Nomenclature
The novel (new) coronavirus is formally named “SARS-CoV-2.” SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated as COVID-19) by the World Health Organization.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that have been known to infect humans. Viruses in the family are known to cause the common cold, SARS, and MERS. The virus that causes COVID-19 infects people and is easily spread person-to-person but is far less virulent than SARS. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide, including the United States, and has officially been declared a pandemic, or a global disease outbreak. COVID-19 causes a respiratory disease that may be identifiable by dry coughing, breathing difficulties, and fever. Those that suspect they are infected with coronavirus should call their health provider first and should not go to a health care facility unless directed to do so.
(Note: fever was present in only 50% of the symptomatic cases in Seattle whereas cough was present in 88%. At Skyline, if you have fever or severe cough, check with Jeannie and, when indicated, you may be sent for a test). Recent data shows the death rate in China was much lower than first estimated. It’s about 1.4% overall in their data (higher in the elderly as would be expected). More is being learned daily. Drug trials are underway so it’s too soon to know if an old drug like hydroxychloroquine is effective. It will take weeks to months to get reliable data. Despite promises from our President, it will take 12-18 months for a vaccine to come on-line. A hero named Dr. Tony Fauci is the best source of realistic information. At age 79, he is the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). He was a strong force getting us through the HIV and SARS eras. He has been interviewed by multiple media sources.)
Why did the CDC recommend an 8-week moratorium on in-person gatherings?
On Monday the US government officially recommended that people should avoid in-person gatherings of 10 or more people.[1] This recommendation is supported by evidence from South Korea and China, both of which appear to slowly be returning to life as normal after 8 weeks of anti-coronavirus measures.[2] On March 10, China closed the last of its temporary emergency hospitals[3] after seeing a dramatic decrease in new cases over the past couple of weeks.[4] Likewise, South Korea has experienced a substantial decrease in new cases over the past week.[5]
As the United States contends with this new and evolving situation, it appears likely that many businesses, offices, and schools will remain closed for longer than two weeks.
This is a time to support one another and to be creative about how we interact. Our family is having a virtual dinner together soon. We will be doing this by having our daughter invite us on the Zoom computer app. For now, call old friends, reach out to others by phone or computer. Go to museums on line. Take a walk or attend Sail classes on the portal.
Get away from the constant news. Once a day tuning in should be enough. Test all your mechanisms for resilience–humor, prayer, trust, forgoing the need to control, helping others in need.
Please send in thoughts you may have about coping with this unique pandemic.