As COVID cases increase, so too must the public’s tolerance for them

covid cases increase

Remember back in March and April when the fear of COVID shut down everything, including elective medical care, gyms and large gatherings? The hope was that we could quickly and “easily” stop COVID in its tracks. But as COVID cases increase and the pandemic drags on, it’s clear this won’t have a quick resolution. Citizens […]

So we’re to believe some mass gatherings are ok during a pandemic?

mass gatherings

Early on in this pandemic, the recommendations from the CDC and state authorities were pretty clear when it came to mass gatherings: don’t have them. In fact, the CDC reiterates this guidance in an update from July 7th, 2020. The highest risk of spread of the coronavirus comes from “large in-person gatherings where it is […]

For better or worse, this is the best time to get cosmetic surgery

best time to get cosmetic surgery

Here we are, emerging from  the acute phase of the coronavirus pandemic, entering the unknown chronic phase. There is much we still don’t know about the virus, including why some become symptomatic but others remain asymptomatic. Even with these unknowns, the world must press on, doing our best to adjust our lives and maintain some […]

What’s not going to happen if there’s a new surge of coronavirus

new surge of coronavirus

Let’s review the initial response to the first wave of coronavirus by hospitals, city and state governments. Hospitals cancelled elective cases. Cities and states ordered a shelter in place order, shut down restaurants and closed parks and beaches.   These techniques were able to mitigate some of the worst predictions. 100,000 deaths instead of 2 […]

No more waiting in doctor’s offices!

no more waiting in doctor's offices

When we consider black swan events, which I’ve discussed here before, they’re often looked at in a negative connotation. And rightly so. But in an effort to find a silver lining to this pandemic, we should consider the pandemic as a black swan event, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a dramatic improvement in society. There […]

America has to reopen for business… but not at the same time

reopen for business

This post may ultimately sound self serving because I’m recommending something that benefits my city and my business. But it doesn’t make these recommendations any less appropriate. San Francisco is ready to reopen for business at the end of the current shelter-in-place order (beginning of May). And that includes allowing a vast majority of businesses […]

Why COVID-19 deaths are lower in San Francisco (so far)

COVID-19 deaths are lower in San Francisco

Many theories abound as to why COVID-19 deaths are lower in San Francisco. This article in USA Today reviews several of them. But before reviewing the possible reasons, we should also be clear that it’s not time to celebrate just yet. The city, state and nation are still in the throes of this pandemic. However, […]

Changes in a post COVID-19 society that are here to stay

post covid-19

Like everyone, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about COVID-19. What I’m realizing is that the changes in social etiquette and the rise of alternative business models and communication are here to stay, post COVID-19. For example, telemedicine, previously an “option” in healthcare, will finally have its day in the sun. Here’s a list of […]

Why you probably don’t need a COVID-19 test (anymore)

covid-19 test

I’ve been saying this for about a week, and so is Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Not everyone needs a COVID-19 test. In this overview I wrote over a week ago, I said that it would be nice if everyone could get a test but supplies weren’t readily […]

Coronavirus overview by Dr. Jonathan Kaplan

new surge of coronavirus

Wash your hands, wipe down surfaces, don’t touch your face and practice social distancing. If nothing else, that’s what you should take away from this coronavirus overview. But keep reading to learn important details about this epidemic. Such as, how we can make it end with less collateral damage? How does it compare to a […]