Pandemics are rare and frightening. What I believe is most frightening about this COVID-19 pandemic is what we don't know? News from Italy definitely makes me take this virus seriously--we don't want to have to be facing the situation that the Italians are facing, yet that seems imminent.
What is the best course of action? How do we decide?
After reading several articles, I believe it would be in the best interest of our state to close all public schools next week. That would buy time for the state and school leaders to assess the situation and make next steps decisions. It will also buy time to get people tested. For example, perhaps before children and teachers are allowed back into school, they will have to be tested for the virus. The virus' long incubation period makes the spread greater since many who have the virus may not know it since it takes time for symptoms to show up.
I realize that school closings will present challenges to many, and the State should look for ways to help in each community.
In the meantime, I'm following guidelines of avoiding gatherings of large groups of people, lessening travel, washing my hands more, and avoiding meeting in small spaces with little air. These are small changes that can make a big difference for me and others.
I also want to advocate for greater distribution of COVID-19 testing across the state and country as well as accurate reporting of who has the illness and how the spread is happening.
Yesterday, CNN shared the map below. I am going to re-look at this map in a week to get a visual of what is happening with this virus. It's time to be smart, take the information from experts seriously, and do what we can to mitigate the many hardships and challenges a pandemic can bring.
What is the best course of action? How do we decide?
After reading several articles, I believe it would be in the best interest of our state to close all public schools next week. That would buy time for the state and school leaders to assess the situation and make next steps decisions. It will also buy time to get people tested. For example, perhaps before children and teachers are allowed back into school, they will have to be tested for the virus. The virus' long incubation period makes the spread greater since many who have the virus may not know it since it takes time for symptoms to show up.
I realize that school closings will present challenges to many, and the State should look for ways to help in each community.
In the meantime, I'm following guidelines of avoiding gatherings of large groups of people, lessening travel, washing my hands more, and avoiding meeting in small spaces with little air. These are small changes that can make a big difference for me and others.
I also want to advocate for greater distribution of COVID-19 testing across the state and country as well as accurate reporting of who has the illness and how the spread is happening.
Yesterday, CNN shared the map below. I am going to re-look at this map in a week to get a visual of what is happening with this virus. It's time to be smart, take the information from experts seriously, and do what we can to mitigate the many hardships and challenges a pandemic can bring.
