COVID-19, the strain of coronavirus the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic, has left a Connecticut father of two in a coma. His wife cannot even be by his side while he fights off the virus—as one of the people who he’s come in contact with, she and their two twin sons—both babies—are under a two-week quarantine at home. (1, 2)
When the man in his 40s, whose name is being withheld by the media, returned from a California conference on February 28th, 2020, he seemed fine. But that weekend, symptoms started developing. A few days later, on March 2nd, he had a fever. Shortly after, he developed pneumonia. His test results were positive for COVID-19. He’s been placed in a medically induced coma, to help his body fight off the illness. (2)
“Take This Seriously”
COVID-19 affects the elderly or those in poor health most severely. Although the man was in good health according to his wife, he has an enlarged heart, which makes him vulnerable. “I know some people are saying this is hysteria,” she says. “But I think it’s really important for people to take this seriously. My husband got really sick, really fast.” (2)
With 1,268 cases across the United States, there have been 33 deaths. Thirty-one of those deaths have occurred in Washington state, with 457 cases. New York State currently has the next largest amount of cases, at 328. (all numbers still climbing) However, COVID-19 symptoms often will cause only mild illness, so it’s very possible that not everyone who has it has been tested or identified. (1, 2)
“Do the Right Things with Calm”
Despite the fact that COVID-19 is the first pandemic since swine flu (H1N1) in 2009, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization is encouraging people not to panic. He said it is very possible for countries hit by the infection to slow or stop it—if they’re willing to put in the work. The Director-General closed his address with an inspiring call to every citizen of the world: “People, we’re in this together — to do the right things with calm and protect the citizens of the world. It’s doable.” (1)
What Is the Right Thing?
The Center for Disease Control has already collected information on how people can deal with COVID-19—and some of those tips are not what you might think.
Of course, there is this health advice:
- Wash your hands often, and for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you feel ill
- Use tissues after sneezing
- Limit your social engagement.
But, in addition, the CDC offers some social guidance as well. “Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people, or exclusion of people who pose no risk from regular activities,” their website urges. Some of the particular groups the CDC specifies as being at risk of stigma and discrimination are people of Asian heritage and healthcare workers. In fact, they have been forced to specify on the CDC website that COVID-19 can affect people regardless of their ethnicity. (3)
So, while COVID-19 does need to be taken seriously, as the Connecticut victim’s wife urges, it is important to remember to do what is right—including stopping the spread of bigotry—as well.
