Preparing for an American Coronavirus Crisis

The CDC maintains the current risk to the general public for contracting COVID-19 remains low. However, they are also warning Americans to prepare for the worst. They say it’s no longer a matter of ‘if’, but a matter of ‘when’ the coronavirus will become a serious matter in the United States. This comes out of growing concern over the spread of the respiratory virus outside China. With more and more countries confirming cases and the prevalence of world travel, Americans are urged to be cautious despite the current low risk level. 

Preparing for an Outbreak in The United States

I feel very strongly that we should all start preparing for more confirmed cases of COVID-19 even though current cases are being contained. Now, this isn’t to say anyone should start panicking. But, the best offense is a good defense, as they say. So, being prepared for the worst can help us succeed in containing the virus. A great example of how we can work together and be prepared is to follow China’s lead. 

First, we need to consider how this will impact daily life. Schools may close temporarily, churches and other places of worship may need to be temporarily avoided, and families should prepare with food and supplies for a week or two. Companies may need to consider work-from-home options for employees, hospitals may need to postpone elective procedures to leave space for emerging coronavirus cases, and doctors may also need to consider practicing telemedicine to see as many patients as possible while reducing exposure. People should also consider how workplace closures may affect households in terms of lost wages. Again, it’s important to consider these options as temporary measures should the need arise. Don’t panic, as there are still relatively few cases in the United States. The takeaway here is to have a plan and be prepared.

Risk of Asymptomatic Transmission

A previous report centered around a businessowan who traveled from China to Germany to meet with colleagues. The report initially indicated she was asymptomatic and was then found to be infected with COVID-19. However, new information emerged indicated she did, in fact, have mild symptoms.

Now, the latest paper published regarding an asymptomatic patient centered around a 20-year-old woman traveling from Wuhan, China to visit her family over 400 miles away. This young woman had no symptoms, but five of her relatives were infected with the novel coronavirus a few days after her arrival. Blood work and a CT scan checking for an immune response and inflammation both appeared normal. However, a sensitive laboratory test (RT-PCR) confirmed that she actually was infected with the virus. Now, this one case does not confirm that those showing no symptoms can spread the virus. But, it does indicate it is a possibility and more research is needed.