behaves.

How much worse is this going to get?

The severity of the situation will depend on how well people comply with public health guidelines, so it is impossible to predict what it will look like in the coming weeks and months. This pandemic has the potential to reach a historic scale, but it can be controlled with proper diligence and cooperation from the public.

What do we know about asymptomatic carriers?

Because we don’t know who the asymptomatic carriers are, we don’t know much about why they don’t develop symptoms. Antibody tests are being developed that could allow us to see who has had the virus in the past so we can study them to learn more. There may be physical factors involved that are preventing symptoms from developing, but it could also include an element of chance.

What we do know is that asymptomatic carriers are able to spread the virus to others. This is why the CDC is now encouraging community members to wear cloth face coverings in public. (On April 15, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan signed an executive order requiring Marylanders to wear face coverings inside essential businesses beginning April 18). This is an additional precaution that should not replace social distancing and hand hygiene.

Do face coverings and other personal protective equipment (PPE) actually help?

When used correctly, PPE does help slow the spread of the virus (click here to learn how to safely use a face covering). Prior to now, face coverings were not useful in the public because the likelihood of coming into close contact with an infected person was low. Now that the situation has changed, additional measures need to be taken. PPE has been used in patient-care settings from the beginning and does decrease the risk for you and others. With that being said, “it’s like a seatbelt – it won’t help if you aren’t using it right,” Dr. Bailey explained.

Make sure your face covering has a tight seal around your nose and mouth and don’t pull it under your face. It’s important that you protect your face covering from exposure as much as possible, especially on the inside panel. Don’t touch your face or the covering while wearing it and don’t place it on other surfaces after taking it off. Face coverings need to be washed after every use.

Why is the coronavirus so much worse than other diseases?

This strain of coronavirus is novel (new), so no one has natural immunity to it. It is a mix of various other viruses, which means it has a unique chemical structure and activates your immune system differently than other diseases. It is also notable that COVID-19 seems to have an increased ability to create infection in people exposed to it, causing more severe symptoms for those who develop them.

Learn how you can make a difference for the healthcare workers fighting for you and your loved ones at www.gbmc.org/donations.

*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*