Community question:
I’m about to turn 30 and there is a lot of rhetoric out there that we should not worry about contracting this as we are more likely to recover —but what are the effects really?

A: This has been a major issue in controlling the spread of coronavirus. At this moment there are people who are enjoying spring break, confident that it will not affect them.

A couple of facts-- the death rate for people <30 years old is less than 1%. In contrast up to 20% of patients greater than 80 years old will die from COVID19. Their symptoms are also more likely to be mild in nature. So it is a fact that young are less impacted. But please consider;

-if someone less than 30 years old gets the coronavirus, they (like everyone else) are guaranteed to have less access to the health care system. This could translate into an inability to be seen at their primary care physician's office or ER.

-The end result is that a simple upper respiratory infection or pneumonia won't get the attention it would get in a normal, unstressed system which could translate into a worse illness/more complications. But the most serious implication is this;
-Think of that person greater than 60 years old that you love. Your Nana in Atlanta, your Tio in Texas, that nice neighbor that you enjoy chatting with... all of these people are at increased risk of dying. And you can help protect them, just by staying home. It seems a small price to pay for someone you live!

COVID Panic—Where is all the toilet paper?
Hoarding in San Antonio

Been to the store lately? Hopefully not.
That was a trick question – stay home
folks! So, let’s talk toilet tissue. Why on
earth is everyone panic- buying toilet
paper?
As creatures that feel the need to be
prepared and take care of ourselves
through tough times, when we often
will rush out and stock up on things
such as bottled water and canned and
dry goods when we get information on an approaching storm or possible season
of unfavorable weather.
So, why not add this to our prize panic possessions? Our fearful nature that is so
deeply rooted in us that it can cause us to evaluate and choose what other items
we deem worthy of stock piling. Since we all share this same essential bodily
function, it may seem only natural to want to grab up all the two ply you lay your
eyes on. Try your best not to do that.
Even though, as you have probably seen on the local news, there is no shortage of
delivery trucks coming in to drop off supplies to our grocery stores. No shortage
of the incoming toilet paper, so if everyone would just stop over buying and
creating the problem, we all would be okay.
Just remember that we have to share our community with others and that when
you panic-buy and over purchase, you may be taking much needed items from
someone in dire need like an elderly person or someone with children. So, fear
not San Antonio, more toilet paper is on the way, buy what you need and think
about the rest of our community in need.
Stay well and stay home.

​What is social distancing and why does it matter?
 
During this critical time where our encounters and interactions with each other are being closely monitored to help keep us safe and stop the spread of the deadly Covid19 virus, something as simple staying home can make all the difference to so many people.
A better description of social distancing is avoiding nonessential travel. This could mean going out to eat at restaurants, out to bars, visiting your gym and even going to work. The latest updates from the government have recommended not gathering in groups larger than 10 people until the end of April.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, our nation’s leading infectious disease expert, is instructing that we hold strong on the quarantine and social distancing efforts. That is our safest and most effective way to not only keep ourselves healthy but also our loved ones that we live with. Be patient and try your best to stay healthy and make good health choices, right now is crucial.
On a local level, here in San Antonio, most businesses have been ordered to shut down to help keep our city safe. While no one knows exactly how long we will be “social distancing”, the better we adhere to the guidance of our government and medical professionals, we have a better chance of getting through this as quickly and safely as possible. Social distancing matters to everyone and it starts with you.