Unless you have lived on one of the celestial bodies in space, you know of COVID-19 better known as the Coronavirus. In December 2019, in the city of Wuhan-China's largest city of 11 million residents; a pneumonia outbreak of unknown origins has led to global implications. In early January 2020 Chinese scientists isolated a novel coronavirus from patients in Wuhan. It is believed that the outbreak originated at a local wild animal/seafood market. Since this outbreak, regions affected are Asia, Canada, the United States, Europe (Italy has the strongest number of reported cases), Australia and Egypt.
Needless to say, since the first reported case of the Coronavirus in the United States, there has been a level of fear to dare I say it ignorance. From increased hostility towards Asians to individuals not buying Corona beer (yes beer) or frequenting any Asian owned stores or restaurants. I even encountered a woman who took out her box braid extensions because the synthetic hair comes from China ( she actually said and believes this)...I must admit, many of these idiosyncrasies triggered me; I get easily annoyed when despite the fact people will retreat to the sublime and ridiculous. And in their level of stupidity, a group is being marginalized and businesses are suffering.
Here is what we do know:
-There is no vaccine
-It is contagious
-The best form of defense-WASH YOUR HANDS for 20 seconds as often as you can
-Those paper surgical masks do not work on those who are virus-free
-The elderly and those with secondary chronic conditions are at risk
-If soap and water isn't an option at the moment, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is the second-best preventative measure
-It is best to cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing/sneezing-quickly discarding the tissue (washing or sanitizing hands afterward)
-If one feels ill, STAY HOME
We have been told these facts in various forums, yet the ignorance still prevails. I can't speak to the worldview of others, what I can and am doing is appealing to those who are willing to listen (or in this case read) and ensure that the right information is being relayed. Beautiful people, stay informed and healthy.
