Calculus And Covid

I studied Calculus in college. A mystery until I understood the concept behind Calculus. But after a few weeks I understood that it involves the study of rates of change. Calculus helped to determine how particles and matter move and change in real time.

Many things are hard to grasp until we understand the principles behind such action. Take face masks: we humans are constantly touching our faces, eyes, nose, and mouths. Our hands contain many bacteria or viruses from touching surfaces that someone else may have touched. The masks prevent us from touching our face. Also having hand sanitizer to constantly clean your hands is another method of protection. People now are wearing masks but many don't understand how to remove a mask properly. We need to remove the mask and then WASH our hands. Masks should be washed after each use. Masks may help some to prevent aerosols from coughing. However when coughing or sneezing, do it by using your forearm to cover or using a Kleenex. Never use your hands for cover. If you do, wash them immediately. Of course if you are showing any symptoms: STAY HOME.

Some people feel safe by wearing gloves. But gloves will be touching contaminated surfaces. Also when removing gloves, it is best to remove inside out and then immediately wash your hands.

Masks are also a breeding ground for bacteria due to moisture from our breaths. If you wear a mask, change it every few hours. Two disgusting things: discarding masks on the ground or discarding soiled baby diapers for others to be exposed.

Governor DeSantis is using common sense in his approach to COVID. Other states shame people into wearing masks but do not explain the concept on the why's and how's. The vulnerable (elderly, immunocompromised, etc.) should take more precautions. But this should be a choice and not a mandate. Florida's approach is carefully calculated to allow each one of us a choice. Yes, the number of hospitalizations are up. But that is the way to eventually obtain herd immunity. Vaccines are another way. But vaccines can not be mandated. Some people have underlying health issues that the COVID vaccine might even be fatal for them.

COVID is the enemy. Separating people from each other has not stopped the spread. Better education and choices to allow COVID to run its course.

Richard B. Tomlinson