Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to talk to a student journalist about the coronavirus. Specifically, she’s looking to get Newton residents’ thoughts on the following questions;
- Do you consider the coronavirus a threat to the Newton community?
- Are you doing anything to protect yourself from the virus?
- Have you seen people wearing masks on the streets of Newton? If so, what you do think of the masks?
- What should City Hall do to address residents on how to avoid catching the virus?
From reading epidemiologists and Science News’s FAQ (very reputable source, keeping it updated), I’m not more worried about it than I am about influenza. I’m taking the same precautions (other than getting vaccinated obviously) as I do to avoid the flu.
Masks are mainly helpful when worn by sick people to prevent sharing their germs with others. The are much less effective at keep you from inhaling things since they aren’t sealed and let air in.
City Hall should share information from credible sources and not alarm people.
Do you consider the coronavirus a threat to the Newton community?
No. I am more concerned about the Flu.
Are you doing anything to protect yourself from the virus?
No.
Have you seen people wearing masks on the streets of Newton? If so, what you do think of the masks?
I have not seen anybody wearing them. I’ve read in an article that masks are not all that helpful with this virus and that the best thing would be to wash hands frequently.
What should City Hall do to address residents on how to avoid catching the virus?
I don’t think that anything is needed in terms of being pro-active.
This week there is a fundraiser event to support people in China suffering from the virus. The annual exchange between Newton’s high schools and the Jingshan School in Beijing was canceled this year (at the last possible minute).
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