US Number One in Covid-19 Cases and Deaths, Where to Go From Here?

US Number One in Covid-19 Cases and Deaths, Where to Go From Here

Laurence T. Gayao, MD

As Americans we have prided ourselves as the greatest and most advanced nation on this earth. We are known to be leaders in technology, finance, healthcare, innovation and a dominant voice in world affairs. Many in the world consider America is synonymous to affluence and progress.

“As of today April 15 morning, at least 606,800 people across every state, plus Washington, D.C., and four U.S. territories, have tested positive for the virus,” according to a New York Times database. “At least 25,922 people with the coronavirus have now died in the United States, according to a New York Times database. The death toll has grown by more than 500 each day for the last week and now exceeds the number of people known to have died from the virus in mainland China, where the pandemic started in December.” We are now the epicenter of this pandemic.

The US being number in the world one in cases and deaths due the Covid-19 is not a place which gives us any sense of pride. How did get to this morbid position? At this point our energies should not be directed to finger pointing of who is at fault but we need to face this pandemic asking the question how to mitigate the dire situation we are in. The time to investigate were the system failed is after we get over the pandemic. The aim to be able to create a more cohesive and scientific approach to prevent a crisis like this in the future. For now we need to focus how to control the spread and shorten the pandemic.

Asymptomatic people could have the virus

To get a grip on the spread of Covid 19 our leaders should understand that a studies have showed: 17.9% Of People With COVID-19 Coronavirus Have No Symptoms. If you forget everything else in this article don’t forget this. This tells us we need to check all contacts of all Covid-19 cases and have them screened for the virus and quarantined if positive. There is also need to enforce social distancing and the use for face masks in the public. Don’t wait for our political leaders to tell you the right thing to protect yourself. One state governor candidly admitted he did not know asymptomatic cases could have and transmit the virus, till 24 hours before he made the announcement and this was when his own state which hosts the offices of the CDC, already had about 6,000 confirmed cases and 200 reported deaths. 

Aggressive Testing of Exposed Individuals

In South Korea they started to have Covid the same time the the US did, with more in numbers but they were very aggressive screening potentially exposed individuals and quarantined those who were asymptomatic but positive for the virus along with those who were sick. Quarantine violators face up to 3 million won ($2500) fines. South Korea was able to control the spread without resorting to the lock downs as they did in China.

Wearing of Protective Masks by Public

Early on many were laughing at pictures of Asians wearing face masks where ever they went. Evidence now show that they were right after all because it has been shown that wearing of mask help control the spread of infection, instead of asymptomatic virus carriers going around spreading the infection uncontrolled by not have a covering.

CDC recommends the wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

 CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Other Important measures

Almost overnight, social distancing, quarantining, and self-isolating have become buzzwords, verbs, and hashtags with millions of followers. But with their new celebrity-like status comes some confusion.

Social distancing

Social distancing is where the six-feet of space rule applies. Social distancing means deliberately creating physical space between yourself and others to avoid spreading or catching COVID-19. Social distancing is the first step in flattening the curve, which is why sporting events, concerts, and other social gatherings have been cancelled or postponed. In most venues, it’s impossible to remain six feet apart from others, so cancellation is a requirement that protects public health. Social distancing is also why so many of us are working from home, why schools have moved online, connections with friends are now via FaceTime, and gathering with people outside of your household is not recommended.

Stay-at-home order

A stay-at-home order means, stay home. Only go out for necessary items like food and medical care. Most retail stores and offices will be closed until the order is lifted. While essential businesses will be allowed to remain open like grocery stores, banks, hardware stores, post offices, essential transportation, senior care facilities, farming operations and media outlets, everyone else should stay home as much as possible. Restaurants offering curbside or delivery options also remain open. You can still go outside under a stay-at-home order – do yard work, go on a hike, but be responsible and practice social distancing.

Self-quarantine

For those who may have been exposed to or are at risk of COVID-19, self-quarantining for 14 days is the recommendation. This might include those who have recently traveled, have been in contact with a person they now know is infected, or those who were perhaps initially a bit resistant to the idea of social distancing. Self-quarantining means staying at home and remaining at least six feet away from others in your household. If you may have been exposed to COVID-19, don’t share any items with others. Have your own set of towels, utensils, and a separate area in your house if possible. A no-visitors policy and frequent hand washing are also required. After two weeks, if you don’t have symptoms, it’s possible to return to your normal routine — which may be simply a return to social distancing. Be sure to check the latest recommendations from your local health department.

Self-isolation

Not everyone needs to be admitted to the hospital. Isolation serves the same purpose as a quarantine, but it’s reserved for people who are already sick and designed to keep infected people away from those who aren’t infected. Isolation is appropriate for those who have tested positive for COVID-19, or who have symptoms but haven’t yet been tested. Self-isolation means staying indoors and eliminating all contact with others, using a separate bedroom or bathroom if possible, and not leaving your home except to get medical care (in which case, you should call ahead first). The decision between at-home isolation and hospital care is made on a case-by-case by medical professionals. For those who are admitted to a hospital, special personal protective equipment will be used by medical personnel.

No matter which stage you’re in, remember these recommendations are in place to help you and those around you. Humans are social beings, and while following these guidelines may be difficult, it’s also necessary. It’s important for everyone to do their part, take precautions, follow the advice of public health experts, and flatten the curve.

Wash your hands!

Don’t forget the old method of infection control. Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and then dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Prepare your family, and communicate your plan about evacuations, resources and supplies.

Experts suggest stocking at least a 30-day supply of any needed prescriptions. Consider doing the same for food staples, laundry detergent and diapers, if you have small children.

Reach Out 

Ever since I and wife had to stayed at home we have group calls using Facebook messenger with family from out of the country and out of state. More time to talk to each other by phone or social media with friends and relatives. Some people work at home so which is good if they can. I was able to take one of my required recertification courses online. Our church had live streaming so I invited other folks to watch church service from different regions of US and Canada. The whole idea is occupy your time to avoid unproductive panic and worry. Just because you are confined to your home does not mean you’re isolated from the rest of world.