As impressive as the $50 million donation is, it’s merely a portion of a larger fund spearheaded by the Gates Foundation. It has partnered with Wellcome, who also contributing $50 million along with Mastercard Impact Fund, which has committed $25 million, bringing the grand total to $125 million.
That's nothing we've seen shared on social media outlets so I'm now trying to share that good news with you. People are panicking, with great reason but some are panicking due to (mis)information received.
For example, I'm in the Caribbean now and outside the local supermarket, I saw a woman pour clorox bleach onto the hands of her two very young children. I stood in horror but you know me- I had to say something," Excuse me, you must know that you're going to burn the hands of your children with that bleach?" She proceeded to curse me out as I reached into my bag to give her a bottle of water, to at least rinse off some of that bleach. She refused. Seconds later, her kids were saying how much their palms were stinging.
I looked at her with lowered eyes and reached towards her with the water bottle. I said in a quiet voice, "One of us is going to pour water on those precious hands." She snatched the bottle and started pouring water on the hands of her little sweet girl- but the water ran out and she still had another child to tend. She looked up and I already had another opened bottle of water extended towards her. She grabbed the bottle, a whole lot more gently than the first time and half muttered a gracias at me. I told her the worst we can do is panic to the point where we're hurting ourselves. She thanked me profusely this time and asked me where I was from. When I told her I was an American, she then snatched up her children and scurried away from me.
Now didn't I just say to her not to panic? 🤣
Things to Keep in Mind
Know How it Spreads
* There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19
* The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus (obviously)
* The virus is thought to be spread from person to person
^ Close contact within about 6 feet,
^ Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs/sneezes
^ These droplets can land on those nearby
and possibly infect them
Take Steps to Protect Yourself
Clean Your Hands Often & More Than Usual
* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
* If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick (obviously).
* Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for those at higher risk like our elderly with preexisting medical conditions.
Take Steps to Protect Others
Stay Home If You Are Sick EXCEPT to Get Medical Care
* Even if you think you might be sick, consult your doctor ASAP
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
* Throw used tissues in the trash.
* Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a Facemask IF You Are Sick
* IF YOU ARE SICK: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
* IF YOU ARE NOT SICK: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean & Disinfect
* Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
* If surfaces are dirty, clean them with detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Information was gathered by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)