May 12, 2020 marked the beginning of week 20.
20 weeks since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S.
The amount of patients that have tested positive decreased by 4.5% in public health laboratories, 1.3% in clinical laboratories, and 2.7% in commercial laboratories. These decreasing statistics are likely caused by limited non-emergent hospital visits, increasing amounts of social distancing, and increasing use of telemedicine (such as online doctor visits).
The rate of COVID-19-related hospitalization cases is 50.3 per 100,000, with the highest rates in people aged 50 and older. The amount of deaths has decreased by 10.4% during week 18, yet still remained above average. Since March 1, 17% of all people tested for COVID-19 in the U.S. tested positive.
As for our campus, all academic finals have been cancelled, with the exception of Dual Credit courses. [no word for OnRamps] Decisions about prom are still being made, and the option of having it virtually is possible.“Grab & Go” meals are available at 20 locations from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays, and blood drives are open for donations. For more information, visit www.nisd.net.
Some places are opening back up at limited capacity, but it will be a while before everything is completely open. Most restaurants and local businesses are available for curbside pickup, and ordering online is still a popular way to buy things. People most at risk of catching COVID-19 are older adults, pregnant women, people with asthma, HIV, liver diseases, and people with disabilities. With this information and the fact that businesses are beginning to reopen, these people especially should exercise caution when interacting with others. While going out, it is important to wear facial masks, gloves, and stay six feet apart from other people, if possible. Washing your hands often, avoiding nonessential air travel and cruise travel, disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces, and contacting a healthcare professional if you have concerns are efficient ways to help contain the virus. This can soon be over if everybody does their part and stays safe. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html