How can we explain to people how bad it can get?
First: 1 in 5 (20%) of cases are severe needing hospitalization for extended periods.
Second: 3-4% die, with increasing risk for those over 50.
Third: Spreads rapidly with 1.5X per day new cases, over 10X per week.
First: 1 in 5 (20%) of cases are severe needing hospitalization for extended periods.
Second: 3-4% die, with increasing risk for those over 50.
Third: Spreads rapidly with 1.5X per day new cases, over 10X per week.
Talking with family and friends, share with them your concerns, share a few things you are doing. Don't try to get them all the way in one conversation.
Mention easy things to do. Focus on ones easy for the person you are talking to.
Examples:
1) Reducing contact with others, including family, friends and professional. Suggest remote meetings by calls and video chats.
2) Ensure essential supplies are available just in case.
Examples:
1) Reducing contact with others, including family, friends and professional. Suggest remote meetings by calls and video chats.
2) Ensure essential supplies are available just in case.
3) Avoid public events and gatherings. Say: People you don't know may be sick. Explain superspreader events and give examples.
4) When at a necessary meeting stay farther away than normal (6 ft), don't shake hands or kiss, be brief.
4) When at a necessary meeting stay farther away than normal (6 ft), don't shake hands or kiss, be brief.
5) Consider vulnerable members of the family including elderly, but also anybody over 50, as to the risk of contact with others. Reduce their contact, provide support that enables them to stay at home and not go into public spaces.
6) Consider whether it is possible to temporarily move individuals who are in collective housing (retirement communities, assisted living facilities, etc.) to more isolated accommodations, including private homes, or small group facilities.
7) Where it is not possible to reduce contacts, talk with those who are responsible for collective facilities to increase the level of precautions against transmission. Everybody should be asked on entry if they have symptoms or history that might lead to infection.
8) When in public or shared spaces, avoid touching surfaces, door handles, faucet handles, elevator buttons, banisters. Wear gloves, travel with paper towels. Wash hands frequently. Where necessary use sanitizer.
8) Suggest conversations with employer asking about plans and policies being developed.
9) Ask how you can help.
9) Ask how you can help.
