Robert wrote on my blog comments: “Here’s a problem Jon. The virus can be acquired and then it can be 6 days before symptoms occur.”
My answer: Here’s another problem, Robert. Last year, nearly 40,000 people in America died from guns, the highest in 50 years. Nobody asked potential gunshot victims — all of us – to stay at home. In 46 weeks in 2019, there were 45 school shootings. The government has not asked school children at great risk to stay home.
Maria and I were planning our trip to the Bronx Zoo on Sunday and I didn’t give a thought to not going. She then read a warning on the CDC (Center For Disease Control) website urging people over 60 to stay home, especially those with “underlying” medical issues. We also read about the rise of coronavirus cases in the Northeast and New York City.
I am 72 and have diabetes and heart disease, two of the “underlying” conditions that are the most dangerous if I contract the coronavirus.
Both of these diseases weaken the immune system, which makes the virus especially dangerous.
Maria was worried about me and surprised at the CDC warning. “Let’s not go,” she said, “let’s not take any risk.”
But life is full of risk.
We both know a small number of people in New York City have contracted the disease, and Sunday is supposed to be a warm and beautiful day. There will be lots of people at the zoo.
I should say I live in the country, in eastern upstate New York, there are no reported cases of the virus in the area, although there are no hand sanitizers available anywhere.
We will be driving, have no plans to go on the subway, but we will be in close proximity to lots of people from all over the country and the world. Mostly, we’ll be walking on wide-open paths around the zoo.
Maria was upset, she saw no reason to put me at risk, just to see a penguin. But I don’t like the idea that people my age (and younger) should stay at home for the foreseeable future.
Lots of people 60 and older work, and they need to make money to eat, get their medicines and work. Is the CDC or the government going to pay our bills?
It seems far too broad and vague a warning for me, something to induce panic rather than reasonable caution. It feels desperate to me, and that is scarier than the disease.
There are no corona cases in Kansas (until today, the first case there was announced late this afternoon). Or in my county upstate, either, for that matter. Should all Kansas residents 60 and older stay home? Should I?
Robert wrote on my blog comments: “Here’s a problem Jon. The virus can be acquired and then it can be 6 days before symptoms occur.” Here’s a problem, Robert. Last year, nearly 40,000 people in America died from guns, the highest in 50 years. Nobody asked potential gunshot victims — all of us – to stay at home.
Maria and I talked it through, and I said I feel strongly that we should go. The best I can do is wash my hands frequently, or as frequently as one can do in a zoo. I don’t want to be thoughtless, but I am not inclined to panic either.
Maria agreed.
Two days ago, I would have laughed at the idea of canceling the zoo trip. Today, it seems to me that I ought to go, but it’s worth thinking about. I wavered for a few minutes. And Maria was upset.
But I don’t wish to live that defensively without any good cause.
I go to a lot of places where the risks are higher than normal – assisted care facilities, schools full of refugee children whose families and relatives often travel overseas. I won’t just abandon them and stay home.
Next week, and before I visit the Mansion or Bishop Maginn, I’ll call my doctor to see if I should get tested to make sure I’m okay. If I even think I’m starting to get sick, I won’t go anywhere near those places. I don’t wish to get sick or make anyone else sick.
I’ve seen what the flu can do to older people.
But as always, I’m looking to find the boundaries here.
I don’t have this virus and don’t know anyone who does. I do know the virus can be acquired anyplace, any time. I suppose the absolutely safest thing for someone like me to do is to stay in the house for several weeks and step back from my life and work.
That is not going to happen without a very clear and compelling reason.
I agreed to not going into the zoo restaurants or sitting close to lots of strangers.
I’m not the macho type looking to defy danger and death. I feel for the people who have died and are sick and quarantined. I don’t wish to be one of them, but I’m not a Grief-Thief either.
So far, this is a crisis, but not my crisis.
So I’m going to the zoo tomorrow and will meet my daughter and granddaughter there, and then Maria and I will go meet this little penguin, just as we planned.
Since there is apparently no longer a bottle of anti-bacterial soap to be found for sale in America, I’ll think about where I go and wash my hands thoroughly and frequently.
This is my take on the Coronavirus..it may travel faster than the flu( maybe??) does anyone keep track world wide to see how fast the flu virus spreads..it has become our norm to except that 100’s of thousands or even millions will get the flu each year( even if you have the vaccine) and yet no one panics..now we have a “new” strain, everyone panics..so many people die each year of cancer, heart attacks, flu and numerous other viruses and bacterias. Media strikes fear into the masses..eventually, media will be our downfall.. 🙁
Here’s a problem Jon. The virus can be acquired and then it can be 6 days before symptoms occur.
Yes, I think we all know that. That fact is not a reason for me to stay in my house and not come out. Last year in America, 40,000 people die of gunshot wounds. If that’s not a reason the coronavirus surely isn’t..and no one has asked potential gunshot victims to stay at home..In 2019, there were 45 school shootings in 46 weeks.The government did not ask vulnerable school students – which is all of them – to stay home. We have lost perspective as a nation.
But gunshot victims don’t travel to where they may be shot, then return home without noticing and give others gunshot wounds for 14 days or more before they notice they have a gunshot wound. God, I have no idea what you are talking about..could you try it again?
Ted, I appreciate the second amendment, but your statement is just ridiculous..thousands of people kill themselves or are gunned won shopping…I can’t rationalize as glibly as you can..
Go to the Zoo and have fun! . The only thing I would caution is that tests are no readily available and if you think you can call your doctor to be tested that is not the case. The tests are not readily available . There is a major shortage. Call your health department to see where tests are available and if you can be tested. Here is Ohio our hospitals do not even have them yet. Just read this morning that Wright Patterson Air Force base just got them but they will be for personnel only. Not the general public. Other hospitals do not even have them yet.
Thanks Patti, I do know that… we’ll figure out how best to do it she wants to see me..
Good luck.
Hi Jon,
Go Have fun, Just be smart as you and Maria are!. You know how to be safe as possible. I work in the Medical field and each night I here about this corona virus, yes I am a bit concerned, However I believe “the CDC estimates that 12,000 people have died from influenza since about October 2019 and it may go up to 30,000” that is scary,, But no one is telling everyone to stay home because of influenza. Best advice we give patients is wash your hands and try not to touch your face. Have a great day. Look forward to penguin pics!
A state of emergency has just been declared in New York, and public places (like the zoo) will be closing or turning people away. You may not have a choice tomorrow about whether you can visit.
The state of emergency is to give the state medical protocols and federal money, as the Governor went to great paints to point out. So far, the new cases are clustered in Westchester and a handful in the city. That may change, of course, and the Zoo is wide open tomorrow and has no plans to cancel our visits as of Saturday night..I’m planning to go…This is just the kind of panic the governor warned about…
As of tonight, no public official or government agency, federal or city or state has asked people to stay out of New York City or suggested that a visit to the city is, by definition, dangerous. Several have pointed out that canceling every public shopping, commercial or entertainment event could do far more damage than the virus itself. I’m going until the zoo tells me to stay away
What you’re not understanding is that this isn’t just about you and your own personal risk–we all have a responsibility to flatten the curve of communal spread, and the ONLY way to do that is to minimize human interaction during these critical early days. Deciding to go to the zoo and have fun is ultimately a selfish decision. You may want to do that, but the more people who choose their personal pleasure (and act as though they’re only weighing potential risks to themselves), the worse this is going to be, and the longer it’s going to last. It’s not about fear and hiding from personal danger–the personal danger to each of us is slight. The danger is to the world itself, of which we’re part of a community. That requires sacrificing our own fun for the greater good.
I understand exactly what this is about and what my responsibilities to myself and others are. I don’t believe you’ve asked me about my beliefs Julie, this seems like you’re talking out of your nose, and you certainly haven’t read my piece..We don’t do outrage and grievance here, if you have something thoughtful to say, write it..and without insulting me or anybody else, if that’s possible… I think about the worst thing people can do at this point is shut down the world, throw millions of people out of work, destroy the economy and do nothing to stop this threat..We take it one step at a time, thoughtfully and calmly..
well said..I just cannot believe all the hysteria surrounding this virus!
I understand that some people can be carriers of any virus and yet, not get it themselves I’m NO fear monger but with the rate Corvus-19 is infecting, I don’t get in direct contact with the 3 over 80 year olds I care for unless absolutely necessary (they are all able to care for themselves just don’t drive anymore but still are pretty sharp).
All that to say….someone can ‘catch’ the virus and not be full-blown sick…but can carry it. ….
I’m not you…obviously, but I would stay clear of the elderly if I went into any crowds for two weeks, just to err on the side of caution. While I think part of this is ‘ slow news media hype’ and but that it is a real possible Health issue….I also love my elders and know that whatever I can do to lessen the chances of getting them sick, that I will do.
Maria loves you so…that’s why she can freely express her concern for you. And that’s a gift not all of us are given. Yes, make your choice…go or not to the zoo. I look forward to your posts on it!
What I am learning late n life is that it’s not all about me. If I am to be an Army of Good, sometimes I will need to say no…not now….because you love me and said please, I will say yes.
The biggest problem that I see with covid 19 is you can be shedding virus and be contagious and be totally asymptomatic.
I’ve heard at least 2 different health care professionals say that being outside, especially on a sunny day, is one of the BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO. So enjoy your day with family. (I’m a retired RN.)
I’m reading that getting tested isn’t happening, even for people who’ve been traveling in Asia. Sounds good to say people will be tested, but apparently it’s really hard or impossible to get that to happen.
Hospitals are getting the test kits, doctors not yet..
Welcolm to The Bronx, Jon & Maria. Have a great day. The Zoo is my neighborhood and I think you can manage to stay safe. As you said, wash your hands and maybe wear gloves while walking around.
There will be other days when the risk is less.
I’m babysitting my 5 month GREAT-granddaughter 2 or 3 days a week now. I’m 70 years old. I HAD Type 2 diabetes, but I reversed it with diet. I’m otherwise in excellent health. The baby’s father works at a university hospital where at least one confirmed CV patient is currently in isolation. He is works on ALL floors daily. He removes his shoes outside when he gets home. Then he changes clothes and washes before he even says hello to his daughter. I will be removing my shoes outside too, because she’s learned to roll about the floor and will soon crawl. Life won’t stop. The world won’t stop spinning.
Nice, Anne, thanks.