No one is immune to this virus. It kills young, old, rich and poor. And if you are obese, regardless of your age, you have a much higher chance of dying. What happens when these college kids return to their homes, possibly infected but with no symptoms, and spread the virus to their elderly grandparents who then die or end up in the ICU for weeks?
The virus seems to hit hard families who are quarantined together for some reason. No one yet understands this and this is why large hospitals were set up in China instead of allowing people to quarantine in place at home with family members. The reality of this scenario can be found in this story in the NY Times where four family members died after a small gathering in early March. Read it. It is totally irresponsible for anyone to ignore this pandemic. If you are a parent who has allowed your children to carry on like nothing is wrong then shame on you. If you are still gathering in medium to large groups then shame on you. California is now on lockdown - the Governor there, unlike in Florida, gets it. Governor Cuomo predicts that New York is 45 days from peaking. This means, Virginia, where I live, is likely 60 days from peaking and places like Florida, 80 to 90 days out. If this is the case then this virus will be with us through much of the summer. People are losing jobs, businesses, their life savings, and no one really knows if there will be lingering effects with this virus - will you have health problems you never had before if you get infected? My spouse was furloughed indefinitely yesterday and he works in the medical field. He's never been furloughed or laid off in his long career. I too have a high probability of losing my job or at the very least being furloughed.
Take this very seriously. If you personally are not affected financially then help someone who might be in peril. Send a check to someone who is struggling. Buy a gift card from a local restaurant that you might use later this year. Do something nice for someone - send a note, flowers, a book. I cannot stress the seriousness of this situation from a health standpoint and an economic standpoint. Make an effort to do the right thing even if you are inconvenienced. A lot of us are being inconvenienced right now. Many people are suffering in all kinds of ways. Pay attention to what is happening and listen to the experts please. We all have a role to play here - win an Oscar for yours.
100% agreed. I am furious with anyone who is not taking this seriously. I will probably lose my business over this, but if that's what it takes to keep my family and friends and clients safe, then I'll happily deal with that fallout later. People need to stay the F home.
ReplyDeleteDom I hope not. We need leadership from Washington and from our Congress to get us through this. I am not hopeful but we can all vote!
DeleteYes! Thank you. My husband is a doctor. He, like everyone in healthcare, will have no choice but to try and cope with the tsunami of sick people who will soon flood the medical care system because they were too stubborn or careless to heed the warnings and flatten the curve. When one of them is in a car wreck or has a sudden heart attack or their child breaks an arm, there will be no one to care for them and no room for them at the hospital.
ReplyDeleteKarin you so correct. If you need a doctor right now good luck. Hope your husband stays safe.
DeleteYou are so right! I hate how my generation (Baby Boomer) feels that they need to allow their children to do what ever they want to do. The parents of those children should also feel bad for enabling their children. Heaven knows, not many of those spring breakers are independently wealthy. Their money came from their parents with no strings, I am sure. My spring breaks were spent with my horse and dog.
ReplyDeleteYes the parents are certainly to blame. You can't fix stupid.
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