Hi everyone! As we all probably know, COVID-19 has been in our lives for quite a while now. It's affected us inside and out, so I thought it'd be a good idea just to share a couple of things that could potentially be helpful, whether it be physically or in terms of mindset.
First, a couple of facts about COVID-19:
1. COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a new virus, of which we do not (yet) have a vaccine for.
2. Symptoms include a cough, fever, and on occasions, difficulty breathing. This means that it can sometimes easily be confused with the common cold.
3. Although we do not have a vaccine yet, there are ways to protect yourself. Remember, while these will not completely drown your chances of catching the virus, it does serve as protection, especially when necessary errands are being run outside the home.
4. Yes, you cannot see it. No, it does not mean that it won't hurt you. Please do not take the outbreak lightly. Anyone can be affected - no matter your race, nationality, or age. The COVID-19 does not discriminate. Younger people with healthier immune systems are more likely to be carriers than affected, but as said before - it's highly infectious and can easily travel to someone else who may be more susceptible.
I highly recommend watching this video from 3Blue1Brown:
Next, I'd like to go into a couple of ways to decrease the chance of being impacted by COVID-19:
1. Self quarantine. Please! This is extremely important - try to refrain from going outside the home. When leaving the house is necessary, such as for groceries, try to only have one person in the household leave the home.
2. Wash your hands. Seems simple enough, but try to wash your hands for at least 20 - 40 seconds. Soap helps dissolve the virus and protects you.
3. Cover your cough. This decreases contamination.
4. Six feet rule. Stay six feet away from people when you do have to go outside. This is crucial to stopping the spread of COVID-19, along with what was just previously explained.
At this point, you may be thinking: What can I do to help? COVID-19 is on the news everyday. It seems to never stop. Hospitals are in need of masks, and even worse, some people are being left jobless. It feels so chaotic. Thankfully, our local government has been there to ensure us of safety and containment of the virus, but there are still steps you can take to help.
Here are a couple of links to what you can do to help:
Create your own face mask. This won't protect you from everything, but definitely helps give at least some protection - which is better than nothing.
Our Bay Area nurses, doctors, and staff are in need of medical equipment. Anything from personal protective equipment (such as face masks), disinfectant wipes, to hand sanitizer and others things are being accepted. Please help and appreciate the people at the front lines.
Donate your computer processing power. This will be used towards finding a vaccine and simulating viral spread. For more information on how to do this, please go to: https://500womenscientists.org/updates/2020/3/17/helpless-no-way-lots-of-ways-to-help.
This is a hard time for everyone, but I sincerely believe that through the power of community we will be able to get through this together, no matter how far away we have to be from each other (six feet, at minimum).
If you're looking for something to watch (or happen to be a The Office fan like myself), I recommend watching this video from John Krasinski. Being positive in such a time is definitely important: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5pgG1M_h_U
We wish everyone safety and health! Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions, comments, or would just like a conversation.
From your friends at the Saratoga Pod.
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