Covid 19 Commonly Asked Question.. By Dr. Afiya Alexander
Where did covid 19 originate from ?
The novel coronavirus outbreak originated in china. It was initially thought to be transmitted from animals to humans in Wuhan's Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. Now some scientist are not entirely sure and are exploring other theories .
How is it spread?
There are at least two ways to catch the new coronavirus: by coming in close contact with infected individuals and touching contaminated objects and surfaces. In both cases, the root of the transmission is often a cough or sneeze. When someone with COVID-19 coughs—which is a common symptom of the disease—they send a spray of mucus and saliva droplets flying from their mouths. These tiny, sometimes invisible droplets, measuring between five and 10 micrometers in diameter, contain particles of the virus.
What other illness come from the corona virus?
MERS-CoV (the beta coronavirus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS)
SARS-CoV (the beta coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS)
SARS-CoV-2 (the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19
Asymptomatic transmission
Asymptomatic transmission refers to transmission of the virus from a person, who does not develop symptoms. There are few reports of laboratory-confirmed cases who are truly asymptomatic, and to date, there has been no documented asymptomatic transmission. This does not exclude the possibility that it may occur. Asymptomatic cases have been reported as part of contact tracing efforts in some countries. The asymptomatic group is thought to be younger and predominantly female. They also shed virus for a shorter period of time.
What does aerosol mean ?
Aerosolization is the process or act of converting some physical substance into the form of particles small and light enough to be carried on the air i.e. into an aerosol. The term is often used in medicine to refer specifically to the production of airborne particles (e.g. tiny liquid droplets) containing infectious virus or bacteria. This can occur when an infected individual coughs,sneezes exhales,or vomits, but can also arise from flushing a toilet. Treatment of some respiratory diseases relies on aerosolization of a liquid medication using a nebulizer, which is then breathed in for direct transport to the lungs.
Spread through speaking and singing?
The researchers say that the coronavirus can spread in respiratory aerosols, which may linger in the air for an hour or more, floating farther than the six feet commonly prescribed for social distancing. Therefor talking and singing for example choir members are particularly vulnerable to infection from airborne particles, because they exhale and inhale deeply to sing, often at close quarters in poorly ventilated rooms.
Is Wearing a masks to only cover the mouth safe?
Wearing a mask to only cover the mouth is not an effective way to wear a mask. The nose is directly connected to the lungs and hence inhaling or exhaling particles can be unsafe for you or your love ones of which you want to protect .
Can coronavirus survive on cooked food ?
Viruses in general are heat sensitive .Again while experts maintain that new coronavirus is not food borne pathogen,it’s still a good idea to cook food to the proper internal temperature and doing so would also likely reduce the virus on the food. An exception to that if the food is contaminated after it cools.
What if too many residence in the Bahamas contracted the corona virus? How can that impact emergency services at the hospital?
Too many residence contracting the virus could lead to a real possibility of shortage of supplies and facilities to house these patients. This is in the event of requiring hospitalization in more severe cases. As the numbers rise, the possibility of hospitalization increases. This overall, would eventually have an impact on all the people of the Bahamas as care unfortunately would be restricted due to limitations.
The Christians Response
By Lynden Williams Government shutdown – How should Christians respond to government ordered lockdowns, social distancing and the wearing of facemasks? We are told in the book of Romans 13:1-2 that God appoints governments and those who resist will incur judgment from God. Jesus also told us to render to Caesar the things which belong to Caesar Matthew 22:21. When there is a principle that may conflict with the word of God then our duty is to God.
The question that naturally arises is should we resist the order which bans congregations from coming together and obey the command to assemble together Hebrews 10:25. We have guidance from the scripture on this matter. In the life of God’s chosen people there were times when an individual had to separate him/her self from the congregation.
Biblical quarantine
In Leviticus 13:1-6 it speaks of quarantining (isolating) the individual for a period of time, for Leprosy (KJV). The word leprosy is used for various skin diseases. The point of interest is that the sick individual was to quarantine for a period of time. While the reason for this is religious (ceremonial), I do believe that there is also a health factor in there that Israel would not have understood or possibly appreciate not having the modern medical knowledge that exists today. Other passages to consider are Leviticus Leviticus 13:45-46.
Civil disobedience
Romans 13:1-7 We are told to obey the civil authority as they are Gods’ ministers. This statement was said of "Iron Rome." The Roman empire could be ruthless in stamping out insurrection.
Church/State Conflict
Daniel 3:1-2, 8-12
There are times when there is a conflict between the Church and state. When the laws of the state conflict with the laws of God then we must obey God. Acts 5:29. The Hebrew boys in Daniel 3 obeyed the command of the state to assemble at the plain of Dura, but disobeyed the command to worship the image. There was nothing in the word of God that forbid them from assembling in a common place, but there is a command that forbade them from worshiping an image. Exodus 20:3-5. The prophet Daniel in Daniel 6 chose to disobey the laws of the state and pray to God even if it meant death by hungry Lions. He would not allow anyone to stop him from praying.
Commonsense
The present situation calls for common sense. If someone were to show up at Church with obvious signs of the flu, he/she would be asked to go home. If someone had the flu but showed no symptoms and you knew that they had the flu, would you be willing to be in close proximity to them, shake their hand, hold a glass that they touched knowing that you might also contract the flu?
Summary
I support the present mandate to practice physical distancing, the wearing of masks, constant sanitation etc.. As long as I am not being asked to violate the law of God I will do my part to help stop a deadly virus from creating more havoc on the Bahamian society and taking the life of more of my people.