Covid cases are rising again, both in Yancey County and across the US.
Epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm compares Covid to a forest fire, “If there’s human wood around, it’s going to burn . . . I think we’re going to see a terrible fall,” he says, “and I worry that we’re going to see numbers far in excess of what we even saw in the July peak.”
While we cannot control the actions of others, it is more important than ever that we protect ourselves. You already know the drill: if you are an elder, stay home as much as possible. If you must go out, wear a mask. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly. Use hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water. Maintain at least six feet of distance from others.
From what we have learned, the greatest danger of transmission appears to be sustained contact (more than 15-30 minutes) in a crowded indoor space. Avoid these situations whenever possible, even if it means making alternative plans for the upcoming holidays. If you are in an automobile with others, keep the windows cracked to insure adequate ventilation. If you experience symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has Covid, get tested and isolate yourself. If you are in public and you see others indoors without masks, avoid them.
Thankfully there is some good news on the horizon. The quality of Covid treatment is improving. Even though the numbers are spiking, more people are recovering. Some of the experimental antibodies appear to help, and it looks as though we are likely to have a vaccine by 2021. However, nothing is going to change quickly. We are going to be maintaining Covid precautions for months to come.
So what can we do in the meantime?
Above all, stay healthy. Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly (even if only a daily walk outside), get adequate sleep and limit your intake of stressful news. If you do feel ill, see your medical provider. Don’t avoid necessary medical care due to fear of Covid.
Here is what we know:
*On Friday, October 23rd the US set a single-day record of 82,154 new cases. New daily cases have increased more than one-third from only a few weeks ago.
*In the Asheville area, Buncombe County reports 3,800 cases and 101
deaths. Over 40% of the cases are among 25 to 49-year-olds. However, adults over 65—who account for fewer than 20% of total cases-- represent 88% of the deaths.
*The Global Pandemics website now lists the Covid risk for Yancey County as red—the highest risk level—where stay at home orders may become necessary.
While most people who get Covid 19 recover, deaths are averaging 700 per day nationwide—nearly 225,000 overall.
Even among those who recover:
* One recent study of 100 recovered adults found that 78 showed signs of heart damage.
*One-third or more experience mental disorientation and other symptoms referred to as “brain fog.”
*Over half of people who recover become Covid “long haulers,” who continue to experience symptoms more than three months after recovery.
Suffice it to say, friends: you do not want to get this virus!
Yes—we are all exhausted from the isolation and precautions associated with Covid, and pandemic fatigue is a real phenomenon. Many people are simply not taking precautions, you see it every time you are out in public. Regardless of their motivations, the outcome is likely to be the same. Those who do not protect themselves and others add fuel to the Covid fire.
At MY Neighbors virtually all of our requests are for transportation. However, remember that we can also help with simple tasks around the house. If you need help, call us.
Millions of Americans are experiencing financial stress due to the economic downturn. Food insecurity is on the rise. We regularly deliver food to Members from both Reconciliation House and Dig In Garden. Let us know if we can help.
More than 40 percent of adults reported in June that they were struggling with mental health. During these times of social isolation it is normal to feel lonely or even depressed. Our Volunteers continue to make weekly calls to Members who request them. Call us, even if it’s just to talk. Or think of someone who might enjoy a call from you and call them.
Please be cautious about online friendships. One of our Members was recently defrauded by a younger “boyfriend” she met online. If anyone you meet through social media asks you for money, end the relationship immediately. If you have been victimized by fraud, contact the NC Department of Justice, which has a dedicated number for consumer complaints: 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or (919) 716-6000.
Remember that the journey at our stage of life is from independence to interdependence. We need one another now more than ever. Together, we will get to the other side of Covid: one day at a time, one good deed at a time. We look forward to hearing from you.
For the MY Neighbors Board,
Chip Poston