The COVID Prevention Triad

3 elements work together to slow spread: detection, dilution and distance

Preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is vital. It is the three elements, detection, dilution and distance, that together decrease the odds of spread. All three to be COVID free. Missing any possible countermeasure makes spreading more likely. This conceptualization of limiting spread was devised for film and television sets, but holds for any workplace, school or anywhere people gather or spend time together.

It is a trifecta working together, like three legs of a stool. This triad is needed, together, to minimize the hazard:

1. Detection: PCR tests, temperature checks, symptom and exposure screenings might detect the virus and allow its removal by quarantine and isolation, and then further enable reduction of spread by contact tracing.
2. Dilution: masks, ventilation, sanitation and vaccination may dilute or reduce the number of virus particles present.
3. Distance: both physical distance in general and isolation/quarantine when exposure is suspected, may avoid exposure.

All three together form a triad; like the legs of a stool supporting one goal, together they may minimize (but do not eliminate) the risk. Each leg of the triad makes infection less likely, and together all three legs amplify the impact of the others.

If people rely on only one leg primarily, for instance testing only, the result can be people sickened or worse. Omitting focus on any part or parts of the triad will not go well.

David August is also an award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer. He holds a certificate as a COVID Compliance Officer from Health Education Services for Music Video, Commercial, Television and Film Production Sets, holds a Level A COVID-19 Certificate from Safe Sets International and holds a Barbicide COVID-19 Certificate for the Professional Beauty Industry.

© Copyright February 14, 2021, David August, all rights reserved davidaugust.com