As of Monday, March 30th the numbers surrounding the COVID-19 virus look like this: 163,932 total cases in the United States with 3,138 deaths. The numbers are skyrocketing with many areas just now beginning to see cases in numbers at their local hospitals. COVID-19 continues to be a serious health risk for millions of American’s all over the country – and possibly worse – causing severe, possibly unrepairable damage to the economy.
The Governor of Virginia just put the entire state on quarantine(shelter in place) until June 10th. Yes – that’s right. June 10th. People are not allowed to go out unless for food, medical attention, other needed supplies, or for “fresh air”. Other regions – large and small – are likely to follow suit. The mayor of Washington, DC is threatening 90 days in jail for those not staying at home. This is unprecedented – and likely unconstitutional. The main reason for such drastic action is related to citizens NOT sheltering in place and following the CDC guidelines regarding social distancing. With peak cases projected to arrive within the next 2-3 weeks in most areas, it is critical that people limit their activity to reduce the chance of spreading the disease.
Dr. Anthony Fauci estimates that – even with all of the correct measures being put into place – the best case is 100,000 to 200,000 deaths as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
We all have to make decisions that are best for ourselves. Our situations are all different regarding financial, geographic, population density – and preparedness levels. Some must go to work to sustain their lives and provide. Some have no choice but to NOT go to work – such as myself – and we look to gain employment in a very unfriendly economic environment.
The financial ramifications to the nation are immeasurable at this time. What the effect will be adding trillions of dollars to the national debt cannot be predicted accurately regarding severity nor timeframe. So many questions with so few answers.
What I know is there will be many people entering into the world of survival and preparedness as a result of this pandemic. This is positive. What I also know is we all have very good reason to continue to prepare with the potential for disastrous economic troubles ahead as well as the real threat that a similar pandemic of an even more severe nature could await us right around the corner.
What to do? For me, I may call the plan I’m working on an “American Exit Strategy“. In short, it’s a plan to insulate myself from situations such as this one and many more that threaten our way of life. I’ll share more in the near future.
Take care all.
Rourke