There has been some good news in the fight against Covid-19 as of late. Perhaps better said, there has been slightly less horrific news as of late, and that has led to a flurry of discussion about “reopening America”, and some states have outlined plans to do just that.
But we’re not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination. Ignoring the recommendations of experts, in part, is what got us here in the first place and doing so again (we haven’t met ANY of the World Health Organization’s six criteria for ending lock downs) has the potential to put us right back where we started.
We’ve got a long way to go.
Below are five articles that have made me think over the last ten days or so.
As always, consult the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and local sources (San Antonio) for the most up to date information and resources..
What Good Leadership Looks Like During This Pandemic
Michaela J. Kerrissey and Amy C. Edmondson. Harvard Business Review
Key quote: “It takes a unique kind of leadership to push against the natural human tendency to downplay and delay. Far too many leaders instead try to send upbeat messages assuring all is well — which, in the current tragedy, has unfortunately led to unnecessary lost life at a scale that may never be accurately counted.” Read the rest here.
W.H.O., Now Trump’s Scapegoat, Warned About Coronavirus Early and Often
Richard Pérez-Peña and Donald G. McNeil Jr. The New York Times
Key Quote: “But a close look at the record shows that the W.H.O. acted with greater foresight and speed than many national governments, and more than it had shown in previous epidemics. And while it made mistakes, there is little evidence that the W.H.O. is responsible for the disasters that have unfolded in Europe and then the United States.” Read the rest here.
WHO Sets 6 Conditions For Ending A Coronavirus Lockdown
Bill Chappel. National Public Radio
Key quote: “Any government that wants to start lifting restrictions, said Tedros of WHO, must first meet six conditions: 1) Disease transmission is under control, 2) Health systems are able to “detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact”, 3) Hot spot risks are minimized in vulnerable places, such as nursing homes, 4) Schools, workplaces and other essential places have established preventive measures, 5) The risk of importing new cases “can be managed”, 6) Communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to live under a new normal.” Read the rest here.
The Three Equations for a Happy Life, Even During a Pandemic
Arthur C. Brooks. The Atlantic
Key Quote: “Religion, philosophy, and the arts have long considered happiness a subject suitable for study. The sciences have only recently caught up. This column, which we’re calling “How to Build a Life,” will draw on all these sources of wisdom in the hope of helping you identify the building blocks of happiness—family, career, friendships, faith, and so on—and giving you the tools to use them to construct a life that is balanced and full of meaning, and that serves your values.” Read the rest here.
Facts (and Myths) About Boosting Your Immune System
Sumathi Reddy. The Wall Street Journal
Key quote: As the new coronavirus continues to spread across the country, having an optimally functioning immune system is more important than ever. Medical professionals say it is important not to rush to buy supplements and vitamins that promise to enhance your immune system; there isn’t much evidence that such products do any good. Instead, they say, stick with the more mundane, but proven, approaches.” Read the rest here.
