Scottsdale Rotarians hold coronavirus information session

Dr. Bob England former director of public health at Maricopa County Health Department and former director of Pima County Health Department was the recent keynote speaker at the Rotary Club of Scottsdale’s weekly Zoom meeting.

When introducing Dr. England, Club President Don Loose noted that Dr. England retiree is still supporting Pima County Health Department during its current leadership transition.

Dr. England has served in numerous roles at the Arizona Department of Health Services, including medical epidemiologist for HIV and STD services, chief medical officer for the Bureau of Epidemiology and Disease Control, TB control officer, and state epidemiologist. He previously spent several years as a local health director in Connecticut.

Dr. England has worked in public health for his entire career, including stints in large (Maricopa County), medium (Pima County) and small (Milford, CT) local health departments. Along the way he also worked part-time as the medical director for a migrant/community health center.

Dr. England shared many lessons learned during the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak, including: lack of testing; unknown actual mortality rates; lack of available post-antibody testing study data; fast decisions made without reliable data and expert input; unknown economy impacts and impacts to the health providers, businesses and people; prevention --- masks, washing hands, social distancing, curfews, closures, no visitations, etc., mental health impacts, and more.

Per Dr. England, medical and government officials realized early on that no matter what decisions were made, people were going to die and it would be impossible to balance the enormous economy and health damages.

Dr. England stated, area hospitals have seen dramatic increase in admissions over the past few weeks, especially in Pima County. He discussed the coronavirus individual timeline from incubation, getting sicker, then better, then sicker, testing, procurement of lab results (in his own case nine days) and investigation time can take anywhere from two to three weeks.

Therefore, any reported COVID-19 counts lag weeks behind reality.

When asked to describe those most vulnerable to COVID-19, Dr. England stated the virus can seriously affect those with: heart, lung, and major organ diseases; unmanaged diabetes, hypertension and obesity; residents in long term care facilities; mass transit travelers; and those aged 65 years and older.

Additionally, social economic status and access to healthcare and basic hygiene options can increase vulnerability. Anyone at risk is open to getting infected more often, especially with those with poor hygiene.

Dr. England responded to questions from the Rotarians related to COVID-19 resurgence during flu season and respective preparedness for the next flu season.

In closing, Dr. England’s best advise was: anyone over 50 and at risk should limit his/her opportunities to attract and transmit COVID-19. The fact is more transmissions are going on now than in March. The time and level/closeness of exposure to COVID-19 can significantly be impacted by a sneeze, a cough and even one on one talking. These exposures can expel a loading dose of over 1,000 virus particles/droplets especially indoors.

For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale – see www.scottsdalerotary.org.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Honora Norton is a member of the Scottsdale Rotary Club, serving as Public Relations Chair.