First I hear 'it is just like the flu'. It isn't 'just like the flu'. Seventeen years ago I had the misfortune to have influenza several days before I was scheduled to get my annual flu shot. High fever, aches and pain and then the cough developed. It turned out I picked up a major lung infection because of 'it is just the flu'. The doctor prescribed a pain killer because I was coughing so hard every muscle in my chested was sore and tired. Antibiotics for the infection. Bronchial-dilator so I could breath and the last medicine was to help with the coughing. The lung infection made it feel like I was drowning and I was lucky I didn't have to go to the hospital. In total it took six weeks off work before I was able to go back and for weeks after that I was easily tired. Ever since I have a cough that I cannot get rid of. Part of the six weeks was Christmas and I don't remember celebrating it as I was on the La-Z-Boy semi-reclined sleeping most of the day.
For COVID-19 from what I see it is even worse than 'just the flu' and now I am seventeen years older and a diabetic too which puts me into a higher risk category. So far we have been lucky and isolating ourselves now and I have been working at home. When we do need supplies I am using a list of what is necessary prepared ahead of time to minimize the number of stores I have to go to and it is just me going to the store. Hand-washing has always been practiced here and we just upped the frequency (whenever I walk out I wash my hands when I get back). Paper towels by the sink for when we finish washing. We do have a small supply of wipes, but, I have cleaners and Javex that works just as well cleaning surfaces.
For household supplies we didn't go into a panic like too many others. For decades we always kept at least a two week supply of frozen, canned and dried goods in the house in the event of a weather emergency. If we did lose hydro then a lot of using the BBQ for the frozen goods before it spoils. BBQ always has two spare tanks so we can do three meals a day for a few weeks without a problem. All we needed was only a minimal topping up there (milk, bread & butter). Toilet paper and paper towels we tried to keep a four week supply and we were not worried when there were nothing in the stores. We limit trips to the stores to only what is needed and kept our distance from all others to minimize our contacts with others. We did have a small supply of cash, but, with COVID-19 we used credit cards for all payments.
People were rediscovering the joys of cooking, but, again panic buying of baking staples and hoarding meant many others were denied some staples. Again, we were lucky as I do a lot of baking and had most staples on hand with the exception of a small quantity of yeast. Hopefully people will keep on doing more home baking as there is nothing better than fresh baked goods over prepackaged items that may be high in sugar, fat, salt & preservatives.
It is sad and frustrating watching and reading the news about those who are ignoring best practices to try to minimize the spread. Trolls are spreading conspiracy theories to get the people to fear the government and any possible medications or vaccines in the future. People who have medical issues, the elderly, health care workers EMS and others pay the price of some members of society not trying to slow the spread by physical distancing and staying at home. You want to be social? Facebook, twitter, Skype, ZOOM, Messenger allows you to socialize with co-workers, friends and family without the chance of spreading the virus.
For politicians that are wanting to restart businesses as you are worried about the financial impact. If people get sick and die because you opened earlier to 'save the economy' then who will make the products, who will deliver the products, who will buy the products as the people are sick or dead?
For politicians:
- We want you to be leaders;
- We want you not to point fingers;
- We want calm, clear communications and no political spin;
- The buck stops with you and if you don't do your job we can replace you at the next election;
- We want you to consult with and take the advice of experts;
- Not to pronounce that you know it all and know better than the experts;
- We want you to take responsibility of your actions or inaction and not to blame others;
- We want you to put aside partisanship and embrace co-operation with all parties to put the needs of the people and country first.
After the emergency
When it is all done and over with there must be a public formal review at the municipal, provincial (state), federal and international:- What Worked and why;
- What needed improvement. Action plan to improve things, assign people to the tasks, delivery dates and a schedule for updates until completed.
- Who should be responsible to set up a number of facilities for
- Critical medical supplies like gowns, masks, gloves, cleaners, essential medicines, testing kits, any specialized medical devices;
- A plan to keep it stocked and disposal of expired materials;
- A budget defined to keep the facilities operational;
- Regular reports to the government on the status of the facility;
- Who should be responsible for monitoring for potential outbreaks in the future and reporting to the various levels of government;
- Who should get the reports and the communication process;
- Who is responsible to take action on the reports;
- Who are critical personnel in various industries;
- Food supply and the supply chain;
- Doctors, nurses, paramedics, police, fire departments;
- Long term care homes;
- Communications;
- Utilities;
- Transportation;
- Communication plan so we know what position (not the person) will be the central point of contact;
- How is it communicated;
- How often will there be updates;
- Basic plan to define each stage of the emergency;
- What gets shut down and when will it restart;
