As many of you know, I live in the Deep South. . . and this weekend’s news for the management of COVID-19 was NOT. GREAT. in this part of the world.
Our neighboring state of Florida decided to reopen its beaches – on the day its virus cases hit a record high. . .
And in my state of Alabama, a task force, headed by the Lt. Governor, has recommended reopening everything essentially at half-capacity – against the advice of the Department of Public Health:
I read this just before I learned that 15 cases of the virus were diagnosed at the long-term care facility where I last worked before I had to stop working altogether – nine residents and six staff members. This news is just heartbreaking.
Clearly, the situation is totally under control, Lt. Governor. . .
Then, this morning, I learned that the Lt. Governor’s “Task Force” was blatantly dishonest and changed the recommendations and plans of the Alabama Dental Association – who have plainly stated they are NOT ready to safely reopen – in their press release to the public:
I also read more today that it is becoming clear that this virus directly attacks organs other than the lungs – for example, the kidneys (there are dialysis machine and dialysis supply shortages in some of the hospitals with high volumes of COVID patients now) and the heart. That it affects the heart explains why some young patients will seem to have improved and be off the ventilator and then die suddenly.
It also seems to be linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in seriously ill patients. In fact, Broadway actor, Nick Cordero, who is hospitalized with COVID and fighting for his life, has just had his right leg amputated due to DVT that could not be treated with blood thinners as they were causing internal bleeding and the resulting complications from it.
This virus is incredibly complex and devastating and we should be certain it is contained – especially as we have no system in place for broad testing, no reliable antibody test, no proven treatments, and no vaccine – before we attempt to open everything again as usual.
As if it wasn’t terrible enough. . .
This, as we all know what is happening in the rest of the country with the stay-at-home order protestors and the President himself seeming to almost incite violence.
It is a total sickening mess.
The good news is that, as this article from MIT reports, quarantine and social distancing measures are working – BUT, if they are stopped now, the virus will return with a vengeance:
And, though I try to see the good in things, in this situation, with state and federal officials just hellbent on reopening, medical advice be damned, I fear we are going to pay a high price for their foolishness.
I fully understand that people have to work – my husband works hard to provide for our family – but they cannot work if they are dead. I don’t know what else to say.
These are extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in.
Unfortunately, we do not have extraordinary leaders to rise to the occasion.
Lord, have mercy.
Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.
No matter what our political leaders say, please continue to stay home as much as possible.
Grace and Blessings.
the autoimmune hippie. 