I saw a really good video this morning with a doctor explaining Coronavirus in a very easy to understand way. I’ve summarized it below, but highly recommend you check it out!
The current Coronavirus is a variant of many other coronaviruses that have been around for years causing colds. This one is different because it can cause a more serious illness.
The Coronavirus is spread by droplets that are emitted when we sneeze or cough.
The Coronavirus may live on surfaces for a period of time (unsure how long) so make sure to clean counters and other surfaces.
Be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face
Symptoms associated with this novel Coronavirus are fever, cough and sometimes shortness of breath.
TESTING – requires a nasal or throat swab –
We may need to work from home or cancel planned travel.
It’s a good idea to have 2 weeks supply of things you’ll need in case you are asked to self-quarantine – food, tissues, medicines, toilet paper, etc
Social distancing (staying away from
others) is absolutely VITAL to reduce the spread of the novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19). I myself am
practicing this in my office – I bow to people I encounter rather than shake
hands.
But it’s also VITAL to
remember that we, as human beings, are social animals. Social distancing, quarantine and isolation
go against the very nature of our being.
And especially in times of crisis – time and time again we come
together, across political/socioeconomic/racial divides, and unite for the
greater good.
So what are we to
do?
I’ve summarized some great tips from
an article in Scientific American Magazine
on how to connect without contact.
(By Kasley Killam, 3/12/20.
Face-to-face
from afar: The next best thing to in-person interaction is video
chat. Play around with doing what you would
normally do with others. For example, try having a digital dinner with someone
you met on a dating app, a virtual happy hour with friends or a remote book
club meeting.
One-minute
kindness: When you find yourself scrolling through people’s
posts, stop and send one of them a few kind words. Takes only a little more time than a like and
can mean a great deal to the receiver.
Cultivate your
community: The basis of connection is having something in common.
Whatever your niche interest is, there is an online community of people who
share your passion. There are also
digital support groups, such as for new parents or patients with a rare
disease.
Deepen or
broaden: Get in touch with a friend or family member you haven’t
spoken with in a while to deepen that connection. Or broaden your network by reaching out to
someone you’d like to get to know.
Use a
tool: consider using
conversation prompts, such as TableTopics or The And, to spark interesting
dialogue during a call.
Pick up the phone: Don’t
forget there are many Seniors and other
American’s who don’t use the internet. A
phone call or even a letter (yes, Snail Mail still exists) could mean the world
to them.
The
coronavirus pandemic reminds us that human connection can spread illness. But
human connection ALSO promotes wellness. Let’s take this opportunity to
reconnect without physical contact.
