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Mar 16, 2020

Why We Are All So Concerned About THE Virus

Posted By Heimlich Heroes

Over the past couple months, you’ve been hearing more and more about the “Coronavirus”, or COVID-19. The impact has hit hard in many places across the world. It’s now crept into our personal circles here in the U.S. 

The Impact

Schools at all levels of the spectrum are closing for weeks or months. Sports and theater events are cancelled/postponed. Store shelves and online shopping are out of stock with cleaning and sanitizing supplies we want for peace of mind.

Working parents now have kids at home. Teachers and employees of large companies are working from home, too. State and federal governing bodies are implementing restrictions on travel and large gatherings. Economically, this affects us all. Most of us haven’t lived through anything like this. Maximum efforts are being made to minimize spreading this fast-moving and potentially fatal virus.

The Reality

COVID-19 symptoms vary from person-to-person. It may produce few or no symptoms. However, it can also lead to severe illness and has been fatal in about 2% of those infected here in the U.S. Common symptoms include fever, breathlessness, cough. You may be infected 2-14 days before noticing any symptoms. Thus, early detection and precautionary efforts are critical.

U.S. testing has shown 1-2% are positive as of today (March 16, 2020). This means 98–99% are symptoms of other respiratory issues. So, if you are exhibiting any of the common symptoms, go to your pharmacy or doctor. Let them swab and test you. Currently our U.S. population is estimated to be 331,002,651. One-two percent would still mean 3-6 million people could eventually be affected by this virus.

This is a new strain of coronavirus; we must slow it down to get ahead of it.  That is why a National State of Emergency has been declared. We all must take this situation seriously for the slowdown to occur.

 

We Know What to Do

There are known precautions we can all take. Lessons learned from past events.

• Wash your hands properly and often!  Before, before, before, before! After, after, after, after!  Hot water/20 seconds. There are five steps on how to properly wash your hands—check this link to be sure you are following them.
• If you have a fever or feel sick, stay home, and isolate there. (Don’t be in the faces of your loved ones. Many diseases spread from the droplets that go airborne when you cough or sneeze).
• Throw away your tissues! (And then…wash your hands!) It’s just gross if you don’t.
• Avoid touching your face. In fact, take a break from touching others, too: a hug, kiss, or greeting by shaking hands can all spread the virus.
• Don’t panic. Pray. Take responsibility not only to yourself, but also for those around you—especially those who are elderly or are immune-compromised.

Buying up all the toilet paper and hand sanitizer will not save you. Just get what you need and allow others to do the same. The world has been here before and will survive.

Why Is Heimlich Heroes™ Addressing This?

Heimlich Heroes sends materials and training tools all across the country. Most are disposable (or go home with students). But our training dolls are clearly re-usable. Cleaning them is easy and will help keep your students healthy:

• Remove the doll’s t-shirt and launder after each training event.
• Wipe the lips of the doll with a sanitizing wipe.
• The doll can be surface cleaned with a damp sponge and warm or hot soapy water using liquid detergent.
• After cleaning, disinfect the doll. Use a product like Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, which is safe on both whites and colors.
• Allow to air dry. (NOTE: NEVER PUT THE DOLL IN THE WASHER OR DRYER.)

As the dolls are now in your keeping, we want to ensure you know how properly to clean and disinfect. Especially with all the little hands touching them.

Last Words

Be wise. Be discerning. Be patient. Be kind. Make conscious decisions for your health and the health of those around you.

Erma Bombeck’s famous line, “Worry is like a rocking chair – it gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere” is so true. Avoid getting caught up in the frenzy. Just be aware of where you go and who you see. And know that this season will pass.