x
Breaking News
More () »

This is no time to let down our guards – continue social distancing and stay at home

Local 24 News political analyst and commentator Otis Sanford shares his point of view on the importance of social distancing.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A sliver of promising news about the extent of the coronavirus outbreak in Memphis, Shelby County and across Tennessee, is just that – promising. And only that.

This is no time to let down our guards. We must continue fighting the spread of COVID-19 by continuing social distancing. And that means staying at home.

Of course, I know that’s not possible for many Memphians who are still working on jobs considered essential. These are people who cannot work from home. And they need their jobs in order to continue having a home.

But there are others out on the roads who are not doing anything essential. In fact, they are violating safer at home orders by milling together – and even holding parties – like the one Saturday night on Mississippi Boulevard that resulted in one arrest. And while a Shelby County Health Department tally showed just 16 churches held in-person worship services Sunday, that was still 16 too many.

And while we’re at it, this pandemic appears to be attacking more and more African Americans, particularly men. That makes it even more imperative that Memphians continue heeding the warnings.

Yes, the latest model for the spread of the virus shows few cases. But there is still a lot about COVID-19 that we don’t know. We do know it’s deadly. And we can’t say it enough. Social distancing is the best way to stay safe. And that’s my point of view.

RELATED: Mid-South coronavirus live updates: Memphis/Shelby County COVID-19 Task Force update

RELATED: Coronavirus live updates: US Surgeon General touts social distancing

-----------------------------------------

Coronavirus in Context: 

The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80-percent of the cases there were mild.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.

The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.

Lower your risk

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
  • If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

Before You Leave, Check This Out