Covid Corner with Dr. Gary Jacques

"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater." J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring Facts: New Mexico added 72 new cases yesterday. 1562 tests were performed which translates to a 4.6% positive rate in those tested. The total number of cases is 865. There are now 16 deaths in state. There are 59 patients hospitalized including one at Los Alamos Medical Center on a ventilator. The health department still reports 2 cases living in Los Alamos. Commentary: The news is reporting cautious optimism that the number of new cases nationwide is starting to flatten. Due to the lag between diagnosis and death the number of deaths will most likely continue to climb this week. Fortunately, as people revise and update their forecasting models we are seeing projections for ICU use, ventilator use, and deaths all being revised downward. Anecdotally, we are learning of more people living in or associated with Los Alamos County testing positive for covid19. Some may live out of county. Others may not get reported to the Department of Health. We should continue to behave as if the virus is in our community and not let down our guard in terms of protecting ourselves. Remember our goal at MANNM is for no employee to contract covid-19! Encouragement: Tolkien fans will love today's quote which seems quite apropos. Like stars, love does shine brighter during dark times. Let's keep our light shining. Dr. Jacques