Major League sports suspended play, schools and universities closed, and President Trump declared a national emergency. As if this was not enough to cause panic, the CDC recommended that for the next eight weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.
UGA Extension’s mission is to extend unbiased, research-based education to citizens. First and foremost, to obtain understanding, one must know the facts—credible facts. In our current state of events, the following sources provide readers with factual, updated information for rational decision making: The Center for Disease Control (CDC), Georgia Department of Public Health (GPDH), United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA, and Univeristy of Georgia Extension (UGA). Therefore, posted COVID-19 information on social media outlets may or may not be valid. Please take the time to consider the source before reposting.
Lawrence Gostin is an American law professor who specializes in public health law. According to Gostin, “What we’ve learned from all past outbreaks is that when you have a stressed health system, many more people die of other diseases than they do of the actual outbreak disease.” The Georgia Department of Public Health is working closely with the CDC and state partners to quickly identify cases of COVID-19 and take the appropriate public health action to reduce its spread and protect the general public.
Understand, although this is serious, there are simple steps that can significantly combat COVID-19. The same measures urged to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus are increasingly important for all Georgians: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If and only 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. Stay home when you are sick. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (UGA extension emergency preparedness).
Fear and anxiety about this disease have led to unnecessary stigma and discrimination against certain populations. It is important to remember that viruses cannot target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial background (GDPH). It is critical that we not allow panic, irrational behavior, price gouging, and excessive hoarding of supplies to cause further destruction, especially in times of uncertainty. I vividly remember 9/11; many of those emotions emerge today. Yet, how amazing that in such a crisis, our people, no matter of ethnic backgrounds, religious or political preference, our people used fear and uncertainty to ignite compassion and kindness. Instead of standing alone, as we often do, we stood together, and we stood strong. Today and for months to come, the challenge is to lead by example, with every word, every action, igniting compassion and kindness, stand strong together.
For more unbiased, research-based information on COVID-19 used in the above article, visit CDC, GDPH, EPA, and UGA Extension Emergency Resources.
