Most important takeaways on COVID-19 for fragile elderly

According to the Johns Hopkins live data stream, as of Monday, March 16, there are nearly 170,000 cases of coronavirus worldwide, with roughly 6,500 deaths. Many of the seniors I work with are parked in front of their televisions, watching the numbers tick up.

What is the most important news of the day for seniors in North Carolina and those who love them?

• According to the World Health Organization, the primary ways this respiratory disease spreads is through sneezing and coughing droplets or leaving germs behind on a hard surface. Researchers at the NIH found that the virus can remain virulent on a surface from 24 hours to two to three days.
• "Social distancing" and stringent hand-washing are among the most effective means to slow the spread of COVID-19.
• As we learn more about the disease, recommendations are changing daily and sometimes hourly. For example, yesterday North Carolina Governor Cooper issued an executive order banning gatherings of more than 100 people. That same day, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended banning gatherings of more than 50 for the next 8 weeks Today, Trump recommended we reduce that number to no more than 10.
• "Social distancing" has translated to more than 30 states closing all schools, national and international travel being curtailed, and eight states closing bars, food courts and restaurants.
• Additionally, the NC Department of Health and Human Services, following national guidelines, has recommended that all long term care facilities:
  • Restrict all visitation except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end of life situations
  • Restrict all volunteers and non-essential healthcare personnel (HCP), including non-essential healthcare personnel (e.g., barbers)
  • Cancel all group activities and communal dining
  • Implement active screening of residents and healthcare personnel for fever and respiratory symptoms

While none of these changes are welcome, perhaps families can feel some comfort that they are warranted based on what we've learned from China, Korea and other countries.

If you have loved ones who are elderly, offer to bring by supplies, stay in close communication by phone, and if you have concerns about symptoms, call their primary physician first before going to the doctor's office.

If NC follows a similar disease trajectory to those in Europe, we should expect to see many more cases in the coming weeks, especially as we get drive-by testing sites up and running. Sit tight. Err on the side of caution. And send any questions you have and I'll do my best to get the answers.