Originally posted on Facebook on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Those of you who are saying, "But most will survive this" miss the point.

I attended a meeting this morning with a briefing from the Director of Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency, Kristen Campanella. She commented that many of the deaths that occurred in Italy were mostly due to the medical system being overwhelmed.

Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads rapidly. The real risk is people presenting symptoms (or people who are just afraid that they've been exposed) trying to all go to the doctor at once. If that happens, those that really need treatment are hindered and many could die from things completely unrelated to coronavirus. If the system breaks down there won't be much help for anybody, for anything. That is the point.

So, let's give the system a chance by limiting unnecessary interactions with people, staying home wherever possible, slowing the spread of the disease and thereby reducing the demands placed on our medical professionals.

We'll get through this and fare much better as a community if we:
1. Remain calm.
2. Make good decisions based on good information.
3. Be considerate of each other.

I love you and am praying the best for every one of you.