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When COVID-19 began to crawl across the United States, Americans watched as it transformed the landscape of their communities: Essential stores became lined with tape marks to enforce physical distancing and social media became awash with videos from comic to institutional on how to wash ones hands. Physical distancing and hand-washing were critical tools to stop the spread of COVID-19. Then on April 3, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recommendation to add one more item: cloth face coverings.

While surgical and N95 masks should be reserved for medical personnel, the CDC advised, individuals in public spaces where physical distancing may be difficult should wear cloth face coverings to inhibit the spread of the virus. Within weeks, cities issued facial covering requirements with varying degrees of severity. San Francisco began asking residents to wear them in lines and in stores, but last month, it instituted one of the more stringent mandates, requiring individuals (with a few exceptions) to wear coverings when outside or within 30 feet of people who do not live in their households.

What changed?

Research and interviews with several epidemiologists indicate that more than any specific piece of research on masks, it was the evolving understanding of the virus that made masks newly relevant. And, that understanding is still evolving.

One of the biggest improvements has been our understanding of asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19, Marie Stoner, an epidemiologist at Research Triangle International, a nonprofit research institute based in North Carolina. This finding has been informed by more and more studies that have come out documenting asymptomatic transmissions and asymptomatic people in the community. Stoner pointed to several studies also cited by the CDC for this finding.

In its recommendation for cloth face coverings, the CDC lists seven different studies published between mid-February and May as the basis for its new mask policy. As opposed to research on the effectiveness of cloth coverings, each study focuses on asymptomatic transmission.

The first study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in early March, reported that a German businessman appeared to have contracted COVID-19 from a visiting business colleague who was not showing symptoms when they were in contact before both tested positive for COVID-19. Another study cited by the CDC found that the viral load of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in an asymptomatic patient is similar to those of symptomatic patients, suggest[ing] the transmission potential of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients.

Because we now know that people can transmit the virus without showing symptoms, this impacts how we must respond to prevent transmission, Stoner said. It is important to limit contact and wear masks because you or someone else might be positive for COVID-19 but not yet showing symptoms.

Because the virus is thought to spread primarily through droplets produced when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or speak, masks, in theory, are meant to catch these droplets. There are also questions regarding the potential spread of the virus through smaller, aerosolized particles that would make the virus airborne.

While research shows that asymptomatic carriers can spread COVID-19, on June 8 the head of WHOs emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove cast doubt on how often that occurs. Talking to reporters at a news conference in Geneva, she said that based on current data, asymptomatic spread seems to be rare. UPDATE: On Tuesday Van Kerkhove walked back on that assertion, the NYTimes reported.

As the body of research on asymptomatic spread continues to grow, there is, so far, little systematic study on the effectiveness of cloth coverings in inhibiting COVID-19s spread.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and a Regents Professor at the University of Minnesota, expressed concern about the lack of research regarding cloth face coverings in a special podcast episode produced by the center. Hes not against cloth coverings, but hes waiting for the evidence to catch up to the advice.

Never before in my 45-year career have I seen such a far-reaching public recommendation issued by any governmental agency without a single source of data or information to support it, Osterholm said in response to the CDCs lack of evidence on the effectiveness of cloth masks. This is an extremely worrisome precedent of implementing policies not based on science-based data or why they were issued without such data.

Osterholm criticized the increasing number of poorly conducted and inadequately reviewed studies getting published in rapid succession. Remarking on the evidence that we do have regarding cloth masks, Osterholm found it to be limited and indirect.

Dr. Lee Riley, division head of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology at UC Berkeley, believes that a combination of the low rates of COVID-19 in Asian countries and experiments on the filtering ability of different materials prompted a gradual change in the scientific communitys attitude towards facial coverings.

He surmised that mask recommendations began as the CDC and public health officials observed how quickly the pandemic was controlled in Asian countries where wearing masks is a regular practice.

Citing a video from an applied chemistry professor in Japan who tested the efficacy of three types of masks, Riley described how even a covering made from three paper towels folded into six layers was successful in filtering out 80 percent of particles in the airthough there were no SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the air and this test was not a peer-reviewed experiment. In the video, Dr. Tomoaki Okuda of Keio University measured different materials ability to block airborne particles using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer.

Osterholm cautioned against such reasoning and experiments as stand-ins for hard evidence. In his podcast, he points to widespread testing, extensive contact tracing programs and quarantine measures in Asian countries as important measures that reduced the viruss spread. He also addressed such lab experiments, noting the lack of evidence for smaller aerosolized particles the size of those potentially exhaled by the infected.

He believes masks could play a role in slowing the epidemic but wants to ask additional scientific questions regarding the viruss spread so the public can make informed choices. One of the most important questions, he said, is how infectious the virus is in the air and how time and dose play a role in infection.

My whole challenge has not been about whether you wear a mask or not, Osterholm said in an interview on Monday. Ill throw the kitchen sink at this if it will help. The challenge is, How well do they work? so that the public knows what level of protection theyre getting.

Two of the epidemiologists interviewed for this article cited a new study, published on June 1 as important evidence regarding the effectiveness of masks in preventing person-to-person transmission.

Dr. Derek Chu at McMaster University in Canada along with researchers from universities worldwide conducted the research in the June study on behalf of the international research team, COVID-19 Systematic Urgent Review Group Effort. The study found that face mask use could result in a large reduction in risk of infection.

Again, however, the study does not evaluate the cloth coverings that most people are using. It did, however, combine results of 172 studies from 16 countries and 6 continents to do a meta-analysis, which means it looked at the data to establish trends. The study found that certain types of institutional-grade masks, as well as physical distancing and eye protection, could reduce the risk of infection. Respirators and N95s were found to be most effective, but disposable surgical masks and similar products (such as reusable 1216-layer cotton masks) also seemed to reduce risk.

Its findings supported physical distancing of 1 m or more and advised that Optimum use of face masks, respirators, and eye protection in public and health-care settings should be informed by these findings and contextual factors. It also cautioned that more study is needed: Robust randomized trials are needed to better inform the evidence for these interventions, but this systematic appraisal of currently best available evidence might inform interim guidance.

On June 5, just days after the study was published, WHO updated its guidelines on masks recommending for the first time that face coverings be worn in public when physical distancing is difficult. Those over the age of 60, it now advises, should wear medical masks, while others should wear non-medical masks.

The recommendation for non-medical masks came with a caveat: there is not any high quality or direct scientific evidence to support their use, but the recommendation noted that research on asymptomatic transmission, observational evidence regarding mask use by the general public, individual values and the difficulty of physical distancing led WHO to update its guidelines. Its unclear how WHOs Van Kerkhoves new revelations on asymptomatic transmission will impact these guidelines.

For now, its guidance noted that non-medical masks should only be considered for source control (used by infected persons) in community settings and not for prevention.

In contrast to the CDCs recommendation for cloth masks, WHO recommends a three-layered mask composed of an inner absorbent layer (such as cotton) to retain droplets, an outer layer of hydrophobic material (polypropylene, polyester or their blends) to filter and a middle layer made with cotton or hydrophobic material.

WHO also warns that promoting mask use could result in a false sense of security, leading to potentially lower adherence to other critical preventive measures such as physical distancing and hand hygiene and cites the potential for increased self-contamination as people manipulate the masks. Epidemiologists continue to advise that masks be worn in conjunction with other practices, such as physical distancing and regular hand-washing.

Despite CDC and WHO recommendations, there remain plenty of state public health officials who have yet to require masks.

Facial coverings are currently mandated in some capacity in all but two Bay Area counties, though Solano and Santa Clara counties both strongly recommend their use. The term face covering is often loosely defined and includes everything from medical-grade masks to bandanas.

At the national level, 25 states have some kind of facial covering requirement, not including local guidance according to CNET. These requirements vary in severity. Many pertain to businesses and employees doing essential work, but some apply to individuals in public.

The efficacy of masks outdoors is also unclear.

As the weather warms up, beaches, parks and other outdoor spaces are becoming increasingly populated. Protests have also filled the streets with demonstrators. Epidemiologists believe the likelihood of infection is reduced outdoors as wind dilutes virus droplets in the air.

Though being outdoors may decrease risk, many epidemiologists say individuals should still be wary of person-to-person spread when in close contact with others. Moreover, they warn, face coverings, especially cloth coverings, are not a substitute for other critical measures such as physical distancing and good sanitation.

For those confused by changing guidelines, Dr. Arthur Reingold, department head of epidemiology and biostatistics at UC Berkeley, had one message: For a completely new infectious agent, like the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the reality is that theres an incredibly fast evolution of knowledge. Virtually every day, new information becomes available that might change our understanding of things. It would be foolish if we didnt change our recommendations as we acquire more knowledge . . . I personally do put faith in what comes from the CDC. There are a lot of really smart, hardworking, well-intentioned people there doing their best to inform the public about how to stay safe.

The challenge, Osterholm said, is that we owe the public a lot more information than either everybody masks or they dont.

We sort through the studies and talk to the experts so that you dont have to. If you havent already, support our reporting today.

Originally posted here:
To mask or not to mask: The evolving science and policy recommendations on masks - Mission Local

Sir Frederick Barclays nephews have said they felt it was necessary and reasonable to bug the conservatory of the Ritz hotel after becoming concerned that their billionaire uncles conduct could potentially damage the familys business empire, according to documents lodged at the high court.

Barclay, 85, and his daughter, Amanda, are suing three of his twin brother Sir David Barclays sons Alistair, Aidan and Howard, and Aidans son Andrew over 1,000 conversations secretly recorded at the Ritz hotel across several months.

The high court has previously heard that the elaborate system of covert recording came to light in January when Alistair Barclay was filmed on CCTV handling the bug placed in the conservatory at the Ritz. Last month, Sir Frederick released the footage to the media and claimed the Ritz was sold for half the market price, with a discussion about a 1.3bn deal with Saudi Arabia-based Sidra Capital allegedly among the recordings.

The written defence, filed on Monday, claims Alistair began the bugging without the prior knowledge of the other defendants including Aidan Barclay, the chairman of the publisher of the Daily and Sunday Telegraph.

Alistair placed an off-the-shelf recording device, which the documents say he bought over the counter from a shop in central London, on 6 November. The defence document claims Alistair resorted to bugging after being troubled about what seemed to him to be a remarkable change in their conduct posing a significant risk of harm to his brothers Aidan and Howard Barclay, to the group, to their interests (that is, of his brothers and the group) and to his own interests. By 13 November all the defendants were aware of the bugging operation.

On Monday, Heather Rogers QC said the defendants felt it was necessary and reasonable to bug the Ritz to protect the family and its business interests. The Barclay brothers empire, which is controlled by Aidan and Howard, also includes the delivery firm Yodel and online retailer Very Group. The 114-year-old Ritz was sold earlier this year by Sir Davids side of the family to a Qatari businessman for about 750m.

The defendants have admitted the recordings contained private and confidential information of the claimants and accepted that Sir Fredrick and Amanda were entitled to general damages for breach of confidence, misuse of private information and breach of data protection laws. The defendants will seek to agree the appropriate damages/compensation with the claimants, said Rogers. However, they deny their actions caused any loss to the claimants economic and/or financial interests.

Sir Frederick and Sir David are no longer beneficiaries of the family trust, and Amanda has been left with a 25% share but no voting power to block any decisions. Aidan and Howard control and run Ellerman Holdings, the holding company for the Barclays UK assets.

As set out clearly in our defence, we do not dispute that the recordings were made and discussed between us, said a spokesman for the defendants. The actions we took were the result of serious concerns about aspects of Sir Fredericks conduct and were taken in the belief that they were necessary and reasonable to protect the Barclay groups business interests from potential damage.

We have never made, and never intended to make, any of the recorded information public. We did not conspire toinjureany businessorfinancial interest of Sir Frederick or Amanda.That was never our intention and there was no conspiracy as alleged. We regret any distress caused to Sir Frederick and Amanda Barclay, but our intention has always been to act in the best interests of the entire family.

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Barclay nephews say it was 'necessary and reasonable' to bug Ritz - The Guardian

Humboldt Countys Public Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich have been answering questions since the stay-at-home orders were instituted on a two question per media outlet on a roughly three times per week basis. The Department of Health and Human Services or office takes the questions, and reads them on camera for her response. The resulting video, called a Media Availability, is then provided to news outlets at the end of the day.

Here are some of the main points covered in the June 8th Media Availability session with a summary of answers from Dr. Frankovich, followed by questions we would have liked to ask in response if appropriate. Please note that this is not an exact transcription but a very close facsimile.

Before taking questions submitted by local media, Dr. Frankvich was prompted to address the surveillance testing that the Public Health Department is doing at local skilled nursing facilities.

Dr. Frankovich:

Sure, so again, our skilled nursing facilities or congregate living facilities like assisted living, have some of our most vulnerable residents. Skilled nursing facilities actually have a directive from the state about surveillance testing, and weve been working with them on accomplishing that. So weve just completed another round of surveillance testing for staff, and all ran those this weekend, and everything was negative, which is great. We are also working with the many assisted-living facilities to try and help them access ongoing surveillance testing as well, for their staff, and plan for that as just an additional safety measure going forward.

1 min 10 secs in:

Media Question: On Friday, you mentioned there are still concerns about the possible impacts of the recent protest gatherings. If the case count increases, will businesses that have been certified to reopen (like salons), be asked to close down again for safety? Can you also mention if stylists need to wear gloves?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich:

Yes, of course we are monitoring for case counts, and we do that on going. If the case count increases, I dont expect us to be closing anything right now. I think basically what we would be looking for is our ongoing indicators to suggest that we are heading down a path of too many cases. So simply seeing an increase over baseline is not enough for us to close anything frankly.

We expect to see an increase in cases as we move forward, what we are looking for is kind of the rate of increase and trends over a short period of time, our hospital capacity and our contact tracing abilities all of those things will inform whether we need to take a pause in opening additional new things, which would be our first strategy and then also whether there is actually ever in need to step back, and close things that weve already opened. So I dont see that related to this at present.

In terms of gloves, the guidance provided by the state -and anyone can pull up the guidance online, if they want to take a look at the business they are visiting is using as a template- the gloves are in the guidance are referred to as a possible way, using disposable gloves to be able to address issues of frequent handwashing and things like that so adding on those disposable gloves can help to sort of extend that and decrease the need for as frequent, but it really cant replace handwashing as a strategy for this.

So there is no requirement to use gloves except, if youre doing some of the things that salons normally wear gloves for, for instance for coloring in that type of thing and those gloves would be used.

3 mins 15 sec in:

Media Question: On Friday, you mentioned that campgrounds, hotels and gyms are next to reopen in Humboldt. When do you anticipate nail salons will be allowed to reopen? Please explain the reopening criteria difference between nail and hair salons.

Answer by Dr. Frankovich:

Sure, so first of all, the Governor released a whole bunch of things on Friday, and the questioner is correct- campgrounds, hotels, gyms, day camps, childcare, bars, wineries, all kinds of things are on that list. So what we are doing as we are taking those guidances, we are reviewing all of those from the state, some of them we may actually need a little bit of additional information for our local area, and then were basically putting those in order trying to again, emphasize lower to higher risk as we move forward. And then well plan those time frames accordingly.

So, in terms of nail salons I know that the thought process in this from the states and going forward, and the reason it was initially further down the listing openings is that there isnt any way to completely social distance throughout the interaction. It tends at many times on being a longer interaction, than for instance most peoples haircuts. However, I do think that nail salons can open.

The problem we have right now is we are just awaiting state guidance for it. As soon as the state provides that guidance document, so, for what is needed to do that safely, and again that guidance is produced by Cal OSHA with input from the state health department as well as industry. When that is available will be more than happy to review plans and get those open as well. I dont anticipate a delay in that, we just dont have it in hand.

5 mins in:

Dr Frankovich clarifies the state guidance further:

You know, the state initially provided guidance on child care. In many respects, I actually liked that initial guidance better because I think it was a little bit more specific. And we actually have had some day camps that we have been able to approve because they operated under that child care guidance. And so, going forward again, we will be sort of taking the state guidance and probably amending it a little bit because I think there were some really good points in that initial guidance that came out.

So I know its a little bit confusing and the entities that are already operating under the guidance, you know thats fine, but for newer entities that will be coming on board, we just want to make sure that the guidance looks appropriate for our area.

6mins in:

Media Question: Many services such as hair salons and hotels for tourism are scheduled to reopen this week, can you share an overview?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich:

So, I think we walked through that a bit, but again I just want to point out that the earliest any of the things that the governor put on the listthe earliest that those could open would be June 12. Which is Friday, right? So, we have hair salons are already approved to be open. My hope is that we will have campgrounds ready this week.

In terms of having the guidance up online and having people be able to submit their plans, hotels are an entity that will follow. So I dont have a precise opening date for that yet, for recreational travel. Obviously some hotels are operating right now for essential travel.

6 mins 45 sec in:

Media Question: What businesses and services will remain closed?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich:

So, the things that have been historically more further out, I guess, in Stage 3, included things that are really mass gatherings. And so thats really the big you know, concert venues sporting events with spectators, those kinds of things are meant to be farther down. And again, I know sometimes I think it seems a bit, you know, inconsistent- the guidances. Some of the things that are coming out that involve large groups of people coming into those same space, and so we look at that, and we go, well why cant these other mass gatherings occur right now, but I think its important to remember that the guidance thats out right now for instance, things like restaurants includes a lot of social distancing.

The intent of it is that people going out with family members- were not encouraging people to come into large spaces and interact with everyone in the space- which happens when we were together in, for instance, bars, or were together in concert venues and things like that where we definitely have less of an ability to social distance.

And so those things are meant to come a bit later, whereas these things that are more carefully structured for social distancing and such are able to happen in a little bit sooner.

More here:
Expecting to See an Increase in Cases, Child Care, Testing Staff at Skilled Nursing Facilities, and More from Dr. Frankovich - Redheaded Blackbelt

For people who admire the worlds oldest democracy, the developments in the United States (US) have caused considerable concern. If President Donald Trumps politics remains perplexing, the latest public outburst on the merciless killing of a black man, George Floyd, came as a frightening validation of the thesis that democracy is in deep trouble. To think that four years after President Barack Obamas comforting tenure, to quote from William Butler Yeats Second Coming, things fall apart, the centre cannot hold, and mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.

But there is a bright light yet in the spontaneous kneeling gesture of the Miami police to apologise for the inhuman conduct of a killer in uniform. Nations do not have unexceptional goodness. But if they know how to swiftly contain moral aberrations and encourage acts of forgiveness and reconciliation, such as the Miami police exhibited, ones faith and confidence in democracy is preserved. What happened in Minneapolis is wrong, and even in a divided society, white supremacists have been silenced, and liberals across colour and communities have been openly arguing that black lives matter. Curiously, some Bollywood stars, who seem unmoved by recent events in India, have joined the US chorus for justice.

As protests over Floyds death intensified in the US, social media was flooded with posts on police brutality. However, amid the news of rioting, tear-gas and baton charge, there were also reports of police personnel in Miami joining the protesters cause and apologising for the brutality. Police forces at several places laid down their shields and helmets to express solidarity with those speaking out against racism and for human rights, while some knelt before the demonstrators.

But here, at home, some courts have not found the time to seek an explanation for the police brutality writ large, but heartlessly shrouded in the exigencies of the Covid-19 lockdown. Jamia Millia Islamia awaits justice for brutal assaults on protesting students on two separate occasions in the wake of anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests, despite the university management having publicly complained of the unwarranted conduct of the police. Far from reaching out to the aggrieved student body, the police have issued notices to dozens of them and arrested several under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) or Indian Penal Code to begin with, and immediately, if granted bail, under UAPA a period of incarceration without bail.

The State might well be able to inflict unnecessary pain upon these young persons, even derail their career prospects, but hopefully will not crush their spirit and commitment to democracy and freedom. The State has a solemn duty to intervene wherever there is even a hint of suspicion about any person working to undermine national integrity. There can be no cavil with that proposition. But there is a difference between the State and the government of the day. Vigorous opposition of the latter cannot remotely be an anti-State posture. Much evil has been done in history in the name of State security. We see the same happening today in India. If people and institutions fail to step in to expose this, this will amount to a situation when history is retold.

Unable to support wild charges of sedition, the investigation officers are reportedly browbeating innocent political activists to surrender to their will and give evidence against their colleagues. This is a gross violation of human rights under the very nose of the top courts in the capital. Similar infractions of the law in Uttar Pradesh (UP) were brought to the notice of the National Human Rights Commission by the Congress general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi, several weeks ago, but there has been no forward movement. The pain is now, but the panacea will come at some distant moment, and that too if the truth prevails.

Although the ostensible object of the investigation launched by the special cell of Delhi Police is to get to the bottom of what they claim is a larger conspiracy to create civil unrest at the time of Trumps New Delhi visit, the focus seems to be on Jamia and Shaheen Bagh. People are being asked why they participated or organised the anti-CAA protests and how they were connected. The Northeast riots are used to conveniently blame the violence on innocent persons.

Despite attempts to create a misleading narrative that includes the home minister telling Parliament how proud he was of the Delhi Police bringing the violence under control within 48 hours, the fact remains that former Supreme Court judges took public transport to visit the affected areas and pointed out clear dereliction of duty by the police. The harsh comments made by Justice S Muralidhar of the Delhi High Court before he was suddenly transferred to Chandigarh, the unequivocal concern expressed by a trial court in remand proceedings that the investigation was targeted to one end, and another high court judge granting bail to an accused by stating that jail was for convicted prisoners and not under-trials, all point to a serious disquiet in the judiciary. But we are also a witness to government law officers speaking of high courts running a parallel government even as the government rewards them with engagements such as special public prosecutors. The months ahead will be a serious contest between the rule of law and the ruse of law.

Salman Khurshid is former Union Cabinet minister

The views expressed are personal

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In India and the US, a tale of two rights movements, writes Salman Khurshid - Hindustan Times

West Palm Beach, Fla., June 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Traveling to The Palm Beaches will soon be backed by one of the industrys highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention. Today, Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), Palm Beach Countys official tourism marketing organization, announced the destinations commitment to pursuing the Global Biorisk Advisory Councils (GBAC) STAR accreditation for a broad spectrum of hospitality businesses in Palm Beach County. The program is supported by the Tourist Development Council (TDC) of Palm Beach County and its various agencies.

Palm Beach County is one of the first destinations in the United States, and the first and only destination in Florida, to pursue GBAC STAR accreditation on a destination-wide basis. GBAC is a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association and is staffed with experience in academia such as Harvard Medical School, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, and Emory University, plus government agencies and nonprofits including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and ISO, the International Organization for Standardization. According to a press release issued by ISSA, GBAC STAR establishes requirements to assist facilities with work practices, protocols, procedures, and systems to control risks associated with infectious agents, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

Palm Beach County businesses eligible in the official recognition program include Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Palm Beach County Convention Center, more than 150 hotels, cultural institutions, and the countys two Major League Baseball Spring Training parks FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Facilities must comply with all facets of GBAC STARs rigorous training and implementation program to earn accreditation as well as undergo annual audits by the council. PBI and the Convention Center have already begun their accreditation process.

The Palm Beaches tourism and hospitality community is committed to the highest standards of cleanliness, said Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO of DTPB. Guests and employees should feel confident to return to their favorite hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions, which is why Discover The Palm Beaches, in collaboration with other TDC agencies, has established this unique destination-wide opportunity for the vast majority of our hotels and most popular venues to earn the GBAC STAR Accreditation.

We applaud Discover The Palm Beaches for its leadership in championing GBAC STAR accreditation across the community to ensure clean, safe and healthy facilities for residents and guests alike, said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. GBAC STAR provides third-party validation that will help set accredited facilities apart in terms of their commitment to cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention.

GBAC STAR-accredited facilities will be able to:

The Palm Beaches commitment to GBAC STAR accreditation provides added confidence for residents, visitors and the tourism community. Additionally, it will streamline operations among our collective hospitality facilities, which began to implement expert safety guidelines upon reopening. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, DTPB had led various virtual seminars in partnership with industry leaders such as the Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County, Florida Attractions Association, U.S. Travel Association, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Florida Retail Federation Services and the International SPA Association to educate local tourism and hospitality businesses. Behind-the-scenes tours of businesses displaying their elevated safety measures can be viewed on The Palm Beaches virtual Traveler Information hub.

Editors Note: A two-minute video on YouTube about the Global Biorisk Advisory Councils (GBAC) STAR accreditation can be watched, here.

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About GBAC, a Division of ISSA

Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response, and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance, and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address, and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organizations services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration response and remediation, the GBAC STAR facility accreditation program, training and certification of individuals, and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit http://www.gbac.org.

About Discover The Palm Beaches Discover The Palm Beaches, formerly the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the official 501(c)(6) not-for-profit, accredited tourism marketing organization that promotes the collection of 39 cities and towns commonly referred to as The Palm Beaches,which spans more than 2,300 square miles and 47 miles of pristine, golden beaches from Boca Raton to Jupiter and Tequesta. Tourism is among Palm Beach Countys major industries, generating $5.06 billion in direct visitor spending and supporting 70,000 jobs with an economic impact of more than $7.7 billion. Once recognized as a tropical escape for elite travelers in the late 1800s, Americas First Resort Destination is making its resurgence as The Best Way To Experience Florida, welcoming a record-breaking 8.22 million people in 2019. The Palm Beaches are home to more than 17,000 hotel rooms, ranging from historic resorts to boutique inns. The destination features more than 100 family-friendly attractions, world-class luxury and antique shopping experiences, 125 miles of peaceful waterways for on- or in-the-water activities, 160 artificial reefs that line the Atlantic Oceans Gulf Stream current, 160 golf courses, award-winning restaurants and a thriving entertainment scene boasting more than 200 art and culture organizations.

For more information about The Palm Beaches, visit http://www.ThePalmBeaches.com and connect on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PalmBeachesFL, YouTube at Discover The Palm Beaches and the hashtag #ThePalmBeaches. Tune-in to The Palm Beaches TV for 24/7 streaming content of the destinations hotels, attractions, restaurants and experiences.

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The Palm Beaches Tourism Community is First Destination in Florida to Commit to Internationally Acclaimed Cleaning & Disinfection Accreditation...