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EPA awards $992,464 to Colorado State University for research to protect public health during wildfires

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March 8, 2022

DENVER – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $992,464 in research grant funding to Colorado State University to improve communication of air quality information and smoke exposure risks during wildfire events.

“In the wake of the Marshall Fire, Coloradans understand far too well that climate change has put our communities at increased risk of wildfire,” said EPA Region 8 Administrator KC Becker. “This funding to CSU will improve communication with people about air pollution during wildfire events so that they can better protect their health.”

“As wildfires become more frequent and severe, we must improve how we communicate the risks of smoke exposure to impacted communities,” said Maureen Gwinn, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This new EPA funded research will help develop strategies to prevent and reduce the health impacts of smoke from wildfires.”

Wildland fire (wildfires and prescribed fires) smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, which are produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. Outside or indoors, exposure to these microscopic particles can cause burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses, such as bronchitis. Additionally, fine particles can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases, and they are linked to premature deaths in people with these health conditions. Wildland fire smoke also contains air toxics, which can cause cancer and other serious health effects.

The Colorado State University research team will build partnerships with communities within Colorado to expand air quality monitoring coverage and improve communication with impacted communities about smoke exposure. As part of this work, the team will build real-time, high-resolution maps that will helps users understand changes in air pollution and make decisions to minimize smoke exposures.

This grant is one of twelve research projects receiving EPA STAR grant funding to address interventions and communication strategies to reduce exposure and the associated health risks from wildland fire smoke.

For more information about these grants, visit: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/interventions-and-communication-strategies-reduce-health-risks-wildland-fire-0

Background on EPA’s STAR Program

The goal of EPA’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program is to stimulate and support scientific and engineering research that advances EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. It is a competitive, peer reviewed, extramural research grant program that provides access to the nation’s best scientists and engineers in academic and other nonprofit research institutions. STAR funds research on the environmental and public health effects of air quality, climate change, environmental justice, water quality and quantity, hazardous waste, toxic substances, and pesticides.

For more information about EPA research grants, visit: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants

Learn more about EPA’s Region 8. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.

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Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

Fizzy drinks and tap water give false positives on lateral tests

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As the government plans to scrap free lateral flow tests from April 1, except for over 75s and people with weakened immune system, it might still interest you to know that people have discovered dubious ways to get false positives using LFTs.

Dubious Ingenuity?

Dr Karan Rangarajan, a doctor with the NHS who also creates content on TikTok, said fizzy drinks, fruit juice and tap water are giving false positive lateral flow antigen test results. Known as Dr Rajan on TikTok, the medic took to the platform to explain what this happens.

In a video that has received more than six and a half million views, he could be seen dropping water on the LFT and soon after, revealing a positive result. Dr Rajan, known for busting health myths on the platform, explained in the now-viral video:

First we need to look inside the lateral flow device. This grey box and the portion just above it contain antibodies that are sensitive to the Covid-19 virus. If you use things like soda, tap water and fizzy drinks, that’s going to provide an altered pH, which will affect the function of the antibodies on the test line.

Read more:

⋙ Woman fakes COVID positive test result to escape ‘worst date’

⋙ COVID: Why low temperatures may invalidate test results

⋙ COVID: Will Brits have to pay for lateral flow tests soon?

Feeding into conspiracy theories

He added that if people do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the test kit, they might get inaccurate results. Dr Rajan continued:

That is why you need to use this buffer solution (consisting of 99.7 percent saline solution) which provides a stable pH that will actually make the test work.

Conspiracy theorists have used these findings to argue that the pandemic is a hoax or that there are fewer cases than being reported.

In 2021, the BBC also reported that some school children were using this method to arrive at false positives in order to get out of school.

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Summer Circus Camp Returning To Mt Airy In June

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MT. AIRY, PHILADELPHIA — Calling all clowns, wire walkers, aerialists, and jugglers: Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is bringing back its Summer Circus Camp.

The 2022 camp will run Monday through Friday from June 20 to Aug. 26 and has options for kids ages 4 to 5, 6 to 7, 8 to 12, and 13 to 18. Participants will be divided into groups based on age and experience.

Prior experience is not necessary for participants.

Campers will walk the wire, take to the air and juggle their creativity from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Philadelphia School of Circus Arts’ circus campus, 6452 Greene St.

Costs are $450 for full day camps over a one-week session.

Extended camp, which will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., costs an additional $150 per week and is not available for kids 4 to 5 years old.

Registration can be done online here, by emailing [email protected], or calling 215-849-1991.

A $100 deposit per camp session enrollment is due when upon registration. The remaining balance is due on or before May 1. Enroll a sibling and get $25 off the total camp enrollment. Enroll in multiple sessions and get $25 off the total camp enrollment. Pre-registration and a deposit is required for all camp programs.

Trained professionals will lead lessons and activities on real circus equipment used by professional artists.

Campers learn trapeze, aerial rope, silks, feather-balancing, scarf-juggling, plate spinning, tightwire, rolling globe and acrobatics.

Campers will also create new friendships, become more receptive to new ideas, build self-esteem, learn team-work, and experience tons of circus fun.

“Summer is the perfect time to challenge your children with the right balance of creativity, skill building and connecting with new friends,” said Executive Director Kitsie O’Neill. “Summer Circus Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience that incorporates elements of play, mental concentration, trust, and of literally turning yourself upside-down. Participants will create new friendships, learn new skills, become more receptive to new ideas, build self-esteem, learn team-work, and simply experience pure fun!”

PSCA has a Health and Safety Plan that follows CDC and Philadelphia Department of Public Health guidelines for social distancing, face coverings, hand washing and disinfecting.

“Circus Camp is a unique and fun option for families looking to try something new and to unlock new talents to show off at the next family gathering,” added O’Neill.

Circus Summer Camp will take place at Circus Campus, the home of Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, Circadium School of Contemporary Circus and Airplay Entertainment, plus the home of other circus and physical theater artists and organizations.

Camp will take place inside and outside around the 30,000+ square foot home in the former St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Mt. Airy with some classes in the 40-foot-high

Below is what to expect at camp:

A typical Tots/Junior camp day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Camp starts with a warm-up activity and then campers spend the morning working on different circus disciplines: acrobatics, aerials, juggling and balance – with plenty of snack, water and mask breaks outside. After lunch they will rest and recharge, do some arts and crafts and play fun circus games. Each camp session culminates in a performance for campers’ families!

A typical Youth/Teen camp day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Camp starts with a warm-up activity and then campers spend the morning working on different circus disciplines: 30 mins each of acrobatics, aerials, juggling and balance. After lunch there are specialty workshops (clown, hula hoop, theatre and more!) and a chance to hone their skills during a supervised open practice time. Camp ends with a fun and active group game. Each camp session culminates in a performance for campers’ families!

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Riverton drinking water gets bad rap, again

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Southland District Councillor Karyn Owen says there have been complaints about the taste of the town’s drinking water.

Kavinda Herath/Stuff

Southland District Councillor Karyn Owen says there have been complaints about the taste of the town’s drinking water.

Complaints have trickled into the Southland District Council about the taste of Riverton’s drinking water, but residents say it’s nothing new.

Councillor Karyn Owen raised the issue at a council committee meeting this week, saying there had been “quite a few complaints” about the taste of the town’s water, which is sourced from the Aparima River and treated.

The council subsequently posted on its website that it had received reports of taste and odour issues in the Riverton drinking water.

The council’s water asset manager Bill Witham said an “intermittent earthy taste” in the water was caused by very low river levels and warm temperatures.

READ MORE:
* Councillor uses annual leave to attend meetings
* Paihia water smells like dirt say residents
* Woodville residents are frustrated over ‘vile’ water

When asked how many complaints had been made, he said “three service requests” from the public had been received regarding the issue in February and March, and another two service requests this year turned out to be minor private issues.

The water was still safe to drink, Witham said.

“The issue has been caused by a period of very low rainfall which is forecast to return to normal next month.”

Council staff were investigating options should the dry conditions continue now and in future years.

Mayor Gary Tong poured himself a glass of water from the tap and said he didn’t find anything wrong with it.

However, Aparima Restaurant and Bar owner Hannah Bickley said she recently spent $400 on a new water filter because the taste was “earthy” and “metallicy”.

“You can’t let your customers have crap water.”

The Riverton water had “always been horrible”, she said.

“What can you do about it … maybe the council can subsidise some water for us.”

Riverton’s Crib Cafe owner Cazna Gilder said its water was not affected by the current situation because “years ago” they installed an expensive high grade water filtration system.

The latest issue with the taste of the Riverton water was not new, she said.

“And it’s worse now because we have a drought.”

She paid “expensive water rates” as well as spending money on filters.

The town’s drinking water came from the Aparima River prior to 2013, but when complaints were made about its taste at that time, the town changed to bore water.

In 2019 complaints were made about the bore water, with reports of discolouration and lime scale in it, while some residents believed the calcium in the water was adversely affecting their hot water jugs and cylinders. The council assured them there were no health issues.

Soon after, the town’s drinking water was again sourced from the Aparima River.

Both Tong and Owen encouraged the public to inform the council if they had concerns with the water, so the council could address it.


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Dyson’s Newest Vacuum Uses Lasers–And Other High Tech Touches–To Create The Ultimate Healthy Home

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By now, everyone is familiar with Dyson’s innovative product line of vacuums, fans, hairdryers and lamps. But the team at Dyson have been continuing to improve on their first product: the vacuum. With an emphasis on creating a healthier home, Dyson’s newest vacuum is the cord-free, Dyson V15 Detect. This new machine is engineered to detect hidden dust as small as 10 microns. This technology finally answers the question of why your floor looks clean, but your socks are surprisingly dusty.

Dyson’s newest vacuum uses lasers to find hidden dirt

Dyson

Everyone is spending more time at home, many with new pets, and creating a healthy and hygienic environment is more important than ever. With that in mind, the skilled engineers at Dyson developed a technology that enables users to measure the dust it detects and then displays it on an LCD screen for a real time proof of a deep clean. For those who want the high-tech version—the Dyson V15 Detect uses an acoustic piezo sensor integrated into the vacuum. Carbon fiber filaments in the cleaner head pick up microscopic particles, which are sized and counted up to 15,000 times a second; their vibrations are converted into electrical signals. Just how dusty is your floor? It may be too much information, but the dust size and quantity are shown on the in-built LCD screen, so you can see just how much dust has been sucked up.

Dyson makes hard-to-reach places easy-to-reach

Dyson

Don’t worry if your floor is having a really bad day. The vacuum has been designed to automatically increase suction power when it comes across a large amount of dust. When dust levels normalize, suction power is reduced to its previous level. And this vacuum is equipped with a Dyson Hyperdymium motor, which generates up to 230 air watts of suction and 5-stage filtration captures 99.99% of dust particles down to 0.3 microns for an incredibly powerful cleaning experience. The Dyson v15 has a few other notable enhancements. It may not be fun to discuss, but hair getting stuck in a vacuum’s roller is a major annoyance. This vacuum’s new anti-tangle technology includes an anti-tangle hair screw. It is designed to suck up both human and pet hair and prevents the wrapping of hair around the brush bar. If you are tackling a major mess, you can use the quirky, anti-tangle conical brush bar that spirals hair off and into the bin. And this cordless device has a 60 minute charge, more than enough time to tackle most homes.

Dyson tackles pet hair with ease

Dyson

This vacuum does an excellent job of removing dust and other debris and its multiple attachments are designed for floors, carpets, hard to reach places and even your dog’s bed. This high-tech vacuum does a terrific job of keeping your home clean and the whole machine sealing design means nothing leaks back out.

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How to Improve Air Quality at Home: 8 Tips to Try

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You might often come across news stories about air pollution and its impacts on public health. But how frequently do you think about the quality of the air indoors?

While outdoor air pollution certainly poses a concern, it might be easy to forget that the quality of the air you breathe at home may be just as important.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), levels of air pollutants indoors may not only be up to 100 times higher than outdoor air pollutants, they could also have a greater effect on your health.

The health impacts of indoor air pollution depend on the type of pollutant present in your air, but they can include:

People with respiratory or heart conditions, as well as young children and older adults, may also have a greater risk of developing some health concerns connected to low indoor air quality.

Unexplained respiratory symptoms could offer a clue that it may be time to check the air quality in your living space. But other times, even pollutants with the potential to cause harm go completely undetected for years.

Taking steps to boost your indoor air quality can help you lower your risk of developing health conditions and may even improve your quality of life. We’ve got eight tips to get you started.

An important way to keep your indoor air clean involves learning about common sources of pollution and avoiding adding pollutants when you can.

Some common pollutants include:

Radon

Radon, a natural radioactive gas, can seep up through cracks in the earth and build up in your home, leading to health problems including lung cancer.

Home test kits offer a simple way to check for unsafe levels of radon in your home. If testing reveals high levels of radon in your air, you can typically reduce radon by sealing the foundation of your home so that the gas can’t leak into your living space.

Learn more about radon and how to handle it.

Secondhand smoke

Secondhand smoke refers to exhaled cigarette smoke. Anyone exposed may have a higher risk of developing health concerns, including certain types of cancer. Thirdhand smoke, found on surfaces like clothes or furniture that absorb it, also poses a health risk.

The best way to keep second and thirdhand smoke out of your living space is to avoid smoking indoors. If possible, it could also be a good idea to minimize the habit, since the thirdhand smoke on your clothes may still affect your living space and air quality.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a common volatile organic compound, or VOC — one of many harmful gasses sometimes emitted by common household items.

Commonly found in glues used in composite wood and many types of furniture, formaldehyde can seep into your indoor air. Too much exposure can cause respiratory issues, including bronchitis.

You can reduce formaldehyde’s effects on air quality by:

  • opting for used furniture instead of new — furniture tends to release lower amounts of formaldehyde over time
  • choosing solid wood furniture over composite wood

Cleaning products

Certain cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that may linger in your air, including:

  • glass cleaners
  • air fresheners
  • bleach
  • cleaning sprays

Choosing safer, nontoxic cleaning products can help you keep your home clean, without the excess pollutants contained in some standard cleaning products.

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home but aren’t sure what changes could help the most, a good place to start involves testing your air quality.

You can either choose the DIY route or call in a pro.

The method you choose can depend on your needs. Doing it yourself is often less expensive, but working with a professional will likely yield more extensive results and personalized info.

DIY air quality testing

You can find a variety of air quality test kits online. Some kits allow you to check for multiple pollutants, while others test for just one, like radon.

Because many at-home test kits aren’t comprehensive, it might make more sense to do at-home testing if you’re only interested in checking for one or two particular pollutants. If you want a full panel of results, working with a pro may actually be more efficient in the long run.

Comprehensive at-home tests generally cost up to $200, but you may need to spend more when checking for more pollutants.

Professional air quality testing

Hiring a professional will likely cost more than using a test kit, but many professionals offer additional services to help you manage any sources of pollution found during the test. For example, pros who offer air quality testing may also specialize in mold prevention and removal.

You’ll commonly find a host of allergens and irritants in many indoor spaces, including:

Keeping these allergens at bay will usually improve overall air quality in your home, not to mention reduce your chances of experiencing respiratory symptoms, including

  • runny nose
  • watery eyes
  • sore throat
  • sneezing
  • skin rashes
  • itching

Managing allergens in your house requires both prevention and upkeep.

Preventative strategies for controlling allergens include:

  • brushing and bathing your pet regularly
  • washing bedding in hot water twice per month to eliminate dust mites
  • choosing hypoallergenic pillows and impermeable mattresses to keep dust mites out

You can also remove allergens from indoor air by:

  • vacuuming and dusting to keep pet dander, dust, and dust mites from accumulating
  • washing mold off nonpermeable surfaces, like tiles and metal, using a bleach or soap solution
  • removing and replacing carpet, wood, or drywall where mold is growing

Bringing an air purifier into your home is one effective way to keep your air cleaner. You may want to opt for an air purifier with a high efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter, since these tend to do the best job of removing harmful particles from the air.

HEPA filters may remove more than 99 percent of harmful particles from your air, in fact.

Air purifiers can’t remove all types of pollution, so you may want to consider an air filter if you want to reduce:

  • VOCs
  • smoke
  • mold spores
  • excess carbon dioxide
  • allergens like pet dander

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can even help remove flu virus particles from your air.

Searching for an air filter but don’t know where to start? Check out our list of the best HEPA air purifiers.

Keeping the air flowing in your home offers a simple (and potentially cost-free) way to improve your air quality. Opening windows and doors to let some outside air flow through is one way to do this — as long as the outdoor air is clean or low in pollen.

But air enters your house through vents as well as weak spots like tiny spaces around doors. While there’s not as much you can do about the air that enters through these openings, it might help to make sure that the air channeling into your living space via vents isn’t contributing to the problem.

This means:

  • regularly changing out any filters in your home heating and cooling systems
  • making sure any air ducts in your home are clean and unobstructed, since dust can build up over time
  • checking the filters in appliances that bring air into your home and changing them according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Dampness in indoor spaces can lead to many health hazards, including mold growth. Dampness and high humidity may also cause VOCs to leach into your air.

Damp indoor environments can result from a variety of factors, including:

  • humid climates
  • leaky pipes or roofs
  • areas with pooling water
  • low ventilation in areas with a lot of steam, like bathrooms and kitchens

Damp conditions can lead to many respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks.

You can reduce dampness in your living area by:

  • using a dehumidifier
  • turning on a fan or opening a window when you shower or cook
  • finding and eliminating areas of pooling water or moisture in your home

Some heating systems can also have a big impact on air quality.

Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can release high amounts of harmful particles into your indoor air that may increase your risk of developing long-term health conditions like lung cancer.

Other potentially higher-risk heating options include heating systems with older furnaces and gas-fueled heating appliances.

Gas-powered heating systems have the potential to release more carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can cause suffocation and death, into your air. Some experts recommend using direct vent gas appliances, which keep the gas from mingling with your indoor air.

Solar and electric heating options could keep your indoor air much cleaner than other heating systems. If you have the option, these are usually your best bets for cleaner air.

People commonly recommend using house plants to help cleanse the air in your home.

Research on this remains contradictory, though.

A 2017 research review found house plants could help reduce specific indoor air pollutants, including VOCs and fine particles, but the results of many of the studies differed when it came to how much of an impact indoor plants really have.

What’s more, the results of a 2019 review suggest the ventilation already present in most buildings does far more to remove VOCs from the air than indoor plants.

Indoor plants might even contribute to more problems than they solve if they become a source of mold or trigger your allergies.

Another factor to consider is the type of plant. When it comes to removing pollutants, not all plants are equal.

Plants recognized as more effective at keeping indoor air clean include:

  • Dracaena, a popular genus of houseplant that often has sword-shaped leaves that come in many colors
  • Spathiphyllum, also known as peace lily
  • Hedera helix, or common ivy

Of course, indoor plants can still offer plenty of benefits.

A variety of factors can impact the air quality in your living space, and they can contribute to a range of short- and long-term health effects.

Testing your indoor air quality can bring some peace of mind if you’re worried about indoor air pollution. From there, taking steps to prevent and reduce specific problem pollutants can help you maximize the quality of the air in your home and minimize any associated health risks.

Courtney Telloian is a writer with work published on Healthline, Psych Central, and Insider. Previously, she worked on Psych Central and GoodTherapy’s editorial teams. Her areas of interest include holistic approaches to health, especially women’s wellness, and topics centered around mental health.

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Corpus Christi – Nueces County Report One COVID-19 Related Death

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CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi – Nueces County Public Health District received notification of one COVID-19 related death. The patient was a male in his 60’s. Comorbidities included  hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Further information is not being released for privacy and confidentiality reasons.

All Nueces County residents must make every effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Here are Public Health strategies we should all be following:

● Wear a mask when in public.

● Practice social distancing with everyone outside of your immediate household.

● Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

● Stay home when you are sick.

● Disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and at work.

● Get vaccinated as soon as eligible.

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OTHER VOICES: An awful report card on Iowa’s water quality | Opinion

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Once again, Iowa got its report card for pollution in its rivers and lakes, and the news wasn’t good.

According to a Department of Natural Resources draft report, more than half of Iowa’s rivers and lakes are “impaired,” to use the more clinical word to describe the state of our waterways. “Polluted” would be the more accurate term.

A total of 594 water bodies were impaired and in need of remediation. Of our rivers, 56% were in that category; a full 67% of lakes and reservoirs are.

Another 157 water bodies were deemed impaired but an improvement plan isn’t required, or one has already been completed. Only 48 water bodies were de-listed.

This is an embarrassment, and it doesn’t get the attention it deserves from policymakers. But, why would it? When you’re trying to lure people and industry to the state, you’re not going to tell them your waters are fouled.

It matters, though. We guarantee you that people care.

People are also reading…

For a state that supposedly is trying to boost its competitiveness, this is one area it has overlooked.

To get on the impaired list means that waterways don’t meet water quality standards for their intended use, whether it be recreation, drinking, fishing, etc.

This isn’t a new problem, of course. Every two years, the DNR issues this report and it looks much the same.

Bacteria is the biggest factor cited across the state for streams and rivers, followed by fish kills. Animal waste is a big culprit in this area. And regulation, environmentalists say, is too forgiving.

Algae blooms are a big culprit for lakes and reservoirs.

Fixing this problem is an expensive proposition, too, and Iowans know it. Twelve years ago, more than 60% of voters approved a constitutional amendment to create a trust fund to pay for improvements to water quality and recreation.

At the time, people were told it would mean an increase in the sales tax. But since then, state lawmakers have ignored the voters and failed to act, even as a broad coalition of interests have pushed for them to do so.

The trust fund, and an increase in the sales tax to fund it, remain popular. Two years ago, a Des Moines Register poll said that 57% of Iowans backed the increase, while only 37% opposed.

Yet, lawmakers do next to nothing.

A few years ago, the Legislature devoted some funding to water quality, but all agreed it was wholly insufficient to the task.

Unfortunately, this year’s Legislature made it tougher to fix the problem. The recently approved revamp to the state’s tax system will drain the state of a lot of resources that could have gone to help.

In some parts of the state, people are willing to take this on. Polk County voters approved a bond referendum last year to pay for water quality and recreation projects. And most of Dubuque County voters also cast ballots in favor of a similar effort. (But because 60% approval was required, the referendum failed in Dubuque. Still, you can see voters there care about water quality.)

We think most Iowans care about the state’s rivers and lakes. And we think the next time that people see their state lawmaker they ought to simply ask this: Do you care that more than half of Iowa’s waterways are impaired. Then, follow it up with this: Why aren’t you doing anything about it?

These kinds of report cards shouldn’t be shrugged off. If Iowa’s schoolkids brought these grades home, they’d have to stay after class. Or repeat a grade. We think Iowa legislators should be held to the same standard.

Iowa should fix this problem for no other reason than because the people who live here deserve it. But policymakers also ought to realize if they’re going to truly compete for people and business, for tourism and growth, they must act as well. It is far past time for Iowa to get serious and clean up its rivers and lakes.

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Pandemic lessons can lead to more-prosperous community

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Lessons from the pandemic could help keep other disruptive ailments such as the flu in check if best practices are embraced and implemented broadly. That’s one of the messages of a sweeping report released this week.

Lessons from the pandemic could help keep other disruptive ailments such as the flu in check if best practices are embraced and implemented broadly.

That’s one of the messages of a sweeping report released this week that offers recommendations covering myriad environments and disciplines, ranging from schools and transportation to data systems and worker safety.

The goal of “Getting to and Sustaining the Next Normal: A Roadmap to Living with COVID,” according to one of the report’s authors, is to provide informed prevention strategies free from the speed and pressured intensity of responses that an evolving pandemic demanded.

“Basically what this framework is — it kind of takes the guesswork out of the response,” said Jelena Srebric, a professor of mechanical engineering for the University of Maryland.

Srebric was among the report’s team of 53 authors and contributors, who included advisers to the Biden administration on COVID-19 policies as well as former officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Jelena Srebric. (Courtesy University of Maryland)

The report offers guidance for when it will be safe to return to pre-pandemic routines and details what needs to be done to reduce risks for potential biosecurity threats.

Among the recommendations is that society shift its focus from COVID-19 to major respiratory viral illness such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu.

“In this country, on a bad year we lose 60,000 people to influenza. This is a known factor,” Srebric said. “Even beyond the deaths, you have a loss of productivity, you have children out of school, parents out for sick children, and teachers sick all the time throughout the flu season.”

Best practices related to preventing COVID-19 spread can translate elsewhere.

“You will have a lighter flu season, you will have less rhinovirus, you will have less RSV, it would make life better than pre-pandemic, if we really implement all of this,” she said.

What can the average person do? Vote.

“Vote for candidates and local school boards that care about indoor air quality for yourself, your company, your children,” Srebric said. “That will make your life better, make your community more resilient in the future. Because, again, influenza, RSV, COVID are basically exploiting an existing weakness in the system.”

Srebric said elected representatives who are willing to embrace the report’s recommendations and work to fund changes will help create more-resilient and more-prosperous communities.

March 10, 2022 | Jelena Srebric talks about how issues related to indoor air quality and the flu helped jumpstart findings related to COVID-19 (Kristi King)

Noting that underprivileged communities took the brunt of the pandemic, Srebric said America has some soul searching to do — “soul searching and financial responses to the needs of those communities in order to project environmental justice within our society,” she said.

“All of this is solvable right now based on our understanding,” Srebric said.

“There is need for some political will that I can say clearly it exists now. And then there is financial need to dedicate resources and also put them where they are most needed, because the virus exploits the weakest link in the chain.”

More Coronavirus News

Looking for more information? D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C.

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Town had to adapt to changing circumstances in past two years

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AGAWAM – The doors started closing almost immediately after Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on March 10, 2020.

Town buildings closed to the public but workers had to find a way to keep essential services going, Mayor William Sapelli recalled last week.

“The Town Hall was closed for a minimal time,” said Sapelli. After only one week, many of the municipal offices in the Main Street building reopened for staff, although visitors were only able to enter by appointment.

“We took precautions with shields, social distancing,” and so on, Sapelli said.

Other town buildings, such as the Senior Center and library, remained closed for a longer period of time.

“They closed for a few months,” said Sapelli, although the staff reported to work. As the Senior Center serves an older, “more vulnerable” population, Sapelli said the closing period was taken as a safety measure.

Despite temporary closures, Sapelli said town workers tried to keep things as “normal” as possible. This included regular trash pick-ups, transportation services and more.

“We tried to keep business as usual,” said Sapelli. “Agawam did as good as anyone.”

One factor that helped was an infusion of cash from state and federal agencies. Sapelli said the town has been able to reimburse itself for coronavirus expenses using grant funds, and the local budget has not had to increase.

“The state was kind to give needs for shields,” along with additional resources, he said.

According to Jennifer Bonfiglio, the town’s chief procurement officer, “Agawam has expended $4.7 million on coronavirus-related expenses.” These expenses will be reimbursed through either the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some examples of these expenses include personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing, cleaning and disinfecting, remote learning, first responder staffing, overtime, social distance measures and signage.

The CARES Act created the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, which “included $150 billion for state and local governments allocated on a per capita basis,” said Bonfiglio.

Agawam’s total eligible amount under the CARES Act is $2.5 million. The CARES Act limits the use of these funds to expenses necessary for COVID-19 response betweeen March 1 ,2020, and Dec. 31, 2021.

Agawam also received funds under the FEMA Public Assistance Program, said Bonfiglio, which provides a 75 to 100 percent reimbursement for certain costs. Lastly, the town will receive $8.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The first half of the funding arrived in May 2021, with the second half to come this May.

Bonfiglio said that Agawam has elected to use these funds to invest in infrastructure improvements, including drainage and a water main replacement on Meadow Street, a $3 million project; a North Street culvert, $1.8 million; a North Westfield Street (May Hollow) culvert, $2.2 million; and a South Park Terrace and Lealand Avenue drainage project, $1.4 million.

“Agawam has received an additional $250,000 in ARPA funds through earmarks as a result of amendments to the ARPA bill by the House and Senate. These funds will also be used for future infrastructure improvements,” Bonfiglio said.

Through the ups and downs over the past two years, Sapelli believes a few good things have come from the pandemic, with the first being outdoor dining. When restaurants started to reopen in 2020, they were only allowed to open at 50 percent capacity indoors, resulting in a loss of business. The town allowed them to place tables outdoors to regain full capacity.

Sapelli said he hopes to make outdoor dining a permanent part of the landscape, allowing for even more restaurants to participate, if they choose.

“A lot of accommodations were made to help businesses through the pandemic,” said Sapelli.

The pandemic also necessitated a change in how congregate meals were handled at the Senior Center. What had been a dine-in operation converted to drive-through pickups, which proved popular with some seniors. Sapelli said the town has continued to offer meal pick-ups for seniors who prefer to dine at home.

Sapelli said the teachers and administration pulled together to get back to in-person learning, much sooner than most schools.

“Hats off to the educators and parents for being cooperative,” said Sapelli.

He commended the town’s schools, Police Department, Fire Department and Health Department for their roles in distributing vaccines, as well.

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Originally Appeared Here