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Wednesday! I now find that I need to remind myself what day
it is. Yes, I need a point of reference as the days and
weeks are blending together. We are inching our way to the
reopening of our new reality. As we're learning, it will
mean social distancing, enhanced hand washing, restrictions
on travel, face masks, decontaminating common areas, no
hugging or handshaking, reductions in restaurant capacity,
no large social gatherings. All of these will remain in
place until COVID-19 is under better control. The quarantine
of well people in order for us to flatten the curve is
working in most places. Hospitals and health care workers
are better protected. If there is a large outbreak, we have
resources in place to better deal with it.
Keep in mind that the quarantine of well people was never
envisioned to make the virus go away. The virus may go
dormant during the summer, but, similar to influenza, it
will re-emerge when people come closer together in cooler,
less humid times. Hopefully, by then, we will have our
weapons more ready than ever: anti-virals, prophylactic
remedies (monoclonal antibodies), anti-cytokine and immuno-
modulatory medications, and of course, a vaccine. And
importantly, we need to protect our most vulnerable,
particularly the elderly and infirm who reside in rehab
centers, nursing homes, group homes, etc. To date, half of
the deaths in Europe have been in nursing homes, and 25% of
the deaths in NY.
The numbers:
Maryland:
20,849 cases -/- 985 deaths -/- 4.7% fatality rate
(+56 deaths from yesterday)
The Maryland Ro: (see April 22 Update for explanation of Ro)
No real change, we remain in the green zone, 0.89; lower is
better.
Locally, all remains stable.
Diagnostics and Therapeutics:
Nothing new to report.
On a musical note: In every Update, I like to find an
emotional support mechanism; sometimes a quote, or music, or
a picture, just to let you know that you are not alone and
we are going to make it. You may be bored, anxious, antsy,
angry, frustrated or a mix of all of these and more. Just
remember that how you think is how you feel. Just as I was
writing this, my sister-in-law (thank you JF) texted me this
from one of my favorite shows, Jersey Boys. I hope it causes
you to pause and listen and center yourself. It did for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aU57pMVdJw
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