Teleconference - March 22, 2020
Open Forum
Focus: Coping with the Coronavirus
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Transcript summary:
Welcome everybody!
Today is March 22. This is an Open Forum teleconference. First on today’s discussion list is the Coronavirus. We hope that you are holding up OK from the Coronavirus challenges in your area of the world.
New York: has 12,260 people with COVID-19 (including 70 deaths) as of 3 hours ago (noon on Sunday, March 22). It has been declared a disaster area. We are in a large scale quarantine here. Just about every business, except vital services like food is shut down.
I have heard that in the 1918 pandemic, younger people were harder hit than older people. That may mean that as you get older, you can develop antibodies that can fight some diseases like COVID-19.
Today we would like to hear from you.
Raul had a lot to say about Puerto Rico's measures to contain COVID-19. So far, they seem to be working. Here's what Raul had to say:
This is the first time we (Puerto Rico) are hit (at least in my generation) with such a massive international wave as this virus. The world is all of a sudden very small and the mighty all of a sudden look weak. Do understand that most of the following are anecdotal (I am using them myself) and by no means are proven and tested methods like the CR Way methods. They form part of a local network of information which we have in Puerto Rico. The island has already being under lockdown and curfew for more than a week.
However, waiting for drugs and approved treatments will take a while (18 months as per FDA standards). In the meantime, many people will die and suffer.
The following are deportment suggestions and pointers which I use to help me, my family, and friends to go through this mess.
- The virus invades the body through exposed areas of the face, including eyes, mouth and nose where there are mucus membranes.
- Viruses are protein molecules protected by a lipid film. They are not alive. That is why regular soap and water will dispose of them (you cannot kill something which is not alive). These molecules become aggressive when they enter the body.
- Heat and pH will kill the virus. Bactericides will not work as well.
- The virus travels by air i.e., somebody sneezing. Also, sweat will transmit it. However, healthy skin will not accept the virus.
- The best offense is: social distancing; frequent cleaning of the hands; cleanliness all over; solidarity and respect i.e., keep your distance, stay home.
- Some disinfectants which work: Clorox wipes; alcohol >70%; special masks and nose filters; UV light.
- Drink lots of water. The water drives the virus to the stomach were the acid takes care of it. In the morning ahead of any meal take a cup of hot (warm) water. (I believe this works for any virus, I still recall my mother telling me to drink lots of water when I had a cold). Also, before any meal in the morning, take a cup of green tea, ginger and lemon. The former will activate your immune system, the latter will reinforce it.
- Housekeeping: never shake clothing because the virus remains in clothing; disinfect the floors frequently because the virus molecule is dense and will fall remaining there (for this same reason do not bring shoes into the house); the virus is estimated to remain in the environment for at least 3 hours; 42 hours on metal; 24 hours on cardboard (watch out for mail); and 72 hours on plastic. Shoot for low humidity and higher temperatures at home.
- However, do not count much on the warm weather theory because now every country in the Caribbean has the virus.
My best wishes to everybody in the CR Way group. Stay safe and, above all, say your prayers.
Masks
Kevin asked about the fact that masks are recommended for COVID-19 caregivers but not for the general public. Effective masks are in short supply so caregivers need them more than individuals.
Coughing – drops from coughing fall to the floor within 6 feet. Effective action includes cleaning the floors and leaving shoes outside.
The Virus on Surfaces
A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people may acquire the virus in the air and after touching contaminated objects. Scientists discovered that the virus is detected for up to 3 hours in aerosols, up to 4 hours on copper, 24 hours on cardboard and up to 2 – 3 days on plastic and stainless steel.
See: Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1. New England Journal of Medicine, 2020; DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2004973
“Nothing makes it into our house!”
Katherine from the San Francisco Bay area – a COVID-19 hot spot, says that she and her husband have a blue bucket for all of their mail. They open the mail and leave the envelopes in the blue bucket. They take the contents of the envelopes into the house if needed.
The teleconference was full of great ideas. We hope you find it useful.