Confined with Coronavirus
With State of Emergencies popping up in new states across the nation, the news stations have also ramped up their coverage of the disease. With new cases getting reported daily now, the problem is in the numbers. From what I've gathered, not everyone who contracts the disease has been tested, and as you can imagine it would be hard no matter what, to keep track of each and every case.
What worries me is the conversation online about what to believe. Given we can't trust the numbers, I'd rather be cautious in this case than overly optimistic and get sick. Living with an autoimmune disease isn't easy on a good day, but even with something as common as the flu, I have to be extra careful about my health. Ah social media...I came across individuals and groups online claiming that this is nothing more than the flu, and possibly even less dangerous. While this may be, I can't imagine such actions being taken by the government to release funds to combat it, if that were the case, nor would they be reporting on each and every newly discovered patient.
To continue life as-is while the disease spreads especially for those in tight communities or large offices is extremely scary. Living in Northern California right in the middle of what seems to be a hot zone has made me tune and turn up the news.
While in Seattle, Amazon and other top tech giants telling their employees to work from home until at least the end of the month speaks volumes in how wide the threat is. If you said that a company like Amazon, specifically Jeff Bezos doesn't have access to, or somehow is in on inside knowledge, I would be surprised. Also, for such a large company focused on profits to allow employees to stay home for an extended time gives me great pause. The red flag is waved.
Yes, I work from home so I know it can be done, but to have a large company with employees used to working in-office, to suddenly start working from home, will be an adjustment. One that I'm sure will hurt productivity on some front. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a smart move, and other businesses should follow.
I fear the employers with the mentality that this isn't bad. Unfortunately, there are too many employees without sick or vacation time and no option to take time off to stay home. And what happens if suddenly businesses HAVE to close temporarily and workers are forced to stay home without pay?
The issue with Coronavirus goes further than a runny nose for a lot of people and taking it lightly isn't an option anymore but I'm not telling you to run out and pay $100 for the flimsy paper face masks you get for free at the doctor's office either. There's a healthy in-between. For those who don't have underlying health issues, wash your hands and be aware. For those how have ailments like me, the elderly and very young, take extra precautions to stay well! It's important to take in the information, yes, stock up the pantry a little just in case, but don't overreact.
Aside from not overreacting and getting prepared, WASH YOUR HANDS!
Watch for symptoms
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath