Publisher’s Note / The monthly deadline for stories published by contributing columnists is the 20th of the month prior to print publication. This story appears in the April 2020 issue of PN, now available at local supermarkets. Columns are published in rotation a few at a time on different days throughout the month. Thanks for reading in print monthly and online daily.
“A deadly new coronavirus has now reached at least 13 countries… there are 2,794 confirmed cases of the virus, while tens of thousands of people are being kept under medical supervision around the world. Eighty-one people have died with the virus.”
These are statistics provided by NewScientist from back in January regarding the virus known as COVID-19, a strain of the coronavirus. In the time between now and that January report, the confirmed cases of the Coronavirus have increased a staggering 5,500 percent. With these startling figures, it’s difficult not to panic or stress. The New York Times is providing us with a worst case scenario, claiming that over 1 million U.S. citizens could lose their life in the coming months as a result of the Coronavirus if we do not take further counteractive measures. This means 1 million lost spouses, mothers, fathers, friends, and loved ones.
With these terrifying numbers on the horizon, there is no better time to exercise extreme caution for the sake of our families. Panic may not be the correct solution, but we should take care to protect our homes. The statistics granted are the worst case scenario.
With the attentive effort of a dedicated community, we can drastically lower our risk of spreading the disease and protect those in our community who are at a higher risk. In President Trump’s recent press briefing, very simple, yet, effective guidelines were granted that are expected to greatly mitigate the spread of the Corona virus; washing hands regularly; utilizing the internet for schooling; work, or faith based gatherings; and social distancing.
Although these recommendations seem rather compulsory, it is important that we exercise diligence to ensure that our community and our homes remain safe from the deadly Corona virus. And please stop hoarding toilet paper.
