COVID-19 in Hideaway – June 28th Update
June 28, 2020
Originally posted on https://cityofhideaway.org/docs-corner/f/covid-19-in-hideaway—june-28th-update
We have three active cases as of this morning in Hideaway. Our first case of COVID-19 in March did not create any community spread since the individual was exposed during travel and sadly died shortly after his return home. Our true community spread will happen now, as expected, while our country begins to reopen in stages to establish a new normal.
The good news is that although the number of cases in Smith County continues to rise daily, the number of deaths has stayed the same, at a total of just four since March. Also, as the number of cases skyrockets in the nation, the total number of deaths per day continues to decrease. This is because younger people are now getting infected as they go out of their homes for work and entertainment, but are not dying in as large numbers. On average, 99% of people still recover from the virus. Even in the highest risk patients, 85% pull through, but some may have long term complications.
The bad news, however, is that “younger” people with the virus, i.e. those younger than 50, are now being hospitalized, mostly with underlying medical conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Although most of them will survive, some with prolonged hospitalizations may have problems that persist even after they come home. So we need to not just protect our elderly, but also our “younger” patients with pre-existing medical problems.
At present, there is no shortage of hospital beds and ventilators in Smith County, but there is potential for shortages in large metro areas like Houston and DFW if current trends continue. If we do not want to run into similar problems in Smith County, we must avoid infecting large numbers of high risk people at the same time so they don’t all need simultaneous hospitalization. The best way to do this is to restrict larger gatherings, especially large indoor gatherings, because of the risk of a potential super-spreading event.
It may take several months to years to get a safe and effective vaccine to create herd immunity, but until then, all we have is social distancing, face coverings, surface cleaning and hand washing. Work on virus specific treatments and vaccines is proceeding at break-neck speed, but things are still at least months, if not years away.
If we cannot social distance, then it is essential that we wear face coverings to reduce the spread of the virus via respiratory droplets. High risk people, regardless of age, should avoid larger gatherings and stay home whenever possible.