The Corona Virus shares many similarities with the traditional influenza virus common in America – including low mortality rates. However, we have learned that the Chinese WuFlu is extremely contagious and it may lead to permanent reduced lung function.
Clearly some politicians have exploited anxieties and uncertainties over the new virus for political gain. Furthermore, mainstream media types have clearly sensationalized the Corona Virus and its risks for ratings.
As Mark Duke, the EMS professional from Orland Park Fire Protection told our Guns Save Life audience in our late-February Chicagoland meeting, people should address the immediate threat when it comes to flu-like viruses.
But since then, we’ve learned that the Wuhan virus is the immediate threat.
Among those tested positive as of this writing, about 15% of them have required in-patient hospitalization and a third of those required ICU care.
Older Americans are at greatest risk with both the American flu and the Chinese flu. Especially people with underlying health issues. That could describe a lot of our GSL family attending our GSL meetings.
With that in mind, the GSL Board of Directors decided to cancel the April series of GSL meetings.
We hope to return in May, or June at the latest. In the meantime, we are taking steps to help ensure everyone’s safety once we resume our monthly meetings.
If you feel ill, stay home.
Given the demographic of many of the guests at our meetings, we remain vigilant. As Dale Lock, one of GSL’s Directors and the Sangamon County GSL Regional Director noted, “GSL members are trained in threat assessment and management. While many GSL members are above 70 and have health issues, they are also smart enough to decide when to stay home.”
Indeed.
With the latest information we’ve received, we’re saying, “stay home.”
We ask that you use common sense and…
- If you have travelled internationally or any domestic “hot zones,” stay away from our Guns Save Life meetings for at least two weeks.
- If you’ve been diagnosed with either type of flu (American or Chinese) or had close contact to anyone who has been tested positive, that you stay away for at least two weeks.
- As always, if you feel sick or are running a fever, stay home from GSL meetings until you feel better. This applies any time of the year.
Practice good hygiene and use common sense to protect yourself from WuFlu virus, just as you would protect yourself from the “American” Influenza virus.
Again, use hand sanitizer and wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face and eyes.
Avoid large crowds and any potentially sick people. Yes, that means stop kissing on sick people and licking windows – especially in hospitals. Hopefully you’ll remain healthy – unless you have the bad fortune of holding the last name of Epstein.
If you do come down with the either type of flu, get plenty of rest, fluids and contact your doctor as appropriate.
Meeting Cancellations?
We will post any additional cancellations of Guns Save Life meetings at least 24 hours in advance on the Guns Save Life website.
Furthermore, if for whatever reason our May meetings get cancelled, we will likely start live-streaming a presentation, along with Mr. Boch’s Executive Director’s report.
See the GunsSaveLife.com website for details should cancellations occur.
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