April 2020 – Three Minute News

CoR – Local State of Disaster Declaration

The City of Richardson has declared a local state of disaster due to a Public Health Emergency to help contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Richardson has issued “shelter in place” orders which are in effect through April 30 unless changed. More and latest information at:

https://www.cor.net/departments/health-department/programs-events/health-news-events/test

People are asked to practice social distancing and proper hygiene. Social distancing means:

• Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others,
• Avoiding congregating with other people,
• Avoiding unnecessary physical contact.

Proper hygiene includes:

• Not touching your face,
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue,
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,

If soap and water are not available, use a 65% or greater alcohol-based hand sanitizer and then wash your hands as soon as you can.

See more information on Coronavirus later in this newsletter.

2020 US CENSUS

Counting everyone once, only once, and in the right place. Everyone counts.

• It’s about fair representation.
• It is in the US Constitution.
• It’s about distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds.
• It’s about redistricting of legislative districts.
• Taking part is your civic duty.
• April 1 was “official” census day. You can still participate, but do it soon . Only takes a very few minutes.
•  

Did you know that you can participate on-line? You will need the 12 digit code included in the mailing that you should have received or the form left at your door.

More information at:

https://www.cor.net/our-city/census

https://2020census.gov (information and on-line response)

Richardson REAL HEROES

Richardson Real Heroes focuses on honoring individuals giving service to the community.

Four exceptional volunteers were chosen as Richardson Real Heroes for 2020! These four heroes represent the heart of Richardson and the many volunteers who work tirelessly to improve our community.

• Jay Dalehite (Canyon Creek Homeowners Association)
• Larry Lowe (Richardson Police Department)
• Alicia Marshall (Citizen’s Fire Academy)
• Jerry Nichols (Methodist Richardson Medical Center)

The Real Heroes awards ceremony, originally scheduled for April 23, is delayed due to current closures. The event is tentatively scheduled for June 4, 2020. Join us to honor and thank these Real Heroes and to hear more about and be inspired by how they volunteer their time to our community.

More information on Richardson Real Heroes at: www.richardsonrealheroes.com

About Coronavirus, COVID-19

The Coronavirus, COVID-19

(a summary of a collection of information from sources including Johns Hopkins University)*

• The virus is not a living organism: it is a protein molecule (non-segmented, positive sense RNA virus) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular(eye), nasal or buccal mucosa(mouth), changes their genetic code (mutation) and convert them into aggressors and multiplier cells.
• Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
• The virus is very fragile: the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy because the foam CUTS the FAT and that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam. By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own. See video on why washing works:

• HEAT melts fat: this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more effective.
• Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% dissolves fat away, especially the external lipid layer of the virus. (But, using it does not wash the virus away like washing does.)
• Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein by breaking it down from the inside.
• Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin, so maybe not the best solution for your hands.
• NO BACTERICIDE WORKS. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria. Bactericides cannot kill what is not alive.
• NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While the virus is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates between 3 hours (fabric and porous), 4 hours (copper, because it is naturally antiseptic; and wood, because it removes all the moisture and does not let it peel off), 24 hours (cardboard), 42 hours (metal) and 72 hours (plastic). But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours or more and can lodge in your nose.
• The virus molecules remain very stable in cold places, such as air conditioners. They need moisture to stay stable, and especially prefer darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade the virus faster.
• UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, use UV to disinfect and reuse a mask. Be careful, UV also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin, eventually causing wrinkles and possibly skin cancer.
• The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin. Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
• Spirits NOR Vodka will help. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need at least a 65% alcohol solution.
• LISTERINE contains 65% alcohol, so can be useful.
• The more confined space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
• You must wash your hands before and after touching mucous (from mouth, nose, eyes), food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And, when using the bathroom (maybe before as well as after).
• You have to keep your hands moisturized. They are dry from so much washing. This is because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
• Keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.
• Consider using a mask and gloves when you go out to public places. However, be careful when removing them as you do not want to transfer any collected virus from them to your hands and then to your face. Look on-line for best ways to clean for reuse.

* NOTE: This is summary of information collected from trusted sources. However, as more facts become available, specifics may change. This is meant for general informational use, not as specific facts or advice. Keep up with new information by reading and listening to news from reliable sources.

Follow health guidelines! Stay home! Stay safe! We are all in this together.