COVID-19 and the Ongoing Public Health Crisis
Days before Mainers enjoyed their Fourth of July weekend, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 23 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths. These statistics are a sobering reminder that this virus is not going away.
In fact, leading medical experts caution that a coming second wave will likely be worse than the initial wave. COVID-19 has already led to well over 100,000 deaths, and states like Arizona and Florida are seeing a steep rise in new coronavirus cases.
COVID-19 Is Far From Over
The effects of the COVID-19 have been isolating and exhausting. This is true for those in quarantine and our nation’s health professionals alike. However, it must be stressed that COVID-19 has altered the trajectory of our daily lives for four months. As undesirable as it is to hear or say, COVID-19 is just beginning.
Consider how little we knew or understood about this virus a few months ago. While COVID-19 was thought to be only a respiratory virus, scientists and researchers now understand that COVID-19 can also harm a patient’s:
Pancreas
Liver
Brain
Kidneys
Other organs
In addition, the virus can also cause neurological issues ranging from headaches to seizures. As research continues, we will likely continue to learn about the long-term health consequences caused by COVID-19.
A Possible Future Vaccine Is No Reason to Get Lax Now
Until a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is available, Americans must continue to diligently engage in COVID-19 prevention. As many of us now know, this includes:
Staying home as much as possible
Wearing a mask in public
Practicing social distancing and maintaining at least six feet of separation
Unfortunately, there is evidence to suggest that the rise in COVID-19 cases is partly caused by Americans relaxing on COVID-19 prevention. Recent weeks have seen Americans gathering in large crowds at beaches and protests, with too many failing to wear masks and adhere to public health guidelines.
These choices have life and death implications for the spread of COVID-19 and the harm it will cause. There is no guarantee a COVID-19 vaccine will be available anytime soon.
It is true that potential vaccines are being researched and developed at a record pace, which provides meaningful hope for putting this virus behind us. In the meantime, however, we only have prevention and supportive care in the fight against COVID-19’s spread.
COVID-19 is a virus that has killed the young and the elderly, as well as the healthy and the sick. We cannot assume that “we will be fine” or risk endangering our neighbors and loved ones by behaving as if COVID-19 is in the past. This is an ongoing public health crisis that requires communities continually working together to slow the virus’s spread.
If and when the second wave comes, our discipline and commitment to public health guidelines will be more important than ever.