Dear Colleague,
This week’s issue features our proposal for a national COVID-19 alert-level framework for the United States. An alert-level system can inform communities about the local risk of COVID-19 and empower them to stay safe. These systems must be implemented locally, taking into account the unique economic, political and social context. When implemented effectively, an alert-level system can reduce COVID-19 transmission and save lives.
This issue also explores the risk of COVID-19 transmission associated with restaurants and a review of the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test. We also explore the latest science on household transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the impacts of the vaccine on a Spring 2021 wave of COVID-19 cases and deaths and an evaluation of cloth masks to protect the wearer.
COVID-19 has the upper hand as we see a surge in cases across the U.S.—but our future is in our hands. Vaccines are here, but they will not be available for many of us until well into 2021. Until then, we need to double down on protection protocols—as Chancellor Merkel said: patience, discipline, solidarity. When we all wear masks and take action to fight COVID-19, everyone is safer.
I hope you find this resource useful and are staying safe during the holidays and into 2021!
All the best,
Tom
 Dr. Tom Frieden President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, an Initiative of Vital Strategies |