COVID 19- Update: Tuesday, August 11th

Chronic fatigue syndrome, 1.5%, vaccine update, WHO and a review of protocols.

1. “Chronic COVID” has been reported by enough people now, about 1/3 of everyone who has gotten it, that the CDC now suspects having COVID may cause chronic fatigue syndrome to onset as well as other post viral issues. Lawmakers put forward a bill to allocate 60 million in funding toward studying the long-term effects of having COVID.

2. 5 million US cases = 1.5% of the US population. If the disease really has infected 10x that many it still only represents 15% of the population leaving plenty of room for growth.

3. Any vaccine in the US would get full FDA approval and not use EUA. While the review process would be expedited, they report the requirements would not be lessened. The vaccine is not anticipated to be available widespread until at least next summer and current projections are that 2 doses will be needed.

4. The WHO recommendation and standard being used in other nations is to keep things closed until an area has below a 5% positivity rate. The US has 37 states above that with an average of 7.5% and some states are much higher.

5. Let’s discuss what you can be doing to protect yourself and your family but still live your life: a) limit unnecessary trips out, weigh the risks of the outing before you go, b) wear a mask when inside public places – remember just how far the virus can travel is still being studied under a variety of circumstances. So, mask up. c) go shopping when needed but wear a mask and maintain distance. If most people aren’t masked, leave. If it is crowded leave. d) avoid crowded places when possible e) form a COVID community – a group of family and friends who are taking the same precautions as you that you can safely socialize with. f) in areas with significant case counts opt for take out or delivery instead of dine-in. In areas where cases are low, opt to eat on the patio or outdoor dining. g) don’t go to bars. f) when you go out, wear a mask and take hand sanitizer with you. When you return to your car, remove your mask using the earpieces – avoid touching the front of the mask. Then clean your hands with hand-sanitizer. Avoid touching your face or the mask again until you are home. When you get home wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, (don’t forget to get those wrists, and between your fingers) and then go on with your day.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This week came in with a rumble, quit literally for me, and it is certainly making its presence known. But yesterday I had to run out for milk and my heart was warmed to see that everyone was masked. Everyone. Minds and behaviors can change if they are given a safe environment to do so. It is not hopeless, So stay the course and keep doing what is right, others will follow. You are blazing a trail like Lewis and Clark and sometimes that is exhausting, it certainly takes a great deal of energy but it is not in vain.