Written by Dr. William Figlesthaler
Tonight, I am writing to you not as a candidate for Congress, but as a physician and American citizen.
Over the last several days, my phone lines have been flooded with questions, concerns, and inquiries regarding the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Let me start off by saying this: We, as Americans, have the single highest quality of healthcare in the world. Issues like this highlight how crucial it is that we work to develop free market solutions that allow our great healthcare to be easily accessed and affordable.
Over the past several weeks, I have remained in constant contact with several colleagues from across the globe, monitoring the situation from all angles.
Here is the good news: Despite some media reports, your overall chance of contracting the virus is currently incredibly low. Secondly, due to our high health standards, the survival rate of those who do contract the virus is expected to remain very high.
Tonight, President Trump took the difficult, but necessary step to temporarily expand the US travel restrictions initially implemented last month. I fully support the decision and commend both him and Vice President Pence on their swift and decisive action on the issue.
To be clear, this is not an economic crisis. This is simply a time in which caution and care should be taken on all fronts.
Our country has overcome great challenges in the past, and this will be no different.
My medical advice is very simple and in no way extreme.
1. Take extra care in maintaining the highest level of hygiene possible. (Wash your hands as often as you can.)
2. When soap and water are not readily available, utilize an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for frequent cleaning.
3. Maintain appropriate social distance when in public gatherings. (Recommended 4 Feet.)
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
5. Seek medical attention from a professional immediately upon displaying any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, difficulty breathing.
America is the greatest nation on Earth, and we have the tenacity and resolve to overcome any challenge.
Thank you for helping to keep us informed about this Corona Virus. There is a lot of false information about it. All of the precautions should be used all the time.