Hello and welcome to the Oster Home Update, COVID-19, a weekly podcast on the COVID-19

pandemic with Dr. Michael Oster Home. Dr. Oster Home is an internationally recognized

medical detective and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy

or CITRAP at the University of Minnesota. In this podcast, Dr. Oster Home will draw on

more than 45 years of experience investigating infectious disease outbreaks to provide

straight talk on the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm Chris Doll, reporter for CITRAP News,

and I'm your host for these conversations.

Hello everyone. Welcome to this week's edition of the Oster Home Update, COVID-19.

This week's podcast will address one topic, the use of masks to help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

But before we begin, Mike, do you have any opening remarks you'd like to share with your audience?

Thanks Chris. As anyone listening to this podcast during this first week of June knows,

the Twin Cities community has witnessed the worst of times. Many would say the darkest times that

have occurred in our modern history. The tragic murder of George Floyd has left us in a state of

shock and pain. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. And watching the subsequent widespread

riots, looting and destruction of properties has occurred in multiple locations in the Twin

Cities just leaves me saddened beyond words. I dedicate this podcast to all the victims of these

tragic past days starting with Mr. Floyd and his family. And to all those who have suffered a

loss of property and goods here in Minnesota and around this very troubled country. The team is

CITRAP and I are only a few voices, but for all who have suffered were deeply sorry.

May we find a way for healing to begin? Thanks Mike. I and all of us at CITRAP echo your

sentiments. As I just mentioned, this week's podcast addresses a much discussed topic. The use of

masks to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. This is one of our most frequent email questions

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