Handling the Crisis Created by the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the world of crisis management, there isn’t much that can compare to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has taken the world by storm and placed countles families across the world in harm’s way. The mortality rate of this virus is between ten and twenty times that of the seasonal flu. Individuals with pre-existing conditions and senior citizens are more at risk of suffering an adverse outcome than others. This is where crisis management training is key, particularly in communities that are predominantly made up of senior citizens. There are a few tips that everyone should keep in mind.

Handling the Crisis Created by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Asymptomatic Spread

There is a misconception that this virus can only be spread by people who cough or sneeze directly onto someone else. This is not the case. Part of crisis training involves education. In some cases, this virus can hide inside if someone for a week or two before symptoms rise to the surface. This means that someone might be unknowingly infecting other people without realizing that they are actually sick.

Early Testing

In order to truly understand how many people have the virus, early testing is critical. Because people can spread the virus asymptomatically, the only way to truly know how prevalent the virus is in a given community is to test as many people as possible. Particularly when it comes to senior citizens, it is important to restrict access to this community only to those who have tested negative for the virus, if possible. Sadly, there aren’t many tests available right now. When testing ramps up, those who work with senior citizens need to receive preference.

Social Isolation

Finally, if someone tests positive for the virus, it is important to isolate the person, if possible. New research is coming out showing that people can spread the virus simply by talking or exhaling in the vicinity of someone else. This makes this virus incredibly contagious. In order to prevent an outbreak from taking place, individuals who test positive need to be isolated as quickly as possible. Then, his or her contacts need to be tested as well.

Stay Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, crisis management is critical. Particularly in areas of the country with a high proportion of senior citizens or those with immunodeficiencies, it is important to plan ahead. Everyone needs to think about crisis management training ahead of time and ensure that everyone is appropriately prepared.

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