Coronavirus: UPDATE
As coronavirus continues to affect the entire country, it is more important now than ever to continue to follow all social distancing guidelines and take measures to keep both you and your family safe during this time.
A great resource to see data and statistics concerning the coronavirus is The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. You can view your individual state, as well as our country as a whole.
As social distancing drags on, however, some people are asking why it is necessary. The difference between coronavirus and something such as the seasonal flu is that many people have full or partial immunity to the flu virus because they have had it before or were vaccinated against it. Far more people are vulnerable to coronavirus, so it has many more targets of opportunity to spread. That is why distancing is important, as it gives the virus less opportunities to travel.
According to estimates by the University of Washington Institute for Health Metrics and evaluation (IHME), social distancing is working, and the curve is flattening. While once estimating well over 100,000 deaths in the United States by August 1, the IHME model now predicts just over 61,000. This stark difference in magnitude of tragedy highlights the importance of taking social distancing measures seriously, as we have seen their effectiveness in lowering projections.
What can you do to continue to slow the spread of coronavirus? The White House, with the help of some of the nation’s top doctors, has published, “30 Days to Stop the Spread.” This article outlines the steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe during the COVID-19 pandemic such as, if you feel sick, stay home, and do not go to work. Contact your medical provider immediately.If your children are sick, keep them at home, and contact their Pediatrician as soon as you can. If someone in your household has tested positive for coronavirus, keep the entire family at home for a minimum of two weeks. The elderly population is especially at risk and should stay at home and away from other people. If you are a person with a serious underlying health conditions that can put you at increased risk, stay at home and away from other people.
As the curve flattens and signs of progress against COVID-19 become more evident, Americans must resist the impulse to ease social-separation measures at the first glimpse of that progress. State government and public health leaders warned on Thursday that premature loosening of guidelines could lead to a second wave of infections.
The ideal goal in fighting a pandemic is to completely halt the spread. However, in the case of the coronavirus, slowing the spread is important. This reduces the number of cases that are active at any given time, which in turn gives doctors, hospitals, police, schools and vaccine-manufacturers time to prepare and respond, without becoming overwhelmed.
What We Are Doing at Greene & Phillips
We understand that car accidents and other injury events do not practice social distancing. Even during a pandemic, people are injured daily and need help. Greene & Phillips remains open during this time to continue to serve both new and existing clients. In order to effectively and safely serve our clients, we are taking the following measures:
Our office is utilizing every digital method available to us to handle as many aspects of a case digitally as possible. This includes obtaining digital signatures, sending pictures of documents, and meeting with clients using platforms such as Zoom or FaceTime. When clients do visit our office, we are able to meet them where they are with curbside service for document drop-off, pickup, and signatures. Each of our attorneys and staff members have access to disinfectants, hand sanitizer, and gloves to keep our clients safe when personal interactions do occur. By utilizing the power of the internet and the ingenuity of our amazing staff at Greene & Phillips, we are able to ensure that your case never misses a beat.
If you have been injured, we are still available to help. Give our office a call at (251) 478-1115 to speak with someone about your case. If you own a business, your business insurance may include a Business Interruption policy. If your business has been affected by the coronavirus and you want to speak with an attorney regarding Business Interruption Insurance, give us a call at (251) 478-1115.
