The novel coronavirus and jumping the wave

Now that we have become numbed by the repeated dribbling of a COVID-19 case here, a COVID-19 case there, it would be wise to have a deeper insight into who was afflicted and where the cases have occurred. If there were to be a repeat of the wave of virus-relayed cases, each of us would be better prepared if we knew more details about the current cases.

Starting with the current number of cases and adding the average duration of illness, as well as the number (and percentage) of recoveries in Bonner County, only. A breakout of the age groups hit (say, below 20, 20-40, 41-60, 61-70, 71-plus) would provide a deeper understanding of how to protect ourselves. A generalized description of the occupations of the patients (health care, police and fire, entertainment, etc.) would identify the occupations most at risk. An explanation of how many of the cases were residents of Bonner County would further deepen the awareness of the threat.

As nursing home residents have been hard hit by the virus, a reporting on how many COVID-19 cases occurred in Bonner County nursing homes, and the percentage of cases fully recovered, would aid everyone to plan and prepare before another outbreak occurs.

Instead of being susceptible to the chicken little syndrome of running from the threat, it would be wiser to better know the threat and to take it on directly. Certainly an enterprising investigative reporter could gather those facts and inform everyone.

JEREMY CONLIN

Cocolalla