Recently COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, has been the most common discussion topic both

in the news and in individual communities around the world. You’ve probably been checking in with
your family and friends or have had family and friends checking in with you. A lot of people just went on
Spring Break, were preparing for vacations, were looking forward to summer plans, graduations, and
weddings. Now, we’re seeing restaurants and bars close in many major cities, and concert venues and
theaters are delaying shows or switching to livestreams. In other words, this is normally the season for
get-togethers and events, and now we’re getting news that we should isolate ourselves as much as
possible.

While it’s kind of a let-down to not be able to go on that big trip, visit the beach, walk across the
stage to get your diploma, throw a housewarming party, or walk down the aisle, it is very important to
self quarantine—especially right now.

COVID-19 spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about
6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by
touching surfaces where the virus has been, then touching one’s face. Even if you think you are not
infected, you still might be; it can take from 2 to 14 days for the virus to incubate and start showing
symptoms, and many people who carry it are asymptomatic.

Coronavirus’ infectious nature is why the virus has spread so quickly, and why restaurants, bars,
airlines, cruises and other locales where people gather in large groups have started coming to a halt. In
these environments, especially when food and drinks are involved, it is more likely that people will
spread microscopic saliva particles through breathing, talking, coughing, sneezing, and laughing. These
particles not only travel through the air but can also land on glasses, plates, doorknobs, silverware,
tables, and other surfaces that people are highly likely to touch without even thinking about it. Every
place that you visit where other people are raises the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Now imagine that everyone is going about business as usual: having get-togethers, going out,
moving in and out of restaurants and shops, coming into contact with one another and touching the
same doorknobs, bouquets, arm rests, handrails, guestbooks, etc. one after the other. We can get some
idea of where we’re headed based on where the Coronavirus has been, specifically in countries like
China and Italy. Within the course of two weeks, both countries saw the number of Coronavirus cases
skyrocket from a handful to thousands before quarantining. It’s also worth mentioning that the United
States is still behind on testing, so the actual number of cases is higher than what’s being reported.

If someone is infected in your household but does not leave, then COVID-19 cannot spread beyond
the household, sparing your friends, family, and neighbors from getting it as well. In addition to slowing
down the virus, this also leads to less people entering the hospital, reducing strain on the healthcare
system and improving the chances for first responders to fight the virus.

So far, the people most likely to be fatally or severely impacted are older patients and those who
are immunocompromised. This includes people who have been diagnosed with cancer, asthma or other
respiratory conditions, and those who have weak immune systems due to other complications or
medications. Even if you specifically are not in one of these categories, you can still carry the virus, may
be severely affected, and/or spread it to someone who will be severely impacted.
 Right now, it’s impossible to accurately tell who in our community could be carrying COVID-19.
And because it spreads through social interaction, it’s in everyone’s best interest to self quarantine as
much as possible. Cancelling large gatherings and dine-in services is a step in the right direction, but it is
our personal responsibility to do everything we can to social distance and self isolate.