Together We Can Slow The Spread

Apr. 02, 2020

12:46 p.m.

Things are changing quickly. Our societal landscape has completely changed and along with it many have really stepped it up to make a difference. As cliché as it sounds, we really are all in this together. All of these guidelines are to get this pandemic solved, people safe and healthy, and for regular life to proceed as quickly as possible. Below are the most recent updates to both the state and federal guidelines of COVID 19.

Coronavirus Guidelines

Through the President's COVID-19 Task Force which President Trump has extended the Coronavirus Guidelines for America through April 30, you can seek resources for you and your family on how to look for symptoms, know who is at highest of risk, and more.

Coronavirus Resources For...

There are plenty of guidelines and precautions that the whole country is taking to slow the spread of COVID 19, here is a rundown of what they are. Make sure to do your part.

If you feel sick, stay home, do not go to work, call your medical provider.
Practice social distancing: You can still be social with your friends and family, but to do that shoot them a text or participate in a video call. Hug them later, for now we stay your distance.
Wash your hands all the time and avoid touching your face.
This virus is spread just as a cold or flu, with that being said, cover your coughing and sneezing and wash your hands as often as you can.
Disinfect your house. You are pretty much stuck at home during Spring Cleaning time anyway, why not take advantage of the timing!

On March 30^th, Governor Hogan issued a “Stay-at-home" Executive Order to keep Maryland residents as safe as possible. Hearing “stay at home” can be a bit frightening and hard to understand. By looking at the grocery store shelves, it is safe to say that everybody was stocking up incase something like this might happen, but now we are entering week three.

1 of 2

On March 30th, Governor Larry Hogan Issued a Stay-At-Home order.

2 of 2

We know that our personal food supply may be diminishing. You are allowed to go get food, food is essential. With this being said, it is for everybody’s best interest to pick a grocery store with everything you need, rather that visiting different stores to seek out sales and different foods.

It is still okay to get out of the house, take the dog for a walk, take the kids for a bike ride, see someone you know? Give them a big wave and make yourself a note to call them later! You have plenty of time in the house anyway, right? It is more than okay, and can be essential, to get fresh air. Getting yourself out of the house is for the best.

The Numbers

It is most important to be informed so that we can all make a difference in this pandemic. We are starting to see data and statistics in our country that is similar to that of Italy, a nation that was hit really hard by the coronavirus. As the top infectious disease experts bring new data to our knowledge, we can see that deaths lag behind the cases of this novel coronavirus are reported. This is why it is important to practice social distancing as a nationwide lockdown in Italy shows it can be done.

Daily New Cases In Italy

According to the Maryland Department of Health, there are 1,985 total confirmed cases in the state of Maryland. Montgomery, Prince George's, and Baltimore counties have been affected the most with Anne Arundel having a total of 158 cases confirmed. We are certainly in better shape then other states like New York and Florida which have seen a spike in cases as pictured below.

States like Washington and California saw the first cases of coronavirus but due to these states restrictions the graph shows a promising outlook on what other states could look like as the spread continues but can ultimately be slowed down with everyone pitching in.

Goals of Community Mitigation

Screen Shot 2020-04-02 at 12.32.35 PM.png

These numbers are indeed sobering, but as the lower graph shows, it is important to intervene in this pandemic. Through community mitigation we can lower the severity of the outbreak by practicing social distancing and making sure our loved ones are protected and can receive the help they need by not overwhelming hospitals and medical facilities. During these difficult times we ask that everyone stay home and although times are tough together we can get through this.

Below are additional resources as What's Up? Media is committed to continue to inform and help our readers, communities, and most importantly those in need. Visit our FAQs page for more info