Responsibilities during a Pandemic

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   by monotrome 1000 January 27, 2020 

In life, we all have responsibilities to others. This is a true during a pandemic as well.
Airline passengers are instructed to put an oxygen mask on themselves, first, then help others. This is for the simple reason that you cannot help others if you are incapacitated. For the same reason, it is important that when you prepare for a pandemic, that you make sure that you will stay healthy, so that you can help others.
Given the limited information we have about the incubation period for the Wuhan virus, we should all be prepared to self-quarantine in our homes for at least 2 weeks. If you have been identified as a contact of someone who was infected, this is the responsible thing to do. Make sure that you have enough food, a thermometer and other basic healthcare supplies, including prescription drugs to stay in your home for at least 2 weeks.
If a widespread outbreak occurs in your locality, it is quite possible that it will be dangerous to go out in public for months. Many long time members of Flublogia would recommend 2 - 6 months of supplies in this eventuality. N95 masks, not surgical masks, and disposable gloves may be helpful to have on hand. However, N95 masks are already in short supply. If you have such masks and you discover that health care workers do not have sufficient N95s, consider donating some of yours. You or a loved one may need medical treatment at any time. People won't stop having heart attacks, strokes or other medical emergencies just because they are in their homes, safe from the virus. Essential personnel, such as workers at a power plant should also be on your donation list in an emergency. If the grid goes down, very bad things will happen.
All city officials should immediately begin dusting off their emergency plans; review their procedures; and try to acquire necessary supplies. It may be already too late to obtain a supply of N95s. Hint, N100s may still be available. Governor's should review their State emergency plans, including coordination with National Guard leadership.
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services should declare a Public Health Emergency, now. The President should institute a travel ban from China and coordinate the repatriation of American citizens who wish to return with a plans for viral (not temperature) screening and 2 week self-quarantines.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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Tabitha111 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Adviser Group Joined: January 11 2020 Location: Virginia Status: Offline Points: 11640	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tabitha111 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Responsibilities during a Pandemic Posted: January 27 2020 at 1:33pm
	by monotrome 1000 January 27, 2020 In life, we all have responsibilities to others. This is a true during a pandemic as well. Airline passengers are instructed to put an oxygen mask on themselves, first, then help others. This is for the simple reason that you cannot help others if you are incapacitated. For the same reason, it is important that when you prepare for a pandemic, that you make sure that you will stay healthy, so that you can help others. Given the limited information we have about the incubation period for the Wuhan virus, we should all be prepared to self-quarantine in our homes for at least 2 weeks. If you have been identified as a contact of someone who was infected, this is the responsible thing to do. Make sure that you have enough food, a thermometer and other basic healthcare supplies, including prescription drugs to stay in your home for at least 2 weeks. If a widespread outbreak occurs in your locality, it is quite possible that it will be dangerous to go out in public for months. Many long time members of Flublogia would recommend 2 - 6 months of supplies in this eventuality. N95 masks, not surgical masks, and disposable gloves may be helpful to have on hand. However, N95 masks are already in short supply. If you have such masks and you discover that health care workers do not have sufficient N95s, consider donating some of yours. You or a loved one may need medical treatment at any time. People won't stop having heart attacks, strokes or other medical emergencies just because they are in their homes, safe from the virus. Essential personnel, such as workers at a power plant should also be on your donation list in an emergency. If the grid goes down, very bad things will happen. All city officials should immediately begin dusting off their emergency plans; review their procedures; and try to acquire necessary supplies. It may be already too late to obtain a supply of N95s. Hint, N100s may still be available. Governor's should review their State emergency plans, including coordination with National Guard leadership. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services should declare a Public Health Emergency, now. The President should institute a travel ban from China and coordinate the repatriation of American citizens who wish to return with a plans for viral (not temperature) screening and 2 week self-quarantines. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.