In this special episode, Dr. Lena and Dr. Dean talk about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. We discuss new research that listeners may have seen in the news that suggests easier and more widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2, possible easing of social distancing restrictions in communities, racial disparities resulting in more severe disease in minorities, the roll-out of antibody testing, alternatives to disinfectant wipes, and why children <2 years of age should not wear a mask. And what about transmission from cats or other pets? We also welcome guest pediatrician Dr. Ellen McCleery to talk about strategies with children being at home all the time including how to talk to kids about coronavirus, managing their anxieties and practicing positive parenting. And where does meditation fit in? We discuss this too.
Note that the information provided was accurate at the time this episode was recorded, but that this is a rapidly changing situation.
This episode written by Drs. Ellen McCleery, Lena van der List and Dean Blumberg.
We thank Dr. Ellen McCleery from UC Davis Children's Hospital for joining us for this episode.
Supplemental information:

* Ellen McCleery Stress and Coronavirus

* Ellen McCleery Social Distance Learning and Activities

* EPA-registered household disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2

* EM Pulse episode with Drs. Julia Magaña and Sarah Medeiros, Pediatric Emergency Medicine doctors at UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine MEDITATION IN A PANDEMIC – 2 with Dr.Wendy Lau

* Zhen-Dong Guo et al Emerging Infectious Diseases Aerosol and Surface Distribution of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Hospital Wards, Wuhan, China, 2020

* Steven Sanche et al Emerging Infectious Diseases High Contagiousness and Rapid Spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

* UC Davis Children’s Hospital Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for parents

Photo from the Karolinska Institutet