COVID-19 Affects Us all, Here’s How
Infections
COVID-19 affects us all. Some differently than others. Here’s what we know about COVID-19. About 80% of people have mild symptoms. These symptoms are not serious. What does that mean? You won’t need to go to the hospital. Symptoms get better. Everyone recovers. This doesn’t mean to ignore precautions. You shouldn’t! In fact, they should be followed. Even with lower risks. On the other hand, 14% of people have serious symptoms. Symptoms are more severe. And they may not get better on their own. There’s also risk of complications. But, people will eventually get better.
Some people aren’t so lucky. This is true for 6% of people. They get very sick. So sick that they have to be hospitalized. They need help breathing or have other life-threatening symptoms. Of those people, 1-2% die from complications. There are variables to consider. Firstly, age. But why? Older people are more vulnerable to serious illnesses. Secondly, health. Pre-existing conditions are conditions you had before an illness. They complicate COVID. Examples are breathing problems, cancers and kidney problems.
Recovery
Mild COVID-19 resolves on its own. This happens 1-2 weeks after infection. On the other hand, severe cases don’t. They have complications. So their recovery can take 6 or more weeks. Some completely recover within that time frame. However, others don’t.
Will There Be Relief?
The flu follows a pattern. It hits when the weather is cold. And tapers off when its warm. COVID-19 has been compared to the flu. They’re both respiratory illnesses. Some scientists believe that COVID-19 follows a similar pattern. They don’t think it’ll completely go away. But they do think cases will slow during warmer seasons.
COVID-19 Affects Us Nationally
States issued stay-at-home orders for non-essential residents. States with higher cases issued shelter-in-place orders. COVID-19 affects all aspects of the state.
Healthcare workers
Healthcare workers are on the front line. Examples include doctors, nurses, and emergency responders. They treat infected patients daily. This means they’re constantly exposed. As a result, many test positive for COVID.
Healthcare facilities have overwhelming COVID cases. Many don’t have the resources for testing. So some cases are presumed. Additionally, they don’t have enough staff or beds. There’s also an equipment shortage. This equipment protects workers from injuries or illness. So an equipment shortages increase risk of exposure. Facilities make tough decisions. Reuse possible contained equipment? Decide who gets to use the equipment? Hold equipment for certain situations?
Businesses
Non-essential businesses closed. For example, malls, restaurants, and hair salons all closed. This includes small and large businesses. Some businesses fired, furloughed, or reduced workers’ hours. Revenue slowed during the pandemic. And they couldn’t cover payroll. The government approved emergency programs. This includes loans or funding options. They help businesses overcome revenue loss.
Hospitality
Restaurants closed. Some opened for take-out. Others opened for dine-in options. But, at limited capacity. This means that certain numbers of people can dine-in at a time.
Hotels closed. Some stayed open. They saw a decline in business. Hotels also have modified amenities. For instance, gyms are open. But, people have timed workouts. Also, hotel restaurants stopped dine-in options.
Schools
Schools and colleges closed. Their buildings hold hundreds of students. There’s high risk of transmission. So, they closed to spread. Virtual instruction is the new norm. However, there are barriers. One is access to technology. Some families don’t have laptops or internet. Therefore, students can’t participate. Second are types of learning opportunities. Students need varied opportunities. That is, opportunities for learning that don’t require technology.
Travel
Governments limited travel. The purpose? To slow COVID spread. Non-essential travel is restricted. This includes international travel and leisure travel. Travel isn’t limited to leaving the country. It also includes coming into a country. Some restrictions were lifted. We can travel. But this doesn’t mean to travel without caution.
COVID-19 Affects Us Worldwide
You hear about COVID’s national effects. But, you don’t hear about its global effects. COVID-19 continues to affect us globally. Some countries have a better handle on it. They have flattened cases. And lifted restrictions. Lives have resumed as normal. However, this isn’t the rule. In fact, some countries still struggle. In short, the world is affected in some way.
International response
Countries closed borders to non-essential travel. This limits the number of people coming in. But, why? To slow COVID spread. General precautions are enforced. But, some places have more strict laws. What kind of laws, you ask? Fines and mandatory stay-at-home orders. This isn’t happening all over. In fact, it’s only in areas where people don’t follow recommendations. Also, some cities shut down. COVID cases were steadily increasing. Therefore, they shut down to stop the number of cases.
Developing countries have a hard time with COVID. They don’t have resources for preventative measures. Their hospitals can’t handle the increase in cases. They don’t have enough beds. And some, limited staff. In short, they have more COVID-related deaths.