&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss the role that asymptomatic individuals might play in COVID-19 transmission, the issue of repeat PCR testing and &amp;quot;chronic infection,&amp;quot; the latest updates on masks, and studies assessing the effectiveness of shutdowns in reducing illness. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Email us your questions at &lt;a href="mailto:OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu"&gt;OsterholmUpdate@umn.edu&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Episode 12: A Tale of Two Countries

A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this podcast, Dr. Osterholm dissects the latest COVID-19 news, data, and guidance.
CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu