COVID-19: Public Health, Policy, and Culture

In this episode we learn about the worldwide data collection process and presentation of the Johns Hopkins COVID Dashboard. We speak to Ensheng Dong, doctoral student and part of the team who started the dashboard. Are you interested in getting a public health degree? Register for the Public Health Grad School Fair: 9/17/22 9am pacific/12pm eastern publichealthpodcasters.com/gradschoolfair2022

In this episode we welcome Kristin Urquiza of Marked By COVID who shares the work she and her organization have partcipated in for COVID Memorial Day and commemorating the over 1 million lives lost in the United States alone due to COVID. We also discuss COVID policy needs, health equity issues, and the opportunities available for advocacy and activism to bring awareness to the fact that COVID is still here, it is airborne, and we are at the beginning of dealing with the increase in long COVID and mental health challenges resulting from the pandemic. Learn More about Marked By COVID Visit COVID Memorial Day NPR: As U.S. COVID deaths near 1 million, advocates press for a memorial day Learn More about the Public Health Podcast Network

In this episode, we discuss the new BA.2 variant, a sublineage of Omicron (aka BA.1). How does BA.2 differ from BA.1/Omicron, and from Delta for that matter? We share news and information from the US, Denmark, Japan, South Africa, as well as the World Health Organization about this new variant and why some people feel hopeful - despite the continued illness and positive cases we are seeing worldwide. We also discuss why COVID continues to be a concern for the immunocompromised and why protections can still be crucial. References: NPR: "More Contagious Version of Omicron Spreads in US, Fueling Worries" https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/02/21/1081810074/omicron-ba2-variant-spread Nature: "Had Omicron? You're Unlikely to Catch its Rising Variant" https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00558-w Deseret News: "New Omicron Subvariant Has New COVID Symptoms" https://www.deseret.com/coronavirus/2022/2/24/22948911/new-covid-19-symptoms-omicron-subvariant-ba2 BioRXIV.org: Virological Characteristics of SARS COV2 BA.2 Variant https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.14.480335v1.full.pdf Reuters: Omicron BA.2 Subvariant More Infectious but No More Severe - Africa CDC https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/omicron-ba2-sub-variant-more-infectious-no-more-severe-africa-cdc-2022-02-24/ UN: Omicron Sublineage BA.2 Remains a Variant of Concern https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112492 We are a proud member of the Public Health Podcast Network. Visit the site to learn about other public health podcasts as well, or join the community: publichealthpodcasters.com

In this episode we discuss Covid19, the Omicron variant, and the emerging rates of disability caused by the phenomenon of long haul COVID health concerns. Other news updates: COVID Hospitalizations and kids: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/striking-increase-ny-urgent-advisory-to-pediatricians-as-child-covid-hospitalizations-quadruple/3467510/ ADA Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557. https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/civil-rights-covid19/guidance-long-covid-disability/index.html --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

Caroline Orr-Bueno is a researcher in cognitive security and in this episode we discuss the pandemic, the experience of Long COVID, and some of the misinformation that is currently out there. More awareness of the symptoms of long COVID still need to be addressed in the medical community and we hope that this episode increases this awareness. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

In this interview, we learn about the types of disinformation and created pseudoscience being heard and followed by some populations in Latin America. In particular we speak to Leah Varjacques of VICE News about her documentary work in Argentina and Bolivia and the rumors that are heard and believed about COVID vaccines. We also discuss the importance of advocacy and policy to address more accurate information for health and safety during the pandemic. Follow VICE on Twitter: @VICENews and @VICEWorldNews Learn more about the VICE News documentaries about the pandemic and disinformation in Latin America COVID Misinformation is Running Rampant Online and it's Worse in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDny7byfKs COVID Misinformation Has People Injecting Bleach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q955KCnHWBk --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

Who is a public health leader, and how can public health leaders advocate for correct health information?  In this very important episode, we speak to Dr. Meena Bewtra MD, PhD, MPH, who is a specialist in IBD and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Bewtra shares important information on how everyone has the ability to be a public health leader, and that community voices are the most trusted and important of all during this pandemic as we work to address misinformation. Your voice can help to control the pandemic and save your loved ones from serious COVID-related illness. Dr. Bewtra is on Twitter at @drsmeena . Learn more about our podcast at anchor.fm/covid19ppc and on Instagram @covid19ppc Are you interested in learning how to build your podcast to get your resume noticed, build your health message, and connect with others in public health? Join the Public Health Podcast Network: https://publichealthpodcasters.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

As schools reopen for the fall, off and on after 18 months in some cases, there is still much uncertainty about how schools are responding to the pandemic. There are changing quarantine and vaccine guidelines, and the current lack of vaccine access at this time for children. Dr. Bess Williamson shares information on the school landscape for children at school in Chicago and the continuing policy needs, concerns and messaging available to children, parents, and families. Dr. Bess Williamson is an Associate Professor of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is the author of Accessible America: A History of Disability and Design.  Bess is on Twitter at @besswww References: K-12 Schools and Child Care Guidance https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html Supporting Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Maximizing In-Person Learning and Implementing Effective Practices for Students in Quarantine and Isolation https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus/supporting-students-during-covid-19-pandemic Will COVID cases in Chicago schools force your child to quarantine? Here’s a handy flowchart https://chicago.chalkbeat.org/2021/9/7/21303445/chicago-public-schools-quarantine-flow-chart-students-covid-19-data --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

In this episode, we discuss the various guidelines and patchwork of policies in various public-facing sectors such as schools, hotels, and restaurants and their inconsistencies. We discuss: -The difference between guidelines (such as CDC quarantine guidance) -The differing policies for schools and their return to campus for testing and vaccine verification -The unclear herd immunity percentage goal for COVID -Hotel policies and surface cleaning but hardly a mention of air filtration of this airborne pandemic -How bartenders, waitresses, etc. in the service industry have had to become public health policy enforcers for the businesses Difference Between Guideline and Policy: http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-guideline-and-policy/ CDC Guidelines for Quarantine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html University Guidelines for Vaccine Verification: University of California system: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/July-2021-student-FAQ-UC-covid-19-vaccination-policy SDCCD 7 day testing requirement: https://www.sdccd.edu/students/covid19/ Why Herd Immunity for COVID May Not Be Possible: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00728-2 Caesars Resorts COVID Policies: https://www.caesars.com/health-and-safety Hilton Clean Stay: https://www.hilton.com/en/corporate/cleanstay/?cid=OH%2CWW%2CCOVIDhub%2CMULTIPR%2CDropdown%2CAboutUs%2CSingleLink%2Ci80835&adobe_mc=58535966794692775455685936553697175193 I Loved Being a Bartender but COVID Turned My Job into a Nightmare I Couldn't Bear: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/service-industry-bartending-covid-19_n_6131149fe4b05f53eda50759 Learn more about the Public Health Podcast Network, a community of professionals and academics in the public health space leveraging podcasting for health communication.  https://publichealthpodcasters.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

Public health agencies are doing their work to the best of their abilities but is this enough? In this episode we discuss the abilities and the limitations of public health agencies. We discuss the new CDC guidance, breakthrough cases and children hospitalized and unprotected from COVID. We also discuss the culture of reactive vs. proactive public health work, and the potential for researchers and grassroots organizations to take action where government cannot. News References: Newest CDC guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html Breakthrough Cases and the Delta Variant: https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210726/breakthrough-cases-rising-with-delta-heres-what-that-means South Florida Children's Hospitals Report Uptick in COVID Cases: https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/07/30/south-florida-childrens-hospitals-report-uptick-in-covid-19-cases-among-children/ Proactive Leadership vs. Reactive Leadership: https://sites.psu.edu/academy/2018/03/04/proactive-leadership-v-s-reactive-leadership/#:~:text=A%20lot%20of%20people%20prefer,a%20vision%20of%20the%20future.&text=Reactive%20leadership%20means%20that%20leaders,happening%20before%20making%20any%20decision Learn more about the Public Health Podcast Network and get connected to your public health career development with podcasting as your tool for outreach: www.publichealthpodcasters.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

In this episode we speak to our friend Christie Lazo of the Vida With Christie Podcast, north of our border in Toronto, Canada about the current environment of dealing with the pandemic and navigating schooling for her daughter. We discuss the political, legislative, and educational climate during the 3rd wave of the pandemic. We also discuss the waiting period of hoping to get the COVID vaccine and what that process has been like. Learn more about Christie at vidawithchristie.com and on the various social media platforms @vidawithchristie Introductory References: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C): https://www.cdc.gov/mis/index.html Breakthrough Case Reports Summary in the United States:  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/breakthrough-cases.html Interested in having us speak at your organization about the pandemic? Contact us for information on how we can speak to your university or other organization: april@aprilmorenoconsulting.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

Although in some countries things have reopened and people feel ready to live in a post-COVID society, unfortuntately this is not yet the case. In Latin America we are seeing COVID hotspots from a global perspective and the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic is clearly emerging. Professor Pamela P. Martinez, Assistant Professor of Microbiology of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign shares her recent findings on socioeconomic disparities and lives impacted by COVID-19 in Santiago, Chile. Abstract from Dr. Martinez's recent publication: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected cities particularly hard. Here, we provide an in-depth characterization of disease incidence and mortality and their dependence on demographic and socioeconomic strata in Santiago, a highly segregated city and the capital of Chile. Our analyses show a strong association between socioeconomic status and both COVID-19 outcomes and public health capacity. People living in municipalities with low socioeconomic status did not reduce their mobility during lockdowns as much as those in more affluent municipalities. Testing volumes may have been insufficient early in the pandemic in those places, and both test positivity rates and testing delays were much higher. We find a strong association between socioeconomic status and mortality, measured by either COVID-19-attributed deaths or excess deaths. Finally, we show that infection fatality rates in young people are higher in low-income municipalities. Together, these results highlight the critical consequences of socioeconomic inequalities on health outcomes.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33906968/ More about Dr. Martinez: https://mcb.illinois.edu/faculty/profile/pamelapm/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about podcasting for public health! Join the Public Health Podcast Network:  publichealthpodcasters.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

Despite many months into the pandemic, do you still feel unclear about what public health is and what public health is designed to do? Do you know what epidemiology is, and how this field of study saves lives during epidemics and pandemics? There is still a wealth of confusion as it relates to what public health is and how it differs from emergency medicine or clinical care in general. In this episode, Dr. April Moreno shares more information about public health and how it differs from the field of medicine, in addition, how it frequently differs from population health as well. In this episode you will learn more about public health and the reasons for why both public health and emergency medicine are crucial in controlling the global COVID-19 pandemic. More About John Snow, GIS, Epidemiology and Cholera: https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/mar/15/john-snow-cholera-map CDC: 10 Essential Public Health Services (Revised 2020): https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/publichealthservices/essentialhealthservices.html CDC: Who Are Epidemiologists? https://www.cdc.gov/careerpaths/k12teacherroadmap/epidemiologists.html#:~:text=Often%20called%20%E2%80%9CDisease%20Detectives%E2%80%9D%2C,to%20be%20%E2%80%9CDisease%20Detectives%E2%80%9D. CDC: What is Population Health: https://www.cdc.gov/pophealthtraining/whatis.html AHA: What Is Population Health Management: https://www.aha.org/center/population-health-management The Public Health Podcast Network: Are you a public health podcaster or professional seeking career development and mentorship in public health communications? Join the Public Health Podcast Network, a community of professionals in community, global, and environmental health podcasting.  https://www.publichealthpodcasters.com Available for Workshops and Lectures: We are available to speak at your university or group about the power of podcasting for health equity. Contact april at aprilmorenophd.com for more information.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

In this episode, we interview Kristin Urquiza, co-founder of Marked by COVID, to discuss the disparities in race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES) and lack of access to testing and vaccinations in Phoenix, Arizona. We also discuss public health and the continuing mistrust in pandemic guidance as well as the work that continues to be needed for advocacy, support services and national acknowledgement of the lasting trauma and impacts of the COVID pandemic. Learn more about the work of Kristin and Marked By COVID on the website and donate to support their crucial work at https://www.markedbycovid.com/donate The Public Health Podcast Network: Are you a public health podcaster or professional seeking career development and mentorship in public health communications? Join the Public Health Podcast Network, a community of professionals in community, global, and environmental health podcasting.  https://www.publichealthpodcasters.com Available for Workshops and Lectures: We are available to speak at your university or group about the power of podcasting for health equity. Contact april at aprilmorenophd.com for more information.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

In this episode we chat with Melissa Talwar of Support Fibromyalgia about PPE and getting through the pandemic. We share some of our favorite PPE gear and Melissa shares some of the PPE technology from around the world.  The first 35 minutes were done as a simultaneous IG live discussion and the audio was echoey; however, the second half of the interview has a clearer sound. In the second half of the episode we discuss the pandemic and how to prepare for the next one. Learm more about Melissa and her organization at supportfibromyalgia.org Some of our favorite PPE:   readymask.com wayre.com Halomask with 20% discount link:   https://bit.ly/acihalomask --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

As the COVID vaccines continue to become available around the world and in the United States, access to appointments have been challenging for the elderly, disabled, and individuals speaking other languages. But there are community efforts available to serve individuals who need appointments. We speak to Katelyn Hertel of Vaccine Fairy who shares information about her new nonprofit organization of volunteers who work around the clock to find vaccine appointments across the country. Learn more about serving as a volunteer or getting help with appointments at their website: vaccinefairy.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

This is a special bilingual episode in English and Spanish with Marilena Grittani, clinical pharmacist, who shares the importance of clear information and messaging to support the Latinx/Hispanic community with questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. Marilena shares information about the history of the vaccine, how it works, and why it is important to get the vaccine to protect ourselves and our communities who have been disproportionately affected by the damages to population health. Learn more about Marilena on Instagram at @thelegaldrugdealerpodcast and @controlandotupropiasalud --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

In this episode, Dr. April shares the new chapter of the international drama of the COVID 19 pandemic. Since Season 1 we have seen a clearer understanding of how the virus works, and are seeing the best development so far in the form of vaccines. But the story is still not over as we face new variants, some of which are of concern. New Covid Variants https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2021/02/new-covid-19-variants-found-new-york-california Learn more about Dr. April Moreno, public health strategist, at aprilmorenoconsulting.com Listen to other episodes at anchor.fm/covid19ppc --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

In the September 2020 Roundup, Dr. April discusses recent case growth in Florida and New York, the phenomenon of "mask-shaming" and mask judgement, the COVID-Detecting Dogs at Helsinki Airport and in Dubai,  and the conversations on preexisting immunity to COVID-19 as well as the promise of T Cell research to help solve COVID mysteries. References: Florida Governor Lifts All Restrictions https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/florida-governor-lifts-all-restaurant-restrictions-bans-mask-fines-as-covid-19-spreads New York State Logs Over 1000 New Cases https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-york-state-logs-over-1-000-new-coronavirus-cases-n1241193 Finland to Deploy COVID-Sniffing Dogs https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/09/22/coronavirus-sniffing-dogs-helsinki-airport-finland/ COVID-19: Do Many People Have Pre-Existing Immunity? https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3563 Celebrate the Opening Celebration of the Autoimmune Community Institute on 10/10. Registration at: https://www.acicommunity.org/opening-celebration --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support

How do you find accurate information about COVID-19 when you have particular questions? In this episode, we speak to Dr. Emily Smith, Epidemiologist and Assistant Professor of Global Health at George Washington University, and Co-Founder of COVID-101.org.  Dr. Smith is an expert in newborn and child health and shares recent findings on motherhood, newborns, and COVID safety. Dr. Smith also shares information about her website, COVID-101.org and the community of dozens of healthcare experts and researchers who are available to answer your questions and concerns about COVID-19. Learn more at www.covid-101.org . Dr. Smith is also on Twitter @dremilyrsmith ------------------ The Autoimmune Community Institute is a 501c3 organization dedicated to autoimmune health equity in research, advocacy and support. Learn more about our work and how you can help:  www.acicommunity.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/covid19ppc/support