The Coronavirus is a global pandemic. The disease caused by the Coronavirus, CO-VID 19, began in China late last year. In early 2020, it spread. Countries like South Korea, Iran, and Italy were hit especially hard early on with thousands of cases being reported in a very short period of time. This caused their healthcare industries to be overwhelmed.
In an effort to prevent a similar course, countries around the world have strictly enforced social distancing by closing schools, universities, and most work spaces. Many countries, like the United States, have a shortage of tests. No one knows exactly how many people are infected. This is dangerous as the disease can be undetected, meaning that people who are asymptomatic may still have the disease.
Symptoms can take anywhere between 2-14 days for symptoms to show up. The most common symptoms include fever, chills, a dry cough, and sneezing. The vast majority of cases are mild, meaning non-life threatening. However, for people with compromised immune systems, like the elderly or people with underlying illnesses, this disease can cause life-threatening complications like pneumonia.
It is important to practice social distancing, maintaining at least a 6 foot distance between all people. The disease can make its way through the nose and mouth, so make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly, especially after being in public spaces. Most importantly, spend as much time at home. This will allow us to flatten the curve, so that smaller percentages of the population are infected at a given time, instead of large portions all at once. The medical system will then be less overwhelmed preventing a shortage of supplies, beds, and doctors. Social distancing saves lives.
There are many uncertainties right now. No one knows how long we will need to social distance. No one knows how many people will be infected by this disease. No one knows the long-term effects that this will have on the economy. Amidst the uncertainties, it’s important to stay calm, take precautions, stay home, and have hope. In the end, “every storm runs out of rain.” (Gary Allan)
***THANK YOU to all of doctors, nurses, hospital workers, grocery store workers, delivery workers, and everyone working during this tumultuous time.***
- What can be done to prevent infection?
- What does the term "flatten the curve" mean?
- How has the Coronavirus affected your community?
