Last time I discussed the Coronavirus on here was on February 8th, and wow have the times changed since then. What once seemed like a distant outbreak that would have no direct effect on myself or the United States has dramatically made it’s way to changing the course of every day life for the foreseeable future. Spring Break plans were cancelled, schools across the nation have been shut down, stores have been close, jobs have been laid off, and so much more. Most American citizens, had the same attitude as me when news about the Coronavirus overseas started to be reported, they thought there was no way it could make it over here. Even our own President told citizens that the disease would not spread in the United States, and here we are. Both the public’s and more so the government’s handling of this situation has been lackluster. If not taken seriously by all parties, the future will be negatively impacted in both the United States and globally.
The two words that everyone keeps hearing during this pandemic is: Social Distancing. What is it? What does it look like? Well, social distancing is exactly what it sounds like, it means avoiding others in social settings. In an article published by CNN, questions about what can be considered social distancing are answered. You should not gather in groups larger than ten people. You should go out in public unless you need to go to the grocery store or to work, and even then, if possible, you should always maintain at least a six foot difference between yourself and the people around you. You should not go out to eat in restaurants, but rather or carry out or take out. You should visit family or friends in their homes and vice versa. Bottom line: if you can stay home, then STAY home. This virus is spreading very quickly, and the less people that we have out and about, then the slower that this virus will spread. Because Covid-19 has such a long incubation period, and it is asymptomatic in many patients, many people can spread the disease without even knowing they have it. This is why it is best to just stay home, not only are you protecting yourself, but you are protecting everyone that you may come into contact with.
As of this morning, March 22nd, the United States have confirmed over 30,000 cases becoming the third highest in the world. The number of actual cases is much higher than this reported number however due to the lack of testing resources and asymptomatic carriers. Currently, the virus is growing exponentially and hospitals and healthcare workers will soon be overwhelmed if the curve is not flattened. In an article released by the Washington Post, graphs are used to demonstrate the benefits and consequences of urgent action being taken such as social distancing. The different graphs show what would happen with no measures taken, attempted quarantine, moderate distancing, and extensive distancing. The key is not necessarily how many people get infected, but rather when they get infected. If a lot of people get infected in a short amount of time, healthcare facilities would quickly be overwhelmed and there would be no way to effectively treat everyone. However, if that same number of people were to get infected over a long period of time, people would have time to recover and leave hospitals before new people get infected, and the healthcare facilities would not be overwhelmed.
Many people, especially the younger population are not taking this pandemic seriously. Younger people believe that the virus will not affect them because it mainly kills people who are older. However, in order to effectively combat this pandemic, it will take an effort from society as a whole. Everyone must practice social distancing in order to “flatten the curve” and help out our healthcare workers. Remember to stay home, wash your hands, and do your part part for society!
Diana's Micro World 