The past few weeks all that everyone has been talking about is the coronavirus. I don’t blame you if that’s been you constantly talking about getting sick, but there are many misconceptions about this virus that has people overreacting in a sense. I’m here to set the record straight and provide you with legitimate facts straight from credible sources so you know how to prevent getting sick, and how to educate others on the topic.
Background Information:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus, a respiratory illness, first broke out in China and has now traveled worldwide, infecting thousands of people. The coronavirus is otherwise known as COVID-19. Coronaviruses typically infect animals, such as cattle, cats, and bats, and rarely infect humans. SARS-COVID-19 (the coronavirus we have been worried about) is a betacoronavirus, meaning it came from bats. COVID-19 began in Wuhan, China and was initially linked to animal products, but eventually began to spread from person to person as well.
How Bad Is It?
COVID-19 has ranged from mild to deadly, with the majority of the cases being mild. According to the CDC, 16% of cases are serious. These serious cases typically affect the elderly or those with weak immune systems such as the sick or frail. According to a study by the New England Journal of Medicine, the median age of patients is 47 and 41.9% of the infected are women. As of February 23, 2020, there were 2,462 deaths worldwide because of the coronavirus, about 3% of those infected. It is likely that the COVID-19 will cause a pandemic.
COVID-19 is spread through close contact and through respiratory droplets. It spreads easily throughout a community.
In the US
Every state and territory is testing people for COVID-19. In the US there have been 83 travel-related cases, 36 person-to-person cases, and 528 cases under investigation. Washington, New York, and California have the most cases with over 100 in each state. There have been less than 5 cases reported in Missouri, Tennessee, and Indiana. Unfortunately, Illinois has 11 cases. According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Public Services, the number of cases in Kentucky has gone up to 8 positive cases of COVID-19.
How to Keep Myself Healthy
The two best ways to keep yourself healthy is by washing your hands and staying away from others. Washing your hands as often as possible for 20 or more seconds at a time will help keep you healthy. Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer will not work effectively for the coronavirus, however, if soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol in it. If others in your community are getting sick then stay home yourself to keep away. If you are feeling sick stay home. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and immediately wash your hands afterward. Finally, clean and disinfect surfaces around your home or workplace. Use an EPA registered household disinfectant. You can find the list here: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf
Self-Quarantine
If you are feeling sick or have been tested positive for COVID-19 then you should quarantine yourself. If you have been overseas in the past 14 days, the CDC also recommends that you self-quarantine. You should quarantine for 14 days since you left the at-risk area. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, immediately call health services and make them aware of your condition.
Get Rid of the Stigma
It is understandable for people to be upset about a potentially life-threatening disease making its way closer to their home. However, this fear is no excuse for discrimination against certain people. Lately, there has been a social stigma toward those of Asian descent or those who have traveled recently. It’s important to raise awareness without causing fear towards people. Remember that just because someone is of Asian descent doesn’t mean that they have ever been to China, or have any connection to COVID-19. Disease travels through anyone, it does not discriminate by race.
COVID-19 at Murray State
So what is Murray State doing about all of this? The university is frequently assessing COVID-19 in a workgroup consisting of president Dr. Bob Jackson and many other individuals from various boards and services around campus. Study abroad has been canceled up until April 30th. University travel outside the state of Kentucky has also been canceled until April 30th. Summer study abroad trips will be evaluated as the time comes closer and the status of COVID-19 is under control. Currently, there are no plans to cancel spring commencement ceremonies. The university has urged everyone, including professors and other faculty, to stay home if feeling sick or in precaution of future illness. They have encouraged faculty to prepare to move their classes online in case of an emergency.
While there has been talk that classes will cancel, there have been no confirmed statements from the president. Berea College in Kentucky announced on 3/10/2020 that they will be closing campus for the rest of the semester to promote safety among the students. It’s hard to say which direction Murray State will lean towards.
Get Informed
You should get all of your information on COVID-19 from reliable sources. Relying on information from news stations is not always the best way to learn. Often the story is exaggerated to make a good headline or not all the correct information makes it into the story. Using reliable sources can help you stay informed, and help keep others on track to staying healthy.
Reliable sources: