Inside ICI ICI Puts Attendee Safety First at WCIC


by Joseph E. Fritz, Executive Director


whether we would have to adapt to a new norm, abandoning the freedoms that we had in the past. The freedom that we miss the most at the ICI is the ability to meet with our Members without safety concerns. The fact is, the day that we can meet


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without such concerns is a long way off, and we recognize this. As a result, the ICI is working in concert with the Disn- eyland Hotel, the venue for the World Conference on Investment Casting and Equipment Show, to put all appropriate safeguards in place to ensure attendee safety, health and comfort. Working through this process has been an experi- ence, one which I believe each of us can derive benefit.


Masks


Masks are the most visible outward sign that we are in a pandemic, as well as being the most practical way to prevent the spread of the disease. We have all heard that masks meeting the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 classification of air filtration have been identified as being most effective against the spread of COVID-19.


In response to high demand for and


relatively short supply of N95 masks and the emergence of variant strains of the virus, the CDC has published that “one mask is better than none, two masks are better than one”.


Dr. Anthony Fauci,


Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has explained that though there is truth to this statement, unless worn properly, double masking can actually increase the risk of exposure.


Whether wearing one mask or two, masks must be properly affixed to


6 ❘ March 2021 ®


Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a lot of discussion related to returning to normal and


the nose, be worn below the chin and fit tightly against the sides of the face to be effective. Dr. Fauci recommends that if you choose to double mask, then wear a thin surgical mask under a form fitting cloth mask that closes all openings around the mouth and nose. Regardless of how many masks you wear, it is important to recognize that they typically have a maximum useful life of eight hours.


Safe Distancing


In addition to the proper use of facial covering(s), practicing safe distancing is critical to prevent the spread of the disease. The CDC has recommended a minimum of six feet distancing under normal circumstances. This distance should be increased or decreased based on ventilation and circumstance. For example, aircraft circulate air


from the overhead with a downward flow, allowing masked passengers to sit closer than the six foot guideline with lower risk than chatting with someone in a room with dormant air at a six foot distance. Conversely, when participating in activities resulting in heavy breathing, such as running on a treadmill at the gym, particles spread further, and accordingly, a greater distance should be maintained from others when exercising.


At a recent webinar entitled


Pandemic Compliance & Safety at Live Events, panelist Dr. Mac McCullough of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Arizona State University College of Health Solutions offered practical advice on safe distancing. He commented that “If you would feel uncomfortable breaking wind, then you are too close.”


Dr.


McCullough could not overstress the importance of being aware of your surroundings, the proximity of


others around you and environmental conditions. Dr. McCullough also stressed the importance of being aware of the virtual load of your environment.


Virtual


load is the presence and number of individuals in a setting whose behavior is not in compliance with CDC recommendations. When safe behavior is not practiced by an individual of high social position, it is quite easy for that individual to be a social spreader.


this reason, Dr. McCullough highly recommends that a code of conduct be established and communicated to all live event attendees.


Sanitization Though experts believe that the main cause of virus transmission is person to person, it is possible to transmit the disease by touch.


When an infected


individual coughs or sneezes, droplets or tiny particles called aerosols that carry the virus can be deposited on surfaces. The viruses can live on surfaces like plastic or stainless steel for two to three days. To prevent transmission by touch, surfaces should be sanitized at regular intervals.


For


Additionally, it is important


that the practice of washing hands regularly and the use of hand sanitizer is employed to prevent self-contamination. Above all, when in public places between hand washings or sanitizations, do not touch your nose or mouth, and avoid touching your mask.


Screening Physical screening of attendees at public events is permissible, but the results of testing must be held in confidence due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). This applies to any events where screening, whether it involves the use


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