This post is updated regularly to reflect the latest news and science around coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
As the number of those impacted by the coronavirus continues to rise around the world, it's more important than ever to protect yourself and those around you by practicing good hygiene and taking preventative measures. After the World Health Organization (WHO) categorized the coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, as a pandemic on March 11, numerous businesses and schools have closed their doors, while major public events have been canceled in an attempt to limit the outbreak. But with all the changing information, you might be wondering what "social distancing" means, and why is it so crucial to "flatten the curve"? Here's what to know about these important coronavirus terms so you can stay up to date on the latest information about this disease outbreak.
As of March 16, The New York Times reported that there were 3,823 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States, and that numerous states, including Washington and New York, had declared a state of emergency. With the number of cases growing by the day, both states and the federal government have leapt into action to control the spread of the coronavirus and reduce the strain on the country's medical system. Here are the terms you should know to be as educated as possible about the outbreak.
As of March 15, almost 40 states had declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak. President Donald Trump also announced a nationwide emergency on Friday, March 13.
A state of emergency acts as something of a financial cheat code for authorities, unlocking money and resources that they might not otherwise be able to use to deal with an emergency situation. On the state side, declaring a state of emergency makes it easier to access things like federal aid money and health supplies.
Nationally, it allows the federal government to, again, access money from other resources, as well as lift or alter regulations that may hamper emergency response. On March 13, Trump declared a state of emergency for the nation, which opened up some $50 billion in money the government can use to address the crisis. "The federal government declaring a state of emergency means that they can provide resources to the state that they otherwise wouldn’t provide," Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb, a preparedness fellow at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, tells Elite Daily. The declaration also lifted some state licensing requirements in order to allow doctors to practice across state lines, which may help alleviate a shortage of medical professionals in hard-hit areas, among other actions.
If you think you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, which include fever, shortness of breath, and cough, call your doctor before going to get tested. If you’re anxious about the virus’s spread in your community, visit the CDC for up-to-date information and resources, or seek out mental health support. You can find all Elite Daily's coverage of coronavirus here.
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