We all want to get back to “normal” as quickly as we can. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has not let up and continues to spread among all age groups. At the beginning of June, Cathedral City had 165 confirmed coronavirus cases. At the end of June, we have 618 confirmed coronavirus cases. This is an increase of 275 percent. It took just 30 days in June to triple the number of cases for all of the months of March, April, and May.
The COVID-19 coronavirus spreads through water droplets released from an infected person when speaking, singing, coughing and/or sneezing. These water droplets are aerosolized and breathed in by others who then become infected. It is also spread by touching infected water droplets left on surfaces and smartphones and then you or the smartphone touch your face.
Those who are infected report having symptoms such as dry cough, fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing and other symptoms. A small percentage of COVID-19 patients develop pneumonia, which can be fatal. The U.S. death toll as of June 30, 2020 related to COVID-19 is 129,544 according to John Hopkins University. This is much more deadly than the typical flu season which annually kills between 24,000 and 62,000 residents according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Our only tool in the preventative toolbox is our behavior. There is no coronavirus vaccine and no proven treatment at this time. To prevent aerosolized water droplets the best defense is for everyone to wear a mask. This prevents someone speaking or sneezing from releasing thousands of droplets into the air. Other behavior practices are to social distance from others not in your household by at least six feet to prevent miniscule droplets from others reaching you. Avoid shaking hands and touching items that are commonly touched. Avoid touching your face as the coronavirus can infect you through touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands repeatedly throughout the day and definitely before eating or drinking.
Protect your family by doing your part in the fight against COVID-19.
Video courtesy of Riverside County Health Systems
