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A New York State of Mind

Transmission and Management of COVID-19

By Samantha N. Jewell, Julian A. Brix

A New York State of Mind


 

Abstract

This directed case study is set during the height of the COVID-19 (SARS CoV-2) pandemic. The storyline follows “Alex” as he tries to understand how he contracted the disease. In order to understand viral transmission from surfaces, students are provided graphs showing the viability of COVID-19 versus SARS-CoV-1 on copper, cardboard, stainless steel, and plastic. Students are then provided a graph of COVID-19 case counts for New York and California along with each Governor’s pandemic response timeline from March through November 2020. By correlating epidemiological data with advised precautions, students explore the efficacy of government guidelines and safety measures to control the spread of COVID-19. This case was written for an upper-division microbiology course, but would work well in a public health or epidemiology course, or any undergraduate class requiring data analysis. The case could also be expanded to discuss social issues that may have contributed to the spread of COVID-19 during this time frame or to support the development of an epidemiological response plan.

   

Date Posted

04/04/2022

Overview

Objectives

  • Identify potential sources for COVID-19 exposure described in the narrative.
  • Analyze viral titer data to determine how long viral particles for COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-1 persist on surfaces.
  • Correlate COVID-19 case counts reported with state regulations in California and New York.
  • Understand how social distancing, personal protective equipment, and phased closures of high-contact public areas reduce the severity of a pandemic.

Keywords

SARS-CoV-2; SARS-CoV1; COVID-19; data analysis; virology; epidemiology; public health; microbiology; virology;

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Epidemiology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Public Health

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Clinical education

  

FORMAT

PDF, PPTX

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Policy issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed

 

 

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