COVID19 By The Week 3.8.20-314.20

I began journaling about a month into the COVID19 Pandemic, but I wanted to keep it electronically as well. I’m going to capture a week at a time. The first 4 weeks there isn’t much journaling as I used my Facebook and Instagram posts to go off of my mood and such.  I will be backdating the first few weeks.  The weeks will run Sunday – Saturday.  The numbers are announced via Governor Kim Reynolds, daily.  I’m using the emails we were sent at work [UI Healthcare / UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital] from our leadership, namely Suresh Gunasekaran – CEO to help me remember things up until I start daily journaling.

3.8.20  New cases: 3, total cases: 3, new deaths: 0, total deaths: 0

3.9.20 New cases: 5, total cases: 8, new deaths: 0, total deaths: 0

3.10.20 New cases: 5, total cases: 13, new deaths: 0, total deaths: 0

Today we received our first email at work about COVID. Emergency Management ha been activated within the hospital. Message includes info about conserving PPE [personal protection equipment].

3.11.20 New cases: 1, total cases: 14, new deaths: 0, total deaths: 0

WHO [World Health Organization] deems COVID19 a national pandemic. First patient in house at work.

3.12.20 New cases: 2, total cases: 16, new deaths: 0, total deaths: 0

Entrances + exits are being limited to better funnel in staff and patients.

3.13.20 New cases: 1, total cases: 17, new deaths: 0, total deaths: 0

President Trump declares a National Emergency. At work, there’s critical shortage of PPE,  Work feels weird. Also, ironically it’s Friday the 13th. I’m not superstitious, just odd timing I suppose.  I’ve decided that I am voluntarily self-quarantining starting this evening.

3.14.20 New cases: 1, total cases: 18, new deaths: 0, total deaths: 0

In Johnson County, IA  it’s declared that we have community spread. Visitor restrictions, 1 adult per day for adults, and 2 parents per day for pediatric patients. There is a call out for all employees to volunteer with screenings if needed. There is still strict rules on who can be tested and tests are limited.