This is a case update. The US is experiencing a third peak in cases. This is likely being driven by cold weather, driving people indoors where the virus spreads more easily. The 3rd peak is already almost 2x as high as the 2nd peak in July and August, and it’s still going up fast. Some states are experiencing record hospitalizations.

California has been trending up for the last several weeks, and San Diego is trending up this week for the second week since the 3rd wave began.

I been seeing new ads in California, talking about benefits of mask wearing. The ads have several shots of people wearing masks in small groups outdoors. As you know, I am a big fan of masks in indoors environments, and wear a mask a lot when at work in a lab or when traveling. However, wearing a mask outdoors is almost always unnecessary unless you are in a large group of people. I’m am not saying that you should ignore local guidance if they require mask wearing outdoors! I am saying, however, that as far as getting infected is concerned, you don’t need to wear a mask while you’re jogging, hiking, or riding a bike.

Don’t fear, but be smart,
Erik