COVID-19 Update

Tombstone City Information

BE  SURE  YOU  HAVE  YOUR  OWN  HAND  SANITIZER!

In Case the Rest Rooms in Town Haven't Been Recently Cleaned

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Arizona Governor's Latest

• The Governor has decided to really begin opening up the state in all aspects. Despite the fact that this Pandemic isn't over, deaths & new outbreaks still occur, variants are being transmitted, and not everyone is vaccinated, others refuse to get vaccinated (!!) which isn't helpful. In fact the unvaccinated are those who contribute to the creation of mutations - the variants. 

1. Not to be alarmist (but maybe!) - that is exactly a real problem. Because that's a method for creation of viruses that can overcome vaccines, or that science cannot get a vaccine for. A dangerous situation for an even more deadly pandemic to arise.

• We'll just keep a link to his site, so you can see for yourself his latest proclamations, instead of continually trying to explain him here.
• However businesses still have their own responsibility/option to require safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and these new variants (mutations). For us - we'll support those business who enforce current CDC safety guidelines, and common sense for us - since we have our vaccinations on board.
• Here is where you can access the Governor's Executive Orders> which you can follow along with
  

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Tombstone AZ Covid Info & Assistance

We worked in the Medical Field, as licensed professionals (Respiratory Care Practitioners - Respiratory Therapists - who manage those ventilators/life support machines) before retiring. For 10 years before retiring, we taught students going into that field. We've researched this pandemic information to stick with the science, and present it objectively. Of course, you'll make your own decision.

It is troubling to hear people say wearing a mask is a "personal choice" because they have Libertarian-like ideas. That's unfortunate, as it shows a lack of understanding of how respiratory virus spreads. Here's how this troubling virus spreads:

• COVID-19 spreads in tiny droplets (even microscopic) through the air when people cough, sneeze, even talk or sing. Someone inhales it when they're within about 3 feet apart. The virus can stay floating in the air for up to three hours, even longer some studies show.
• If the droplet hits a surface, you touch that surface, then touch your face, it's slightly possible for the virus to migrate internally through you (via mouth, nose, getting into/rubbing your eyes).
• You can be exposed in a stealth manner because people may have it, don't yet or ever have symptoms, but ARE contagious. They're asymptomatic. In other words, they're "silent carriers." So they can pass it on to you.

1. If infected, it commonly takes from 2 to 14 days to become ill - or you may not become ill at all!
2. How long they can be such a silent carrier still seems undetermined - as are many other things about this virus.
3. All it takes is for one to have it in this stealth manner to begin to an outbreak - especially in a crowd.

• Every age group is getting this virus, even children & teens - young people are dying from it, too, they're not immune. In fact, now as older people get vaccinated, the virus seems to seek younger targets, the more available.
• COVID-19 is more contagious than the regular flu, passing on more easily. Now there are mutations (viruses commonly mutate, so this was expected - what other mutations will occur?), strains that are more contagious yet, spreading more easily, not responsive to vaccines.
• Reinfection has occurred. It's uncommon - but don't assume that if you had it, you can't get it again. The CDC says "As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we expect to see more cases of reinfection."[www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/duration-isolation.html]
• Here's More Detail> on why wearing masks applies to Libertarian Views, if you need that. Same applies to getting the vaccine.

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Making YOUR Covid-19 Decision

We're not telling you what to do. However we do advise following CDC Guidelines.

Now we ourselves are finally vaccinated! So we can Ease Up Our Life a bit! Hug our kids & grandkids! Visit with some of our friends in a safe manner. Now we'll feel comfortable going out to outdoor dining. We'll support those restaurants who abide by CDC advisements.

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Wear A Mask

The KN95 Mask that is said to be the Best Protection Yet. Remember, you breathe through your mouth and/or your nose - depending on circumstances. So the mask should cover both your nose & mouth. Below is one of the first mask effectiveness studies conducted in the U.S. But now there are many available. It is a proven thing to protect yourself. Facts matter - So see all the studies for Mask Effectiveness.

"Snake Oil" Treatments Were Around in Historic Tombstone, Too!

Don't take it upon yourself to search the internet for unproven "treatments." Not a good idea, and most likely dangerous. Undocumented information spreads the internet.

If it's true - then validate and prove your sources! Critical thinking calls for researching at least three authentic sources that back up the information. If you're looking at it - then look for documentation! Don't believe just anything you're reading on the internet. Use critical thinking - authentically research it.

There's a lot of misinformation circulating around, even daily. See W-H-O Myth-Busting>

Our careers were as Respiratory Therapists - Licensed Health Care Practitioners - and we've observed over the years how disease can spread, and its aftermath. While working, we've seen some weird ailments that were never able to be diagnosed!

I taught microbiology for about ten years. I studied this subject. I had students go through a scenario on how a disease such as this can spread in a multiplying way: 2 to 4 to 8 to 16 to 32 to 64 to 128, etc. That's an example of 1 person spreading it to 1 other. They're finding one COVID-19 infected person (before getting sick) is exposing about 2 or 3 others. So that spread is more like 1 to 3 to 9 to 27 to 81 to 243 to 729, etc. (Lately it seems it's sometimes even spreading from 1 up to 4 or 6 or more!) Now there are variations spreading even easier.

Libertarians - Masks a Personal Choice?

Now, we're not Libertarians, though we agree with some of those principles. But consider these points quoted from someone who was a physician, and left that field to become an entrepreneur. He holds Libertarian principles:

• The position overall seems to be "I'm an American so I'm free to choose." & "I would rather die from coronavirus than live the rest of my life in fear and wearing a damn mask." Fair enough. As a libertarian, I get that. The problem is, though, is that it's not ONLY about him... or you... or me. During a pandemic it's about ALL of us.
• Let's start with the only 3 hard facts that matter in this debate....they are also common sense.

1. Many people with COVID-19 don't know they have it. If they do they can pass it on to others
2. If you wear a mask, the physical barrier reduces your chances of passing the virus to someone else. It stops your "spray."
3. If you have it there is no perfect way to isolate you from passing it on to someone else, especially when you come home.

• It's worth mentioning, too...

1. You are also less likely to get COVID-19 if you wear a mask. The tighter the fit and the better the barrier, the better YOUR protection against the outside.
2. The higher percent of people who wear a mask in crowded situations, the benefit goes up.... it stands to reason.

But lets... focus on libertarianism and fundamental freedoms. The basic tenet of libertarianism is... "I am free to do what I want to do, as long as I don't impinge on the next person's right to do the same." The 2nd part is important, otherwise you have anarchy. So...

• We can drink alcohol, but we can't drive drunk. That's because you MIGHT kill other people, not just yourself. If it was just you, so be it. But it's not.
• We all have freedom of speech. But we can't falsely cry "FIRE" in a crowded theater. THAT endangers others.
• Americans have the right to bear arms, but not kill others by firing them (except in cases such as self defense).

Wearing a mask during a pandemic is all about exercising one's freedom "responsibly." The science on this is clear. Wear a mask to cut down the rate of viral spread. It's also simple common sense. THIS VIRUS KILLS. So if you cut down the rate of spread, you'll cut down deaths.... ICUs will not be overwhelmed.

BOTTOM LINE? NOT wearing a mask is indeed exercising some sort of freedom. But you do so IRresponsibly. It's up to us to self-manage and work TOGETHER. Surely we can start to benefit from what we've learned and finally get it right? If we do we can wrestle the virus under control within a month. If not, the deaths will soar. The economy will absolutely tank, far beyond what we imagine. The old will be dead. The young will be poor, millions desperately so. Wear a mask - for ALL our sakes.

- quoted from Ken Evoy of SBI

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Washing your hands is also very important! This was something we in healthcare education (and in the work-force) always emphasized. You've heard: 20 seconds. Sing Happy Birthday, or Row Your Boat (whatever one you want/know) TWICE.

Want to know why a little plain ole soap & water wash is effective? Watch:

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