Gods, Earths & COVID-19

Due to the growing concern and news coverage regarding COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus), it is important that we understand what proactive steps we can take to help ensure our safety as Gods & Earths. This notice aligns with the duty of a civilized person which is teaching (i.e. making Knowledge Born) about what it means to be civilized. So, here’s what we know so far:

How do you know if you are infected?

The new Coronavirus may not show signs of infection for many days. How can you know if you are infected? By the time you have a fever and/or cough and go to the hospital, the lung can be at 50% fibrosis. Experts in Taiwan provide a simple self-check that we can do every morning: Take a deep breath and hold it for more than 10 seconds. If you do this successfully without coughing, without discomfort, stiffness or tightness, there is no fibrosis in the lungs; it basically indicates no infection.

How does the body respond to the virus?

Coronavirus will first infect the throat, so you’ll have a sore throat lasting 3-4 days. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5-6 days further. With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing. The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you’re drowning. It’s imperative you then seek immediate medical attention.

What do medical experts suggest?

Advice by Japanese doctors treating COVID-19 cases: Everyone should ensure their mouths and throats are moist, never dry. Take a few sips of water every 15 minutes at least. Why? Even if the virus gets into your mouth, drinking water or other liquids will wash them down through your throat and into the stomach. Once there, your stomach acid will kill the virus completely. If you don’t drink enough water regularly, the virus can enter your windpipe and then the lungs. That’s very dangerous.

If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperatures of just 26-27 degrees Celsius (about 77 degrees F.) If someone sneezes with it, it goes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours – so if you come into contact with any metal surface, wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.

What else?

On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours. Normal laundry detergent will kill it. Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. As stated earlier, wash your hands frequently since the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but – a lot can happen during that time – you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly (ill!) and so on.

What does this have to do with the nation?

While organizations like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believe that the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is low for most individuals, we can never be too careful in protecting ourselves against negligence and unawareness when in public spaces. We must – as often as possible, if not always – have knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

First, please remain diligent with washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to recite the Knowledge degree in the 1-14). If you have to sneeze or cough, please do so in a tissue or in your arm if you do not have tissue readily available. Avoid shaking hands since hands contain the most germs.

If you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, please avoid coming to Parliament or classes. As a matter fact, avoid public spaces in general until you are feeling better. Please consider the health and safety of fellow Gods and Earths, as well as other people. Also, be sure to monitor news updates to be informed about developments regarding the virus and the responses from authorities.

Please send and share this with family and friends. Take care everyone. May the world recover from this Coronavirus soon. 

P E A C E !