David Lee

What I’m hearing on the Coronavirus

This virus is deadlier than the flu and a lot more contagious than the flu…(CNN)

This is a “come together” moment for the United States, in fact the world…we need to work together to prevent further spread of the flu (CNN)

President Trump has declared a national emergency – Friday, 3:32 pm

It’s nearly impossible to tell when the virus will peak in the U.S. and how long precautions will need to be in place….(Doctors at presidential news conference)

In South Korea, only 4% of those with respiratory illnesses actually had the Coronavirus…this is flu season and there are many related illnesses that can present the same symptoms. (Doctors at presidential news conference)

Some Asian countries have had success in treating the virus, others have been less successful….(Doctors at presidential news conference)

Coronavirus update: No confirmed cases in Catawba County (Hickory Daily Record at 2:30 pm on Friday)

Catawba County Schools to discuss online learning in face of coronavirus pandemic concerns (Hickory Daily Record at 1:30 pm on Friday)

Local hospitals increase visitation restrictions (Hickory Daily Record at 1:30 pm on Friday)

Lenoir-Rhyne University’s spring break will be extended a week due to COVID-19, according to an email from university president Fred Whitt sent to all students Thursday, March 12. Spring break has been extended through March 29 with classes resuming on March 30. In-person classes will move to online/remote delivery “at least” through Friday, April 3, according to the email. – (Hickory Daily Record at 1:30 p.m.)

Social distancing is the only way to cut down on the spread of this virus (CNN report on Friday at 5:25 p.m.)

Coronavirus Hits Closer to Home…

As I await to listen to President Trump’s address on the Coronavirus, I become aware that stories about the Coronavirus are starting to hit closer to home. I received a Robocall from the church that I attend stating that Sunday’s services have been cancelled, as well as Lenten services next Wednesday.

It’s definitely a changing mood here over the past day or so. Some school systems have called off classes and universities have taken even more drastic measures. It would seem that the virus has gone from something happening “somewhere else” to our back yard.

I will have to admit I’m paying closer attention to the latest news concerning the spread of the virus. A week or so ago, it was something happening in other countries…this week it’s more prominent in the U.S., forcing one of our major sports events to be cancelled.

And as I stated in an earlier blog, this is all happening during a time when I’ve cut myself off from social media, that might answer a lot of my questions and see how others are responding and being effected.

I did go get a haircut this morning and went to eat at a small restaurant, where I saw a long-time friend. His company had requested that their employees work from home if at all possible, which he was choosing to do. I’ve also received an email on my school account that’s offering options on their website for students whose schools have been closed.

My personal opinion is that our own school system will be closing its doors when we’re supposed to return next Tuesday. It just so happens that we had two scheduled workdays this Friday and next Monday. The end of the semester is occurring right as things start to worsen in our own county.

Just a few thoughts on a very fluid situation and I’ll continue to update.

David Lee