Have any of you been surprised recently by the long lines, disappearing packages of toilet paper, and inability to purchase bottled water at Costco lately? This was our experience over the weekend, and come to find out that many others had a similar experience to ours. The Coronavirus is on everyone's minds and is causing some to stock up on supplies in event that the virus was to spread to Wenatchee.
I have been closely monitoring the spread of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) over the last week in preparation for how we might respond if it were to come to Wenatchee or into TRA. Below are a few facts about COVID-19, a few resources for you to read up on the virus if you are so inclined, and also a brief outline of how TRA will respond in the event of an outbreak locally.
First - the Coronavirus is not currently viewed as a high threat in Washington State (see “Risk Assessment” in this article)
Second - for healthy individuals, COVID-19 is not considered a big threat. At present, they calculate the risk of death to be less than 2% and many researchers believe this number will go down as they are able to test more and more people. The Coronavirus has symptoms that are highly similar to the common cold or flu and thus many people may contract the virus without ever going in to be tested which is likely why the death rate percentage is as high as it is.
Third - the symptoms (as mentioned above) are similar to the flu or a cold. Fever, cough, and respiratory issues like shortness of breath. In many patients, the symptoms are so mild that some who tested positive still felt fine to go to work or school.
Fourth - Children have so far (especially in China) been less likely to contract the illness. Less than 2% of the confirmed cases in China were in children.
Fifth - those considered to be at highest risk are those in the age range of 70-79 or those with underlying or chronic conditions (especially respiratory-related).
Here are some of the most informative articles:
As a school, we will continue to carefully monitor the spread of the virus in our state. We will also follow the direction of the state and local Health Departments as well as the Superintendent of Public Instructions recommendations. If the virus were to spread to our school, we are prepared to consider school closure for a time, but will, again, follow the directives of state and local health officials.
In the meantime, may I suggest a few good practices with regard to the prevention and spread of the virus should it come to our town?
The following practices are extremely important for all students and adults:
Do not bring your students to school if they do not feel well or have cold or flu-like symptoms (elevated temperature, fever, cough, shortness of breath). Keep your student home.
Do not come to work at the school if you do not feel well or have cold or flu-like symptoms (elevated temperature, fever, cough, shortness of breath). Stay home.
Wash hands often with soap and water. If you do not have soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Sneeze and cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve instead of your hands. Throw used tissues in a garbage container immediately after use. If you use your hands to cover a sneeze or cough, wash your hands immediately with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, touching your nose or putting your fingers by or in your mouth.
Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
And as with all things in life, trust the One who gives us breath and life each day.
God bless,
Eric
