COVID-19 concerns have risen dramatically over the past few weeks. Our nation has been whipped into a frenzy! Lines wrapped around stores to buy toilet paper, masks, gloves, cleaning products, and basic necessities, just in case. Stores have not been able to keep up with the demands. Community members and the media remark about the empty shelves in many of the stores, leaving the Internet as the only source of over-priced toilet paper and other assorted “emergency” goods.
COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China where human illness was noted by December 2019. One of China’s young doctors, Dr. Wenliang, tried to warn and alert the medical community, but the Chinese authorities tried to shut him down. In January, the first United States (U.S.) case appeared in Washington, a young American citizen returning from China. Yet, the virus remained a bit under the radar. There were even social media myths suggesting that Black people were not susceptible to the virus. This proved to be far from the truth as two Black NBA players faces were blasted on television when their tests confirmed the infection. This Coronavirus knows no boundaries and is affecting people worldwide – all races, genders, socioeconomic statuses, and political affiliations or not. Corona means crown in Latin and this virus has shown itself to be the king of chaos, creator of fear, and exposer of implicit biases, governmental lethargy, and greed.
Let’s take a closer look at this virus. It is being called a “novel” virus, one that has never been encountered before. However, it is in the family of the Coronavirus, first identified in the 1960’s, a culprit of the nagging common cold. Early on it was noted that the people in China who were infected worked or shopped at a seafood market that sold live, as well as freshly slaughtered animals. This has led some experts to believe that this infection crossed over from animals to human. Most people have heard that the bat is the original source, although the verdict is not in, some research is suggesting that the bat had an accomplice, the Pangolin*.
Not sure why anyone would want to eat this gnarly looking animal, but apparently it is considered a delicacy. Perhaps these animal markets need to take a public health approach so that additional novel viruses don’t emerge. It might also be a good idea to figure out how to relocate BATS so they no longer can serve as a vector. At any rate the mode of transmission is now person to person.
COVID-19 is thought to spread from person to person, between people who are in close contact, within 3-6 feet. Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing land in the mouths or noses of people in this zone. Less likely, people may pick up the virus by touching a surface or object the virus has landed on and then touching their own nose, mouth, eyes. No one knows how long the virus can survive on surfaces. Estimates are that the virus can last hours to days and may be dependent on the type of surface or ambient temperature. The incubation period is 2-14 days from the time of exposure. Some people have no symptoms even when infected. Those who become ill usually develop characteristic symptoms:
Fever (1000 Fahrenheit, checked with a thermometer). However, since most stores are out of thermometers you can go with the tactile temperature method that your Mama showed you and put a hand to your forehead, cough, and shortness of breath. High risk countries that can increase your odds of being infected with COVID-19 are China, Korea, Italy, or Iran, others are joining the list daily. You have been in the thick of Coronavirus if you spent any time in these countries. Also, if you are over 60 years of age and especially over 80 years old, you are at higher risk for bad infection. People with chronic respiratory(lung) or other chronic medical problems, are at higher risk as well.
How many cases have been identified at this time? This really is a moving target as more people are being tested along with those who are newly developing symptoms. On March 14, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, 2499 people in America had reported having the virus. 55 people had died. The references listed below are updated frequently so that you can get the most accurate numbers of those affected and infected.
Colorado Black Health Collaborative (www.coloradoblackhealth.org) wants to encourage you to be an active participant in stemming the tide of this potentially deadly disease. Yes, we know if feels like Twilight Zone, but this is for real. However, don’t get over-hyped and have your blood pressure going up. Get the facts and act – do the things that will keep you and your community healthy.
Here’s what you CAN do:
Stay Home
- For one, if you are ill and COVID-19 seems highly likely, then stay at home! Lay down and wait until you are well before going around others. If you feel like you can’t get enough air, are becoming delirious, or too weak to get out of bed then seek medical attention, ASAP. They can offer supportive care. Keep in mind there is no specific treatment for COVID-19.
Stay informed
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is an excellent national source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) website and Tri- County Health Department are great for local numbers and information, including testing sites: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus, www.tchd.org/coronavirus.
- The World Health Organization(WHO) is a great international source: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus.
Stay tuned and follow these recommendations that were compiled from various resources:
- Cover your mouth (arm with elbow bent or tissue) and nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands immediately.
- Wear a mask, if you are coughing when you must go outside your home. Note: CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a mask to protect them from respiratory illness, including COVID-19.
- Don’t go on a cruise until further notice.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick whether spouse, kids, or BFF.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Don’t do a quick rinse be sure to wash for at least 20 seconds.
- Disinfect surfaces you touch – rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or good old- fashioned bleach can efficiently inactivate Coronaviruses within a minute.
Visit https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-againstsars-cov-2 to find the current list of products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
- Limit travel, especially to high risk areas like Washington state, California, New York City, China, Italy, Iran, and Korea.
- Limit open handshakes, high fives, instead try elbow bumps if a touch is necessary to seal the deal.
- Social distancing is a new buzz word related to decreasing the spread of the virus. Basically, you want to put enough space between yourself and other people to avoid infection. Limit participation in large events, malls, nightclubs, and other small closed-in spaces.
- If you are planning an event, try to keep it small (100- less than 250 participants) and follow CDC guidelines for convening meetings.
- Reduce stress and anxiety – meditate, listen to calming music, take a break from news reports and social media related to the king of chaos – COVID-19.
It seemed that 2020 was going to be a great year for sharp vision and focus, yet the first quarter has dictated a myopic (nearsighted) view of our environment and our life here in American. Do not despair, there is still hope! Be part of the solution for overcoming the COVID-19 epidemic.
Colorado’s call line for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
For general questions about Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), you can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in many languages. Email [email protected] for answers in English.
If you have upcoming travel plans, get the latest travel advisories from the CDC’s COVID-19 travel information.
Dr. T
www.coloradoblackhealth.org