The news is dire. The experts in Washington, D.C. say as many as 100,000 to over 200,000 United States residents could die during this novel coronavirus pandemic even if all states practice social distancing and order statewide stay-at-home restrictions.
In North Carolina, the Raleigh News & Observer, which is keeping a running tally of coronavirus cases, says there were 1,536 cases as of Wednesday morning, over 200 more than reported Tuesday. Statewide there have been 10 deaths. In Wake County there are 193 cases.
The state Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen said the state anticipates there will be at least one case in each of the state’s 100 counties by the end of this week.
Along with the statewide stay-at-home restrictions ordered by Governor Roy Cooper that went into effect at 5 p.m. Monday, March 30, Cooper on Tuesday signed orders prohibiting utility companies, including towns and cities, from shutting off service for 60 days to customers who cannot pay. The order covers electric, gas, water and wastewater service. He is also “strongly urging” companies providing telephone, cable and internet service to follow the same guidelines.
Cooper’s order also encourages banks and credit unions not to charge overdraft fees, late fees and other penalties for 60 days. Landlords are also asked not to evict renters and follow the order by Chief Justice Cheri Beasley delaying evictions that are currently in the courts.
The governor has also activated more of the National Guard who will move supplies and begin the engineering needed if the state needs to add more hospital facilities.
Cooper said the state has received just a bit more than 17 percent of the request he filed with the Strategic National Supply. Like the governors of almost all other states, he is trying to buy masks, ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) on the open market, competing with them and with the Federal Emergency Management Administration.
Grocery stores continue to have bare shelves when shoppers look for toilet paper and paper towels. (Reminder: Do not use paper towels or facial tissue in place of toilet paper because they clog pipes inside and outside of the house.)
It is all right if you feel afraid and confused; most everyone feels that way because the messages from the top, the president and his aides, has been contradictory and at times directly opposite what we can see on television news and read in newspapers. No lack of test kits (or ventilators or gowns and gloves) cited by officials when nurses and doctors are crying, literally, for the equipment that will make it possible for them to treat patients without endangering themselves. Do what you can the best that you can. It will see you through.
We will get through this, hopefully with everyone we love. Wash your hands, practice social distancing if you have to go out and stay at home unless you have an urgent need to go out. Enjoy your children if you have them at home with you. Spend some time cooking or baking. Clean out the closets or your desk or the pantry. Read a book. Call your friends and family. Patience has to be our armor.
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