Coronavirus Sparks Shopping Sprees in U.S. and More Up-to-the-minute Developments

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Updates

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported in the United States there has been a total of 60 cases, 6 deaths, and 12 states that have reported the virus.  22 cases have been travel related, 11 due to person to person spread and 27 still under investigation. In addition there have been 45 cases among US persons that were on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship that tested positive for the virus. Information reflects latest update on the CDC site which occurred March 3rd, 2020.

With states conducting its own testing and reporting for the virus, the CDC data will not accurately represent the numbers of cases in real time. There is also an incubation period for the virus that is up to 14 days, thus it is possible many people may be infected yet are asymptomatic. Director of National Insituite for Allergy and Infection Disease reported a concern for community-released spreading of the virus. With all the confusion, it’s hard to get a grasp of accurate numbers.

States reporting cases include:  New York, California, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently reported that up to 1 million test could be conducted very soon. 

By Whatever Name the Prep is Still Valid and Advised

The World Health Organization (WHO) is not yet calling the Coronavirus a pandemic, but reported it has “pandemic potentially” to spread worldwide.

Director of The World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke at a media briefing regarding Coronavirus.

“We are in unchartered territory. We have never before seen a respiratory pathogen that is capable of community transmission, but which can also be contained with the right measures.”

– Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus / director of who

The director reported a total of 8,739 cases of COVID-19 that have been reported outside of China and have stemmed from 61 countries and resulted in 127 deaths. He also explained “But we need to see this in perspective. Of the 88,913 cases reported globally so far, 90% are in China, mostly in one province.”

Walmart and Costco Restocking Staple Items ‘Constantly’ as Quarantine Threat Looms

With CDC, WHO, and other medical experts urging caution and daily news on more Coronavirus related outbreaks and deaths, many shoppers are rushing to grocery and shopping centers to buy necessary supplies like food and water in bulk.  

The sense of urgency is unquestionable with images of long lines and barren shelves flooding social media and news outlets.  Supplies including disinfecting wipes, paper goods, grains, canned food, frozen goods, and water are a growing demand.

 Face masks have reported large sales boosts and many stores have struggled to keep up with restocking.  Limits on masks and N95 respirators have been placed to 10 per customer at places like Home Depot. 

Below a Costco member shares a tweet showing her surprise at the long lines and with people waiting, even before the store is open.  Once she got inside she found many shelves were already empty!

Preparing for an Emergency

Getting your household ready for an emergency is helpful and always a smart idea.  There is no need to go overboard but having a supply of food staples and household supplies is recommended.  Ensure at least a 30 day supply of prescription medications, as well as over the counter health products (ex: pain relievers, vitamins, etc).  Below are the general guidelines for self protection and reducing the risk of infection. These are, naturally, not bad ideas for anytime, not only in the face of a potential pandemic:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover your moth when you sneeze or cough
• Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces around your house and work
• Stay home if you are sick
• Avoid handshakes and touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth in pubic
• (If possible) steer clear from people that are sick
• There is no need to wear a face mask unless you are sick

Practicing Good Hygiene is key, below are practical steps that if maintained consistently can help to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus:

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