Happy Leap Day! This week took a leap of faith to “Keep Calm and Wash Your Hands” as Americans wiped out gains in the stock market, stockpiled face masks, and let the conspiracy theories roll.
In the past couple of days, I communicated with my Washington contacts. They are right there in the mix of things. I will share with you what I know, but it’s most likely what you know already. We can’t predict the future. We can only prepare sensibly for it. Oh yes, and the latest meme, “Keep calm and wash your hands.” That, too.
Here is my list of gleanings from my Washington contacts:
-The situation is fluid and changing daily.
-There is a clinical trial going on in Nebraska for COVID19 (Coronavirus) treatment.
-Vaccine research is beginning, but no vaccine available for a good while. (takes time).
-There will be a shortage of drugs as production slows due to the effect on our supply chain from other countries, but alternatives are available. The FDA is keeping the public informed.
-The USA is monitoring cargo coming in from China. (It is the duty of the President to protect Americans). FEMA emergency teams are in place to respond should the situation warrant it.
-The USA is looking to buy a mega quantity of masks. Priority, of course, will go to medical workers. Still, enough masks are being sought for manufacturing and purchase to meet the need. I have a few masks from when my husband had the flu. They are the paper ones, not the N95 ones. I will keep them, but I am also confident that masks will be available for purchase as the extensive supply is obtained by the USA.
-The fatality rate of COVID19 is challenging to determine because the healthcare situation is different in different countries. Nevertheless, teams are in place to find and sort out this information, which helps in preparing for the virus.
-The Coronavirus has, in the past, thought to be transmitted by animals (raw meat markets, types of animals, etc.) Testing is going on to see if there is a definitive source of origin.
-The USA has plans in place for a pandemic. Preparations have been in the making for years. However, travel is an area that should be checked by citizens regularly for restrictions and advisories. As the President said the other night, check the Center for Disease Control website for daily information. (I did, and will continue to do so because the information is current and thorough).
Planning, not panic. Seeking out primary source information, not hearsay. Calm action, not anger.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.??
