In light of the new Coronavirus, Sars-Cov-2 the virus that causes COVID-19, I felt a new post was in order.
This is the thing…coronaviruses are the types of viruses that cause illnesses that are similar to the common cold. So we are literally trying to contain something that can be as mild as the common cold in presentation, but be deadly. For this reason, I have a few words of wisdom:
****UPDATE 3/15/2020
The below are still great principles, but at this time, you should just STAY HOME to prevent the spread of this illness. We are pretty much past the point of containment and needing to flatten the curve. Wonder what that means? This article explains it beautifully! And the CDC recommends canceling gatherings of 50 or greater people for the next 2 weeks.
Understand that social isolation is not a vacation. You need to cancel play dates, not go to the museum or brunch or the mall. You need to limit your contact with everyone not in your immediate family. Looking for things to do? The Met is streaming operas for free. There are also these virtual field trips you can take with your kids.
Wondering about church? Well, I am very religious and spiritual, as you’ll know if you visit the rest of my site. But this exposure at church is a risk everyone is taking by continuing to attend worship services. I maintain that it is not my place spiritually to say whether in person service should continue, but I strongly believe that leadership should consider that it is no longer expedient given our ability to reach the masses virtually, and should be offering these options, particularly to our populations most at risk.
****Resume Original Post
- Do not obsess over this. You will drive yourself crazy trying to control the uncontrollable. There are many variables we will not be able to control. Rest well knowing that many people who will become infected will not die of the illness. Hopefully, the same strategies that help shorten a viral illness will work to help decrease the severity of this one.
- Do not buy face masks. Not only does it take away from the supply that could be needed for the front line staff caring for sick individuals, but it could put you at greater risk for infection. Only wear a mask if you are already sick and have the potential to expose others around you.
- You know the serenity prayer—employ those principles. There are things you can’t do, and there are things you can. Below are things you can do from this article (note: I addended one of the bullet points with my recommendation)
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. (Further notes on hand washing—you can truly prevent the spread of so many viruses and bacteria through proper hand washing! See this article!)
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and their immediate environment.
- Stay home when you are sick and try to avoid close contact with other household members.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (or your elbow if no tissues are available), then throw the tissue in the trash. Immediately wash your hands.
- Again, stay home if you are infected to help prevent spreading the virus to others. If you must leave home, wear a face mask (surgical or N95) covering your mouth and nose. (I changed this bullet point)
- Stay informed of the progress of the outbreak by accessing the news and the CDC “Situation Summary.”
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. The WHO recommends using a diluted bleach solution made of 1 part chlorine bleach to 99 parts water
Please find below some helpful resources on COVID-19
Another Video explaining process of a Coronavirus infection
“Presumed Positive” Fort Bend County Case
I found this amazing infographic in a much more readable version here. Just think of this as a preview :-).
Right on time and very helpful. There’s only so much we can change and so much we can’t. Let’s not live in fear. It’s a waste of our energy.
Exactly! Be sensible and do what you can, but panic never helped anybody.