There’s an overwhelming amount of information and news out there about COVD-19 (coronovirus) right now. I don’t want to add to the noise, however, this blog has always been about my life, work, and profession, and today the overwhelming news is about COVD-19.
As we all settle into our new normal, I’ll get back to writing. But for now, there are so many people and organizations that are far more informed and qualified to provide information on this matter.
We might be reaching the point of burnout on this information, but if this list helps even one person then it will have served its purpose. I’ll keep posting updates and news as things evolve, but I hope to get some actual blog posts in the mix as well soon.
Of course, for official updates and information on COVD-19 visit the CDC’s website.
Below are five articles that I have found helpful over the last week or so.
“Do this for me”: How to convince older loved ones to socially distance
Jennifer Peepas. Vox
Key quote: “Younger adults and their boomer parents are dealing with some serious role reversal right now, as we beg the same people who begged us not to do drugs or play in traffic to keep themselves home and stop getting their health news from conservative talk radio. As Anne Helen Peterson reported for BuzzFeed last week, many older people are resisting “social distancing” recommendations despite widespread knowledge that people over age 65 and people with chronic illnesses are at the highest risk of dying if they catch the virus.” Read the rest here.
The math behind why we need social distancing, starting right now
Umair Irfan. Vox
Key quote: “Right now, many places seeing Covid-19 transmission are following an exponential growth trajectory. That is, the rate of the spread of the infection is proportional to the number of people infected. Each infected person is expected to infect a certain number of people — around 2.5 right now — who each in turn go on to infect 2.5 more, and on and on, unless drastic measures are taken to reduce social contact and isolate the infected from others.” Read the rest here.
It’s Time To Get Serious About Social Distancing. Here’s How
Maria Godoy. NPR
Key quote: “Every single generation has a role to play,” Birx said Tuesday at a White House press conference. “We’re asking our older generation to stay in their homes. We’re asking the younger generations to stop going out in public places, to bars and restaurants, and spreading asymptomatic virus onto countertops and knobs.”
So what is and isn’t OK in our new world of social distancing? Can I have people over or go visit Grandma? Here’s what the new CDC guidelines and other health experts have to say.” Read the rest here.
10 ways to help avoid coronavirus when you need to leave your house
Jessica Dolcourt. CNET
Key quote: “Social distancing and thoroughly washing your hands is still an essential policy, and global health professionals and leadership ask that you reserve N95 face masks for the medical community.
The coronavirus known officially as SARS-CoV-2 is easily spread, but you can apply common-sense techniques when you do need to resupply while you self-quarantine.” Read the rest here.
Pandemic Panic? These 5 Tips Can Help You Regain Your Calm
Allison Aubrey. NPR
Key quote: “”We’ve got national anxiety at the moment, a kind of shared stress, and we are all in a state of extreme uncertainty,” says Catherine Belling, an associate professor at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, who studies the role of fear and anxiety in health care.
And here’s a catch-22: The more you stress, the more vulnerable you can become to viruses, because stress can dampen your immune response.
But there are steps you can take to push back against the communal anxiety.” Read the rest here.
