Americans should prepare for coronavirus spread in U.S., CDC says

[Pachamama]

7. We are no better (and likely much worse) than Italy in preparation for what the Coronavirus brings

We do not have proper measures in place and Americans are not alternating how they go about their lives. Planes from Asia and Europe fly in daily. Those people walk around, possibly infected and have no symptoms for a virus that has been shown to have an incubation period of 14 days and possibly up to 28 days. Secondary infections are appearing in Italy and S Korea. And those people could for weeks have contact with 100’s of people and those people also. Yesterday people across the US went to sporting events, church, synagogues, mosques, concerts and conference meetings. They sat on public transportation in close proximity to each other. On yoga mats near someone they don’t know or who they were in contact with. Classrooms filled with kids, all in close proximity. Dorm rooms on college campuses.

The mom at the grocery store with her cute toddler sitting in the cart who was drooling and giving everyone high-fives (Parents - try using Amazon shopping or getting a friend or neighbor to pick up groceries so you aren’t exposing your child and everyone).

Yesterday thousands gathered at the Staple Center to memorialize Kobe Bryant and his daughter and friends who died. Want to bet there were some people from Italy who traveled there to remember Kobe (who knew him and his father from their time in Italy)? Jimmy Kimmel who spoke encouraged people to reach out to neighbors next to them, even if they don’t know each other - many shaking hands and even hugging strangers.

Can the COVID-19 Coronavirus spread like wildfire and become pandemic in the US?

You can expect it.....its coming and I am very concerned because I see the perfect storm for it to take hold here in the US.

Like Italy, we don’t have enough “testing kits” and no where near the capability to implement mass testing in cases when people go to their physicians, clinics or hospitals when they have symptoms.

We don’t have enough hospital beds and unlike China, do not have the ability to set up emergency hospital beds that would have the proper ICU and necessary care and containment to protect other patients and medical staff from it infecting them.

Medications used for treatment of many of the symptoms and other diseases and conditions in the US (many of which are exasperated by COVID-19) and send people into serious or critical condition are all made in China and are currently already in low supply. A sudden demand to the system will not be able to be met.

I see a disaster headed for us and Indefinitely have little faith in the Trump administration to handle it. They aren’t even doing what needs to be done now and organizing with State Givernors and Public Health Officials to be getting warnings out, preparing and letting people know what they need to do and help them be ready.

I can only suggest to my fellow DUers the following: Take the best care of your immune health that you currently can.was your hands frequently. Carry anti bacterial anti viral wipes and wipe down surfaces like door knobs and shopping carts before touching. Avoid touching stair railings without gloves or escalator rails. Avoid crowded public places and events and venues if you can. Re-schedule travel to events or places, particularly international if you can. Stock up on canned goods and food items that could carry you through at least a month. Have meds on hand and medical supplies, even over the counter that you normally take for granted as being readily available. Have N-95 rated face masks on hand and anti bacterial/anti-viral wipes and cleaning supplies. Figure out a plan for your family members and friends of how to care for each other and also being prepared to be in your home if there is a mass outbreak.