MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis thankfully is not a hot spot for the coronavirus pandemic. Or perhaps I should say not yet. Other cities such as New Orleans and Detroit – with similar demographics as Memphis – are already facing a tremendous spread of the virus – and, sadly, the deaths that come with it. So, like the rest of the country, Memphis and Shelby County must brace for the worse that is likely to come in the next couple of weeks.
With that in mind, it is crucial that we continue to follow medical guidelines and the emergency government orders. That means staying at home and leaving home only for emergency needs such as food and medicine. Health officials are now recommending that we all wear a mask when we do venture out. If you don’t have one, you can make one from small towels, handkerchiefs, even paper towels and rubber bands.
This is serious, folks. The coming days will put a massive strain on local hospitals as we see a rise in the number of serious cases. The Gateway Shopping Center on Jackson Avenue is being transformed into a temporary hospital for non-acute patients in order to free up room at existing hospitals. And the search is on for other temporary facilities.
Let me add that the doctors, nurses and first responders are the real heroes in this fight as they risk their lives to treat and save others. And that’s my point of view.
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Coronavirus in Context:
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80-percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.