Facial Mask Use and COVID-19 Protection Measures in Jefferson County, Kentucky: Results from an Observational Survey, November 5−11, 2020

Introduction: The transmission of respiratory infectious diseases such as COVID-19 can significantly decrease by mask-wearing. However, accurate information about the extent and proper use of the facial mask is scarce. This study’s main objective was to observe and analyze mask-wearing behavior and the level of COVID-19 protection measures in indoor public areas (PAs) of Jefferson County, Kentucky. Methods: For conducting the observational survey study, targets were indoor PAs, and zip codes were defined as surveying clusters. The number of selected PAs in each zip code was proportional to the population and the total number of PAs in that zip code. The PA pool in a zip code was divided into four groups, followed by random selection without replacement from each group. Results: A total of 191 PAs were surveyed: 50 of them were grocery stores, 56 were convenience stores or pharmacies, 39 were wine and liquor stores, and 46 were other stores. At least one unmasked and one incorrectly masked staff were observed in 26% and 40% of the sampled PAs, respectively. Also, in 29% and 35% of the PAs, at least one unmasked and one incorrectly masked visitor were observed, respectively. The rates varied by PA size and county district. Eighty percent of unmasked staff and 75% of the unmasked visitors were male. The rate of unmasked males varied from 50% to 100% across districts. About 66% of unmasked staff among all Jefferson County districts were young adults. More than one-fourth of all the PAs provided hand sanitizer for visitors’ use, and only 2% of the PAs provided masks to their visitors. Conclusion: Messaging about mask use and correct usage may need to particularly target the 19-44-year-old male population, as these individuals were the most prevalent among those unmasked and masked incorrectly. Additionally, businesses’ protective measures may depend on their resources to operate in such a manner. Hand sanitizer is easier to offer visitors, while staffing to regularly sanitize carts or funds to provide a sufficient number of wipes, gloves, or masks may present further opportunities for government assistance.

Lack of Association of the ABO Blood Group with COVID-19 risk and Severity in Hospitalized Patients in Louisville, KY

Background: The potential association of the ABO blood group with the risk of COVID-19 and its severity has attracted a lot of interest since the start of the pandemic. While a number of studies have reported an increased risk associated with blood type A and a reduced risk with type O, other studies have did not found a significant effect. This study aimed to define the prevalence of different ABO blood groups in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the Louisville, KY area and to investigate whether an association exists between the blood group and disease severity. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 380 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized to eight of the adult hospitals in the city of Louisville. Patients were divided into four different groups according to their ABO blood type. Demographic characteristics and clinical variables, including laboratory data as well as clinical outcomes were compared. Results: Type O was the most common blood group among the hospitalized patients (51%) followed by type A (31%), B (14%) and AB (4%). The observed blood group distribution among the patients was not significantly different from the distribution expected when compared to a population of similar racial/ethnic composition. No significant associations were found between the blood group and comorbidities, inflammatory biomarkers as well as with recorded outcomes, including the mortality rate and the length of the hospital stay. Conclusions: The data from hospitalized patients in Louisville is is not consistent with the ABO blood group having a significant effect as a risk or severity factor for COVID-19, but it is representative in COVID-19 or its severity of its prevalence among different racial/ethnic populations.