Don't Panic

Abby Knows

By: Abby Adams

It could really go either way when the editor tells you to write as much as you want, especially with an opinion column; oh be careful what you wish for.

I'll try not to make him regret it.

I get it, they can't do the normal stories you love because of the stay-at-home orders and just a good old fashioned sense of moral responsibility.

Just means a little more room for little ol' me.

And I'm going to take this opportunity to try to drive home, in a completely clear if not redundant way, how important it is everyone act and think right until the COVID-19 pandemic is just a bad collective memory.

For the most part, humans seem to be pretty self-interested, and the fact that so many people have come together as communities would be rather amazing if it weren't for the fact that all anyone is being ask to do is stay home and wait on a check.

But the forced vacation in isolation is going to start getting to people, and it won't be long before summer arrives and brings with it a restlessness in the spirit of mankind.

Woe is us.

I really don't think it matters who you think has the wrong or right information, it's really all the same, just with different emphasis and context.

There are some things that aren't being talked about much, like the potential for reporting inaccuracies and delays, coupled with lack of

MAKE GOOD USE OF YOUR TIME AT HOME

Just never have time? Now you do. • Clean ... everything. Ceiling fan blades, behind the oven, the garage. • Learn something you've wanted to learn.

From a foreign language to the guitar, there are plenty of online resources. • Go through your clothes and donate the stuff you haven't worn in the past two years. • Unread email ... enough said. • Try your hand at something creative. Paint a picture or build a birdhouse. • Read a book. • Make a list of the top ten places or things you want to visit or do when it's safe to. • Learn to cook a new dish. • Find your new favorite show and binge. • Play games. Board games are great for a family but now you have time to play and beat that video game you've been eyeing. • Reach out to people you haven't talked to in a while and catch up a bit.

testing, making any and all numbers and counts all but irrelevant.

The truth is all we can count are positive responses to testing that only the sickest are receiving. That and the death toll, but early sentiment seems to be there have been and continue to be many misreported or unreported deaths.

And what about asymptomatic carriers of the virus? Estimates range from 35 to 85 percent. On the low end that's four people who could infect you for every confirmed case. On the high end almost nine out of 10 people who can transmit the deadly disease have no idea they have it and never seek testing.

You could be carrying the virus right now and never know you had it. But a high risk individual, unfortunate enough to cross your path, could become a statistic. And you a murderer?

It's terrifying to me that I could be responsible for a stranger's death and never know it.

Don't Panic!

I keep telling myself that, but it's not easy. But let's try to find and be part of the solution shall we?

It's really simple, the virus has a pretty short life span outside of a host. A couple of days at best. This is why it's so important to stay home when you can and social distance when you must go out.

And remember, the face mask is to protect others from you, not you from getting the virus.

Since most people who have the virus never know it, not wearing a mask when you're around other people is like firing a gun wildly into a crowd, not knowing if its loaded with bullets or blanks.

Friends, we don't have to panic, we just need to remember the only way through this is to think about the potential effect we unknowingly have on others and do everything within our power to prevent the possible spread of the virus ... and we have to hope our friends and neighbors will all do the same.

Don't let impatience or politics cause unnecessary suffering and loss of life. We are all in the same boat together, and the entire world understands .

Don't Panic!

What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others

Know about COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness.

Know how COVID-19 is spread

You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person. You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others. Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

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Practice social distancing

Buy groceries and medicine, go to the doctor, and complete banking activities online when possible. If you must go in person, stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch. Get deliveries and takeout, and limit in-person contact as much as possible.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but you can seek medical care to help relieve your symptoms. If you need medical attention, call ahead.

Know your risk for severe illness

Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness.