Internet photo. Feds may suggest masks for everyone. It’s being discussed now at CDC Internet photo. Blogfinger screen shot.

Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor @Blogfinger.net

a.  There is talk of having gas customers pump their own to get rid of the interaction with the attendant.  It would give the customer more control of the situation.

Governor Murphy says:   “PLEASE NOTE: We have no plans to turn our gas stations into self-serve at this time.
Please DO NOT pump your own gas.”

b. From a Professor of Public Health at William Patterson U regarding grocery shopping

” When you bring your packages home, unpack them in a sheltered area such as outside your front door, in your garage, etc. Discard packaging that you don’t need.  Scrub down the packing that you plan to keep.

“You have produce that other people have touched, so when you get that produce home it needs to be washed with soap and water for 20 seconds, just like you washed your hands. Any surfaces where bags have touched needs to be disinfected.

“She recommends writing your grocery list on a piece of paper that you can easily discard, instead of using your phone. She says the more time you linger in a supermarket, the higher your risk of contracting the virus becomes.”

“Be sure to wash hands after you enter your house.”

And don’t forget the option of having your groceries delivered to your front door.

c.  Shortages of PPE’s. (personal protective equipment) is threatening care in hospitals.  The AMA is urging the Trump administration to “take a stronger role to coordinate a national effort of acquisition and distribution of PPE, ensuring that critical PPE no longer goes to the highest bidder and areas in urgent need can protect essential health care workers.”  Bidding wars for this equipment tends to involve states and institutions which tend to lose out to the federal government.

d.  Regarding facemasks  for everyone, this is still the official CDC position:     “If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask).   Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.”

e. Some medical schools are graduating their seniors early. (eg NYU) These new MD’s can go to work right away to help with Corona cases.  Come July they will leave for residencies.

f.  UPS workers complain that they have to work in unsanitary conditions.

Amazon employees are also worried about their safety.  Some of them suggest that people order only essential items and wait awhile for other goods.

g.  5 minute Corona tests by Abbott Labs will be available soon.  The government is currently working with manufacturers of a number of different tests.

Sources:  APP, AMA Morning Report,  Daily News Roundup. (Montclair State U) and NJ.com, USA Today.