While it is well-known that densely populated urban areas tend to be hotspots for COVID-19, many people don’t realize that the disease has now also spread significantly across less populated and rural areas. There has been a significant overall increase in the number of new cases each day in the United States, with over 120,000 new cases confirmed several times in early November. These record-breaking numbers are cause for concern and experts have been able to provide some insight into why the United States is currently seeing so many new cases.
Pandemic Fatigue
It is not surprising that many people across the country are experiencing a sense of exhaustion with precautionary measures. Certainly, the toll of remaining socially isolated has only increased over time. Many people currently feel that they have been cautious for long enough and are neglecting important preventative measures as a result. However, it is important to remember that while it is completely understandable to feel this sense of pandemic fatigue, the virus is still out there. While it may be challenging to continue practicing social distancing, taking preventative steps is the best way to keep everyone safe.
Another factor that hinders the pandemic recovery effort is a sense of anger and denial. There are a surprising number of people who believe that the entire pandemic is a hoax or that it is merely a way for the government to establish control over citizens’ everyday lives. While being angry with the effects of COVID-19 is reasonable, denying the disease’s existence will only increase the spread. This denial, combined with pandemic fatigue and increased time spent indoors as the weather gets colder, is responsible for the increase in daily cases.
Stop COVID Before It Starts
The best way to work towards a world without COVID-19 is to prevent the spread. This is easier than treating the disease after it’s been transmitted and will help to lessen the strain on healthcare professionals. While many of the most effective preventative measures are well-known, they bear repeating because many people still aren’t practicing them regularly. The reality is that no one is exempt from helping to prevent the spread of the pandemic because each person has the potential to contract the disease.
Frequent and thorough hand washing is one of the best things that everyone can do on a daily basis to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Kill any invisible germs and bacteria that may be present on the hands and fingers by taking the time to wash every part of them. It is important to do this before eating, after using the bathroom, after touching pets or pet food, and after contact with high-touch surfaces in public areas. Trying not to touch the eyes, nose, or mouth can also help to stop germs from spreading.
Social distancing can be one of the most difficult preventative measures, but it is also one of the most important. Avoid gathering with people outside of your household whenever possible, and when gatherings do occur, keep them small and maintain social distancing. Staying at least six feet apart will significantly decrease the likelihood of spreading COVID-19 at gatherings. Workplaces that cannot maintain social distancing for their employees should be taking other safety precautions such as providing workers with Personal Protective Equipment.
One preventative measure that people may not be aware of is the COVID PreCheck App. This app allows users to perform self-assessment tests as well as display COVID lab test results. COVID PreCheck makes it easy to share a negative test result from a rapid screening lab test, meaning that people can inform employers, family members, and friends that they are COVID-free quickly and easily. Whether it’s for work or being out in the community, knowledge is often the best defense. This app helps to keep everyone informed and gives people peace of mind that those around them are probably healthy and will not put them at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Overall, it is clear that everyone must do their part to help prevent the continued spread of this pandemic. Although it can be difficult at times, taking preventative measures is the only way to curb the spread of this disease. If everyone washes their hands, practices social distancing, and uses preventative tools such as the COVID PreCheck App, the world can be a little safer.
