As time goes on, we learn more and more about SARS-CoV-2.
Our first thoughts were that this virus would be just like the flu. that meant we lost the first month of valuable time- time we could have eradicated the chance this virus would yield such devastating affects upon our civilizations.
After all, the flu has a 1 or 2 day incubation period, which means contact tracing is really difficult. Because by the time we notify the potential contact, they probably already manifest flu symptoms.
But, this coronavirus takes about 5 days – and maybe longer- to gestate. Which is why contact tracing is so important for this disease. We can identify those who were in contact with the infected, quarantine them, and stop the spread. Except we don’t do that here in the States. That’s why our results are so abysmal when compared to New Zealand or South Korea.
It’s also why we changed the prescription for face masks. Once we realized that folks take a long time to manifest symptoms (and a significant portion of infected folks never manifest any symptoms), face masks became de rigueur- so that you don’t infect me!
Lockdowns also work- for those countries with more robust economies. Those with less vibrant economies often have their citizens living together in cramped spaces so the lockdown doesn’t really prevent disease spread.
We also imposed travel restrictions- but not on the right countries or the right times. We let all those folks land in the New York airports from Europe, coming home. Which led to the explosion of cases in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Now, we need to impose more local travel restrictions. Banning folks from Florida, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, and a few others from visiting New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland, and DC. So that our diminished incidence rate keeps decreasing, without having folks bring new vectors of infection. Mayor Bowser of DC has imposed a 14 day quarantine for visitors- finally. The rest of those who flattened the curve need to follow suit.
Thanks Roy, for this clear and concise stating of the “state” of this mess. It seems as though a simple stay at home directive – or a clear “wear your mask” instruction – is too difficult to follow. (Eye roll placed here.) Restrained and careful travel for essential work, a choice to gather with different perimeters (outside, wearing masks, staying further apart), being clear about who we have in our personal “bubble” of close-contact, and realizing that this is NOT the time to try to meet our need for immediate gratification for amusement (restraint), is what can make this endurable for all. Practice humility and self-sacrifice. Maybe this would be a good growth in our society…
Lori recently posted..7 Practical Ways to be More Optimistic
That is the problem- folks want what they want and be damned about everything else, folks whose gut feeling overrides good science…
Thanks for adding to the conversation, Lori!
I just don’t get why people get so angry when it comes to wearing a mask. I think a lot of the adults are just being defiant and acting like spoiled children. Lia tells everyone to wear a mask!
Martha recently posted..A to Z Food Challenge -B
It was the same thing with seat belts when they were first required.
I can’t figure out way people travel to places with high cases, with or without them being banned. They should have enough sense to stay away but that’s not the case in SC. So many are coming down from WV, NJ, NY and even NC. Please people, stay away, the beach will be here when the virus is gone but will you?
Actually, Martha- folks from NJ and NY are not your problem. NC, WV, and SC (plus FL, TX, CO, AZ)- they are the hot spots.
But, I agree that traveling to a hot spot is not the smart move.
A shorter report than usual but the points are well taken. There seems to be a lot of people out there that still don’t get the picture. I am afraid that this virus will continue until it has killed off all the non-belivers so the only ones left are those of us that follow the steps known to stop it.
ChefWilliam recently posted..A Whole Food Lifestyle and the Blue Zone
Trying to keep the updates narrow in scope. It was the first of several.
See, I am not afraid of that per se, Chef William. Because our ability to move forward may be amplified by having fewer of those who negate knowledge and science.
Between the people I see in stores who walk around with masks at half-mast, the publicized incidents in New York City with people partying in the streets in a city that has lost thousands and thousands of lives already, and other violations of common sense, I am pesimistic that our country will get this under control without having a death toll that we refuse to imagine right now. In New York State, I personally know someone who waited over two weeks to get her test results back. That’s a story for another time, I know.
Alana recently posted..Blueberry Crisp
Testing- with rapid results, and contact tracing are two tools that are critical. (Plus social distancing, masks, and staying home). They are the only tools unless and until there is a vaccine.
“What do we know and when did we know it?” – I feel almost sure I heard that on West Wing, LOL. But I just wish we had known what we needed to, sooner!!
It’s hard to be all-knowing about something that just popped up. I think we are making tremendous progress for something so new and novel.
why oh why don’t we do contact tracing.. i am currently listening to the news and the only news so far has been about, you-know-what..
vidya recently posted..Ten Books for People Who Love Words and Language
We have an administration that is anti-science and does not want to give credibility to the pandemic we are in- so that it can make believe that all is well and the President should be reelected as such.