#FlattenTheCurve

Attached is a graph from the CDC that illustrates the significant difference between practicing social distancing and good hygiene versus the status quo with respect to our health care system’s capacity. As I’ve stated before, we can prevent reaching this capacity by thoroughly washing our hands, practicing social distancing, avoiding touching our faces, covering our faces when sneezing or coughing, and staying at home if we have flu-like symptoms.

Even though there have not been as many deaths as from the flu, COVID-19 is a novel virus that has only been present since December. It’s spreading quickly and without a discernible treatment. The focus is on slowing the virus so that health care facilities are not overwhelmed. Officials are advising that hospital emergency rooms are filling. They ask that emergency or hospital treatment be for those experiencing more severe illnesses, vulnerable seniors or those with underlying conditions, including heart, lung, kidney disease, diabetes, and conditions that suppress the immune system. These folks are encouraged to stay away from anyone who could be sick and seek the advice of their doctor if exhibiting symptoms.

Research indicates that while millennials may not have COVID-19 symptoms, we could still have the virus and unknowingly spread it to more vulnerable folks. One of the main points that Dr. Anthony Fauci (Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) and Dr. Deborah Birx (Coronavirus Response Coordinator) have consistently emphasized in press briefings is how millennials need to stop all non-essential social activities to decrease the probability that we unintentionally spread COVID-19 to our loved ones.

Let’s listen to these public health experts.

I’ve declined, rescheduled, and cancelled social meetings with friends because of how serious the situation with COVID-19 has become. For example, I don’t like to miss watching a Disney-Pixar film in theaters and was looking forward to working out at Planet Fitness, but postponing these activities is a small price to pay for saving lives in the long-term. Although this week is Spring Break for many young people, we should do our best to #FlattenTheCurve and stop going out for unnecessary social gatherings. 

To support our local restaurants that are drastically changing their operations, please join and share the Facebook group “Food To Go Southwest Oklahoma” and order takeout or curbside delivery items. Great work by Light Alive Marketing for organizing this group!

The official 24/7 Coronavirus Call Center number is 877-215-8336, and the website is coronavirus.health.ok.gov. 

This is a website from the State Department of Health with real-time numbers of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma: 
​https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/0e8ccb659c804924b72ddc862ec0eadf

I’ll continue to post updates as the situation evolves. As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374. ​