For over a month, we have been hearing about the deadly Coronavirus that has left China a virtual ghost town. As things get worse and worse for that country regarding the spread of the virus, other countries like America have started to see people test positive for it. Today, the CDC warned that it is not a matter of if, but when it will spread across the US.
Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said today that cities, towns, and hospitals need to start preparing for a mass outbreak. She is suggesting that we might get to the point where students should not go to school and people should work from home.
As of now, there are only 57 cases here and 40 of them are from the ill-fated cruise ship the Diamond Princess. All of the infected are quarantined local hospitals. However, The New York Times says that around the world, there are more than 80,000 people in 37 countries who have tested positive, leading to more than 2,600 deaths.
At this time, one of the best things we can do is wash our hands as much as possible or use hand sanitizer. We should also not touch our faces without our hands being clean. The CDC gives five steps on how to properly wash your hands.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Be aware, but do not fear it just yet.
