Important: What we need to know about homemade masks & gloves

It is indisputable:  Asymptomatic transmission is COVID-19’s secret power against us.  We must be vigilant in taking effective actions to protect ourselves.

Non-clinical grade masks – whether acquired in a doctor’s office or home-made from cloth-- are a tricky business.  So, before we place undue confidence in their ability to protect us from COVID 19 transmission -- let’s get some advice from the public health experts. 

The johns Hopkins School of Public Health offers a pyramid turned upside down as a teaching aid:

• Its broad base, with the most effective action – Social Distancing -- is on top, followed by; 
• thorough/frequent Hand Washing and abstaining from touching our face; followed by:
• the disinfecting of High-touch Surfaces and objects.  At the tip (bottom), the least effective--
• non-clinical Masks and Gloves.   

COVID-19 NEWS in REVIEW: NATION & UTAH

Resuming Life:  

• US plan released April 17, calls for three phases of reduced social and economic restrictions, each with 2-weeks in between to review COVID-19 transmission rates. Guidelines will allow easing of restrictions in low transmission areas, while keeping current, stricter guidelines for harder-hit areas. Ultimately, decisions will rest with governors/county leaders for reopening schools, businesses and other matters. 

• It is now clear our path to normalcy will be a longer process than first envisioned. Health officials warn some social distancing measures may need to remain through the end of the year.  

Organizations Continue to Work ‘Round the Clock’ to Help

These are notes I took from the April virtual meeting of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD), reporting on the projects on-going in Utah.

Organizations of faith, working hand in hand, side by side, joined by the American Red Cross, a senior VOAD partner, bring volunteers and treasure to the aid of Utahns fighting the CONVID-19 crisis and earthquake recovery for in need.

VOADs do not self-deploy.  They react to the requests that come from Governmental organizations.

Just a few highlights of VOAD responses:

COVID-19: Update April 10th, 2020

From VIDEO by Suzanne Vernon, Ph.D., Virologist, Research Director, Bateman Horne Center   

COVID-19 Screening:  

• Apps have been developed for self-screening. Search for Free Covid-19 Tracker, Screening Tool or Symptom Tracker.   (1)

Treatment:

• Several trials are underway to test the efficacy of Hydroxy-Chloroquine, a medication long used for treating Malaria, Lupus and other auto-immune illnesses.  Efficacy results should be available within a few weeks.  (2)

Some COVID-19 Protection Tips that May be New to You

Because this reached me with no source noted, I submitted it to two scientists – one a virologist -- for their opinions.  Neither praised it, nor did they find anything wrong with the data.  See if you find something new that is helpful to you – as I did.  -LDM

*The Covid-19 virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code, (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

Shopping On-Line at Smith's Food and Drug

This is lengthy, only because it is detailed, step-by-step instructions, meant especially for those who have never shopped for groceries on-line.  I hope the detail helps you.

Log onto:
https://www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/

On the top right-hand side of the web page it will say Pickup at (some out of state location).  Pull down that menu and it will have you enter your zip code.  Right under this it will say Change Store.  Click on this and select the store location you will be shopping.  Or if you prefer go one more step down and select Delivery. Either way: proceed as shown below.

Faith-based Volunteers Stepping Forward and Working Tirelessly for Us

You may not have even heard of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster – VOAD. Read what they are doing for us right now.  

March 26th, 2020. This is an update on the work of the 5-county VOAD Region 2 members servings since the earthquake (March 18) and the request last Tuesday (March 17) for VOAD partner help from Salt Lake County (SLCO) isolation/quarantine shelters.

*LDS Charities:  Donated pallet (#560 basic hygiene kits) to Salt Lake County for 5 Isolation/Quarantine Shelters (COVID-19)

*Salvation Army and Southern Baptists have been helping with meals since the earthquake (might be helping with Isolation/Quarantine Shelters also). The Salvation Army is opening rental and mortgage relief tomorrow (Wednesday) for the State to be managed out of the SLC office.