March 4, 2020 by Katherine Bennett
We live in an era of ever shortening news cycles where clickbait takes precedence over well documented research. Is it any wonder that the average American feels their blood pressure rise at the mere mention of the novel coronavirus that is also known as SARS-2-CoV and Covid-19?
Talking heads on both sides of the political aisle want to co-opt this story for political purposes and use both conventional and social media to play the blame game. Meanwhile, the rest of us just want to know how to avoid bad outcomes and when this current anxiety producing storyline will stop being something we need to worry about.
In that spirit, I am going to trust that you already know how to wash your hands enough to skip the tutorial and move on to the top ten things you need to know about the novel coronavirus.
#1- This really should not be a political issue. While it is an election year and those seeking election on the national stage might be engaging in finger pointing, there is an army of dedicated civil servants (both elected and appointed) who are working around the clock to keep you safe. Hingham’s state senator Patrick O’Connor emphasizes that Massachusetts leaders are working together to make decisions related to citizen well-being by talking to medical professionals. “Here in Massachusetts, the top priority state government has right now is protecting the well-being of citizens and we take this situation very seriously.”
#2- State efforts surrounding this virus are currently focused on containment. Because the two confirmed cases are both related to international travel, there is no current evidence to suggest that this virus is “community spread”. Since cases can still be traced back to their origin, the state has prioritized understanding who has recently traveled overseas to a location where there are known cases of the virus and have urged these individuals to self-quarantine as a protective measure for the public. The risk to Massachusetts residents remains low.
#3- The most up to date and reliable information does not come from social media. If you want drama, watch the Bachelor. If you want solid information that will keep your family safe, your best bet is the regularly updated coronavirus page that the mass.gov website has added to help Massachusetts residents navigate the risks faced here in Massachusetts. The CDC page is valuable for understanding global trends but the Massachusetts Department of Health is best situated to give you detailed information about what is happening in your community.
#4- There’s both a short-term crisis and a longer-term problem. Like the cold and flu, the novel coronavirus could abate as the summer approaches. Unfortunately, just like the cold and flu, this new germ may rear its ugly head again in the fall. Healthcare professionals around the world very much want to delay outbreaks (even if some consider them to be inevitable) because if we can make it to the end of this flu season without experiencing pandemic conditions, the medical and biotechnology fields will have more time to prepare for a spike in demand for treatment of patients. The federal government is working with the pharmaceutical industry to develop a vaccine, but the CDC estimates that a deployable version will not be available until at least a year from now which won’t be helpful for the 2020-21 cold/flu/covid-19 season.
#5- The novel coronavirus is going to have a big financial impact. I have been advised not to look at my retirement savings statements for the next six months and encourage you to do the same. While the impact for most portfolios may not be as severe as what we faced in 2009, it’s not going to be pretty given the global supply chain impacts of this virus. There’s also the issue of paying for the surge in medical services this crisis warrants. When asked about the impact on Massachusetts taxpayers Patrick O’Connor states, “It’s too early to tell, but the state will no doubt have to supplement whatever federal funds we receive. The good news is that the Massachusetts budget has a surplus this year which will be helpful in mitigating those costs.”
#6- We are not yet in a place where quarantines and social distancing strategies are needed, but it’s likely that day will come. As of today, the state of Massachusetts is not mandating that activities involving crowds be limited because there is no documented community spread of this germ. That could change very quickly and parents would be wise to consider childcare options should schools be temporarily closed for cleaning or quarantine purposes. Now is the time to stock up on non-perishable groceries, cold medicines, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer. If you will be containing small children during the quarantine, you may want to also purchase earplugs. In all seriousness, splurging on some new books, toys and video games wouldn’t be the worst idea.
#7- It’s ok to want to take precautions, but it’s not ok to be racist. I wish I didn’t have to bring this up because most people know better, but the reality is that there are a lot of cruel jokes circulating on the internet and children have been bullied because of racist implications that people who look Asian are responsible for the virus. This is not only offensive, it marks those who repeat this nonsense as not very bright. This is a global problem and this germ does not discriminate. It also has led to serious financial losses for some Asian run businesses. Want to combat this sort of racism? Order Chinese food for dinner. (You know you didn’t feel like cooking anyway!)
#8- Anyone who insists that they know the trajectory of this disease is likely to be proven wrong. There is data being collected from each new documented case that scientists are rigorously examining to determine both the scope and a potential remedy for the novel coronavirus. But on a collective level, we still exist on the early side of the learning curve. We know that this germ is spread more easily than the flu and produces more serious outcomes for the elderly and those with preexisting conditions, but because of production delays in tests to determine who has a documented case of the disease there are many clinical cases that are suspected but unconfirmed. We also know that mortality rates of the disease can not be fully calculated until the disease has run its course. Given the uncertainty, those seeking to protect themselves and loved ones are wise to err on the side of caution.
#9- Periods of crisis can become opportunities to forge stronger bonds with one another. During World War II and after 9/11 there was a sense of solidarity that grew among American citizens as we collectively faced a common enemy. Today, we have a choice. We can give in to fear or despair over the disruptive effect this virus might have on our lives, or we can treat it as a catalyst to improve our relationships with close neighbors and family as we prepare for a temporary change in lifestyle. After all, we are in this together. Even if we personally do not fall into a high-risk demographic, we likely have a friend or loved one who does. Every time we wash our hands properly, it is an act of care for those who are most vulnerable.
#10- Of all the places in the world to be, Massachusetts may be the safest. Patrick O’Connor reminds us that “Not only is our state government very prepared, we have many of the brightest people in the entire world here in Boston working around the clock to solve this problem. Massachusetts leadership is committed to following the recommendations of these health professionals to shape the policy that will help keep you and your family safe.” I don’t know about you, but I’m very glad to live in a city with a disproportionate number of world class hospitals.
So… take a deep breath. It’s going to be ok. Now go wash your hands!