Limited travel, canceled events, and the virus that is yet to have a set cure. The Coronavirus only grows more and more daunting as people across the world panic and stock up on hygiene products. Washing hands is no longer enough to ease the fear sweeping over the United States.
Worldwide, the amount of positive cases proven is close to reaching 100,000. The amount of such cases in the United States continues to increase, but should people in the Chicago area be worried? Not yet. One city currently at a high risk would be Seattle, having thirteen of the fourteen linked deaths from the Coronavirus in the United States. As of March 9, the New York Times has reported New York monitoring over 2,700 people in the state, who are being isolated in their homes and self-quarantined.
As of March 5, 2020, Chicago has five confirmed cases, which is more than most states that have yet to experience Coronavirus exposure, but better than the situation other states are facing. According to NBC Chicago, Tom Panocha and his wife, two people in Chicago who had the Coronavirus, have both been able to recover from it. Similarly to the Panochas’ situation, where Tom had the Coronavirus passed from his wife, it has been proven from the cases in China that the easiest way to come in contact with the illness is by members in one’s household.
With each passing day, the Coronavirus is getting more extreme. Donald Trump shocked the world with his decision to put a travel ban in place, preventing people from going to or coming back from Europe. This includes every country in Europe besides the United Kingdom. The ban will start at midnight on Friday, March 12. This has caused some serious criticism, as Trump’s actions were taken without consulting the European Union first.
The most important habits to adopt at this time include keeping surfaces clean, using a humidifier, maintaining good air circulation, refusing to share cups, and washing hands. In fact, such habits are more crucial than buying cheap face masks from the store, which do not actually help fight off the Coronavirus according to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University.
One should limit their travel plans for the time being, especially with spring break rapidly approaching. Even populous events, such as concerts, if not already canceled, should be reconsidered by those attending. Staying local and staying away from large numbers of people can help slow the spread of this nightmarish virus and keep communities clean.