In January, WHO (World Health Organization) responded to an outbreak of COVID-19 in China. On March 11th, the WHO Director-General characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic (meaning it affected the entire world). COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a respiratory illness that is extremely contagious. It has symptoms very similar to the common flu but has a higher mortality rate and is easier to spread. It has infected over 700,000 people and has killed over 33,000 across the world. Because of the rapidly increasing number, several countries have implemented versions of self-quarantine to help slow the pandemic.
We have yet to reach the peak of this pandemic and experts are stressing the importance of “flattening the curve” of the coronavirus. By turning the fast spread of infections into a slow spread, healthcare systems have a much higher chance of being able to treat all patients and save more lives. In a fast-spreading pandemic, medical resources, like staff and equipment, become scarce as hospitals become overcrowded.
China was able to significantly decrease the number of new cases in their country but their economy is still struggling to recover. The US economy will also likely face this problem. As millions of Americans are out of work, businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Many restaurants and stores have been closed. Other businesses deemed “unessential” are sending employees to work from home or encouraging them to file unemployment.
It is very important to get people back to work and out of their self-quarantine. Major efforts to slow or stop the spread of the coronavirus have been challenging for many. People are urged to stay inside their homes unless necessary, stay 6 feet away from others, do not attend social gatherings, and wash your hands multiple times a day for at least 20 seconds. Since there is still no known vaccine, people throughout the world must abide by these rules to stop this fast-spreading disease. It is important to stay safe and healthy during these times so we can get back to our everyday lives.
Written by: Ashlyn Gerken