For those of you who already are experiencing cabin fever, I suggest you find some good books, binge watch some television, and cook some fabulous food. We are in for the very long haul. There is so much confusion as to what we can expect in future days, what has already happened, and how at risk we are . And, that confusion is directly due to our government not taking this seriously for weeks. Now, we are ALL in a fight against this enemy: Covid 19.
I can only write about what I personally know and what my experience has been.
First, I have a 93 year old mom in an assisted living facility. They have been slow at emailing, setting restrictions, and after weeks of wavering on rules, they have finally forbidden all visitors and will not allow residents to leave. Since I administer my mom's meds, I have to obtain special permission to try and go in once a week. Last night I asked if they would fill her pill boxes (there are 3 boxes; 16 pills; and 6am, 7am, 9:30 am, 4:30 pm, 6pm, and 9:30 pm administer times/ 6 sections in boxes). They responded that they didn't think so, even though they do offer that amenity for a fee. I'm unclear about this response and waiting for further clarification.
If any of you have felt symptoms and tried to get a coronavirus test, you are screwed. There are NO tests despite what you hear from President Trump. I have heard and watched a multitude of testimonies from people who have called their Dr. The Dr. doesn't allow them into their office. The Dr. says go to the ER. The ER says do not come here. The ER says go to your Urgent Care. You call
Urgent Care and they say go to the ER. Presently, it is a nightmare.
Eventually, we will have more tests, but it is way too little and way too late. Google Dan Goldman and watch his horrifying story about trying to get a test in NYC and ultimately, after 6 hours on a gurney in Columbia Presbyterian's hallway, they refused a test. He ended up driving to Connecticut and getting a test where he found out he was positive (as is his wife.)
Regardless of what you are hearing, this virus does not discriminate based on age, income, your general health, your political ideology, or your insurance plan. This is NOT a foreign illness.
Presently 50% of patients with the virus in the ICU are UNDER 60 years old. Many of my friends are 60 or older. They have children and grandchildren who they want to interact with. My children have now forbidden me from seeing them. This is extremely difficult for me. But I am respecting their instructions and FaceTime is my new best friend. My children's valid concern is that their children can be asymptomatic (as can adults-see the Mayor of Miami who tested positive with no symptoms) and pass the virus on to me or my husband.
Thirty and Forty year olds have also been getting very sick with this virus, and the doctors can't figure out why. Check out last Friday's NY Times story about the thirty- something nurse and thirty-something doctor who battled the illness in China. The doctor died (as did the original young "whistleblower doctor"). The nurse did survive but was extremely ill . They were all young and in excellent health. It is baffling and troubling why the young are having trouble fighting this virus.
According to polls, 30% of Republicans don't take this virus seriously. WAKE UP! This is not a political hoax. Look at what is going on all around you. Have you not been watching the news? Listen to Governor Cuomo and Dr. Fauci-they seem to be the voice of reason. Listen to the Governor of Illinois and his horror at the ineptness of the government handling the influx of people arriving at OHare yesterday. Listen to your local government. The Federal Government has been worthless.
In the United States, the Corona Virus cases have more than doubled since Friday. This pandemic will get much worse before it gets better. The hospitals and health workers will be overwhelmed. Our responsibility is to stay home with the hope of slowing the virus; to avoid contact with others as best we can; to keep hands clean; and to keep surfaces disinfected often. These are the places that should be disinfected often:
cell phones
light switches
remote controls
toilet and sink handles
door knobs
refrigerator and cabinet handles and coffee makers
alarm panels
car exterior handles, steering wheels, all interior buttons
computer keyboards and mouse
take out food containers, food packaging, packages and mail that are delivered
If you do venture out, please take your hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes with you in your car.
If you are able to purchase these items, do so:
disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet tissue, Tylenol, frozen fruits, canned goods, medications, detergent, alcohol, thermometers, and paper towels. Have some extra cash on hand.
Please, for now, avoid dinner parties and play dates. Instead, let the kids play outside with their siblings. Take long walks, prepare theme dinners, make a great soup or a delicious dessert. Read a great book. Have a drink with dinner!
Many of you don't know this, but I sell life and long term care insurance. No one pays attention to buying Long term care insurance until you have a parent, a close relative, or a spouse who suddenly becomes ill and needs full time care. In other words, you don't purchase it until the problem hits close to home and smacks you upside of the head. Now, all of a sudden is the realization that you don't want to be a burden on your spouse or children. And Bingo, you buy Long Term Care Insurance.
I think the Coronavirus is a little like Long Term Care Insurance. Many of you won't take this seriously until it reaches a friend, a coworker, or a parent. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT. LISTEN NOW OR FACE AN ITALY-LIKE DEBACLE. WE ARE NOT FAR BEHIND THEM. You have a choice. Stay informed, be safe, practice social distancing so that you or a loved one doesn't get sick.
Finally, If you are looking for something new to watch on television:
Briarpatch- on USA. Monday at 11pm. An investigator returns to her home town to search for her sister's killer and finds a lot of corruption.
The Plot Against America-on HBO. Monday at 9pm. Based on Philip Roth's book where Lindbergh turns the nation towards facism.
Outmatched-on Hulu. A blue collar couple trying to raise their 4 children; 3 of whom are certified geniuses!
Praying for all of you to stay healthy. Take this time to enjoy the people you are at home with. Cherish and Love one another. And above all, try to stay calm. Peace out-ONE B
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