What Is Known About the COVID-19 Virus

We all need to study to show ourselves approved when dealing with anything and that includes the COVID-19 virus. With so much disinformation out there, it behooves each of us to find out what is true and what is false. I tend to research all matters for which I am unfamiliar. Research satisfies my intellectual curiosity, but more importantly, it provides me with the spiritual discernment to target my prayers in the right direction.

I am a history buff and in my last blog on this particular coronavirus, I looked at it through the lens of biblical history. Most people, I believe, have no clue as to what this virus really is. So, let us take a look at COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus that emerged in 2019 in Wuhan, China. A coronavirus is so named because the spikes on their surface resemble a crown. According to the CDC, there are four sub-groups of coronaviruses: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. COVID-19, whose scientific name is SARS-CoV-2, is a novel (new) beta coronavirus. It is related to the beta coronaviruses, SARS, Severs Acute Respiratory Syndrome and MERS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. COVID-19, like other coronaviruses, has a different cause—in this case, one that has not been heretofore seen in humans.

COVID-19 is spread by the respiratory droplets of infected people. These droplets can land on the mouth or nose or be inhaled into the lungs, particularly when people are close together (within six feet). It is also possible that the virus can be spread by touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them. Foods and packaging present a lower risk.

We must practice health measures during this time because there is no vaccine for COVID-19 at the present time. Preventative and safety measures are necessary for several reasons:

• COVID-19 is highly contagious.
• It can be spread even before symptoms manifest.
• Some people maybe asymptomatic and they may not get symptoms or get sick.

Several preventative and safety measures are recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Clean all surfaces frequently, including, door knobs, cellphones, keyboards.
• Adhere to social distancing—at least six feet apart.
• Adhere to city, state and government guidelines, which, right now, include wearing face masks or face coverings. Also, shelter-in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Stay home if you are sick.

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention.

• Problems breathing
• Fever
• Cough
• Chills
• Muscle pains
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste and smell
• Pain or pressure in your chest
• Confusion or disorientation

*If someone gets sick with the virus: isolate in a separate room, if possible; provide sick person with facial masks and avoid sharing food, drinks and utensils with the sick person.

Most of us are sheltered-in place right now, so we must find things to do. I suggest meditation and prayer, spending quality time with the family, exercising, reading a book you have been intending to read or going for a leisurely walk.

Also, pray for those on the front lines: doctors, nurses, orderlies, nurses aides, all other hospital personnel, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical personnel, law enforcement— including police officers, military personnel, emergency rescuers, delivery truck and bus drivers, grocery store workers, postal personnel, public workers etc.

Stay Safe and May God Divinely Protect You and Your Families!

Other Coronaviruses:

• 229E, an alpha coronavirus
• NL63, an alpha coronavirus
• OC43, a beta coronavirus
• HKU1, a beta coronavirus

CDC.gov johnshopkinsmedicine.org

Note: There have been a series of vaccines since I wrote this blog.