COVID Q&A with Yale’s Dr. Roberts

In our latest interview aimed to get your medical and health questions about the coronavirus answered, we spoke with Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director for infection prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Roberts discussed what we have collectively learned about COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic in March, what’s left to learn, and shared his thoughts on the coming winter months as cases the total cases mount in Connecticut.

You can watch the full interview in our video, but we’ve shared the highlights below.

We’re nearing 100,000 coronavirus cases in Connecticut. Back in March, would you have considered this a likely outcome?

Roberts said he would not have predicted the current state of the pandemic. By some metrics, he said, the current second wave of cases is nearing the impact posed by the initial one, despite improved knowledge of the virus and dissemination of information about public health practices.

“I’m more surprised that our case count is going up as rapidly as it is right now,” said Roberts.

What have we done well to date in dealing with the pandemic?

Roberts came to Connecticut from Chicago in July to take on his role with Yale New Haven Hospital. He said he was impressed by the state’s practices at that time, with many people taking the virus seriously and following recommendations.

“I think as a result of that, in Connecticut, we saw a drastic reduction in cases, starting in May, leading through June, July and August, that’s really persisted up until now. So I’ve been really impressed with the state as a whole — the citizens, the leadership,” said Roberts. “Obviously, we’re having a second wave of cases, but, especially after the extent of the first wave, I’m very impressed how the state did over the summer months.”

What have we done poorly?

Roberts said he believes there’s a growing sense of “pandemic fatigue,” with people relaxing their standards for protecting themselves from the virus.

Protective steps regarding the virus are well-known, he noted — wear a mask, socially distance, etc. — but a number of recent cases have stemmed from people disregarding them, including with small gatherings.

Why are people predicting an increase in cases in the winter?

Primarily, Roberts said, people are more likely to be clustered together indoors during winter.

Humidity also potentially is a factor, he said — aerosol droplets are not able to travel as far in humid air, as we experience during summer, but linger in the air more effectively in winter.

“Ultimately, this was anticipated, as is most winters with the surge in respiratory viruses. I think this winter in particular we’re a little wary because this is a novel virus; we don’t know a lot about it,” said Roberts. “A lot of people were even questioning: would there be a second wave? Would it be better than the first wave? Would it be worse than the first wave? It might be a little too soon to tell, but we’re are definitely on a worrisome track right now.”