1. Just wanted to mention something about the coronavirus #COVID19 situation, for anyone unfamiliar with how federal/state governments, hospitals, first responders, school systems, etc. prepare for specific types of emergencies.
You may already know this, but just in case...
You may already know this, but just in case...
2. In a situation like this, it's good advice to say "don't freak out". That's not to say people shouldn't worry about #COVID19 at all. The whole point of emergency preparedness is to "prepare". Regardless of what 45* says, remember that fed & state governments ARE preparing.
3. Federal, state, and local governments, as well as hospitals and first responders, ALREADY have "standard operating procedures" in the event of specific types of emergency scenarios. Just like they have plans for natural disasters, they have an "#epidemic preparedness" plans.
4. Even local and county governments have emergency preparedness plans for potential #epidemics. Especially after the anthrax scare following 9/11, which was a BIG wakeup call for every level of government to have a plan mapped out for "worst-case-scenario" disease outbreaks.
5. Employees at federal/state/local government health agencies, hospital employees, first responders, etc. sit through HOURS of training (renewed annually) so they know what the emergency plan is and what their responsibilities would be in the event of something like #COVID19.
6. These "epidemic prepareness" plans are reviewed on a regular basis and, if needed, are adjusted based on new knowledge from recent epidemics (e.g., SARS, MERS, Ebola, etc). And there is a system in place for coordinating with other agencies if situations change with #COVID19.
7. So if you see an announcement advising people to prepare for potential spread of #COVID19, please *don't* panic. That's not a declaration of emergency. It *does* mean that governments, hospitals, 1st responders, schools, etc. are reviewing their emergency preparedness plans...
8. That's a good thing. It means they're telling their staff, "Remember all those hours you spent in epidemic preparedness training? Good news! You get to review it all again! And if you're lucky, you'll get sit through endless meetings to be sure we're prepared for #COVID19."
9. Something else to keep in mind. If you find yourself totally freaking out about #COVID19, remember that you can always call your state health department, or other government health organization, and ask them what the current advice is for your *specific* state or city.
10. If you work at a federal/state health agency, or if you're a first responder, or if you work in a hospital, feel free to add to this (or correct anything). And if you have any recommendations on reliable sources for state/local updates on #COVID19, suggestions are welcome.💜
