The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced new guidance regarding COVID-19.

Greene County Family Practice Physician Dr. Thomas Faag explains the CDC’s new findings regarding distances associated with respiratory aerosol particles and COVID-19.

“As you get closer to the person that has a cough, or a sneeze, or somebody that’s yelling, you’re more likely to get a higher dose (of COVID-19 particles). Originally they said six-feet, but now they are concerned that these smaller particles, the more aerosol type particles, will be able to travel a further distance, especially if you are in an enclosed space, or an enclosed room. So your risk of getting the virus goes up. People that are outside and socially distancing six-feet are probably perfectly safe.”

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf reminds everyone to be aware of their surroundings and act appropriately.

“I think that we just have to be aware that six-feet is just a number. If there is an airborne component to it, then that means that the more force that you have like singing, laughing, breathing hard with athletics, playing musical instruments, all of those would provide the opportunity to carry that virus farther past the six-foot range because there’s more force.”

Dr. Faag reminds everyone to wear a mask when you can’t maintain a social distance of at least six-feet, wash hands with warm, soapy water, or use hand sanitizer; clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid touching your face.