O’Scanlon: COVID-19 is cause for diligence, not panic

Senator notes that current pandemic is a historical reminder of the pre-vaccine world

Senator Declan O’Scanlon issued the following statement in response to the announcement that the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has reached two communities within his district, Little Silver and Hazlet:

“We have been told for several weeks that the coronavirus would likely spread to most communities and, unfortunately, it appears to now have reached Monmouth County,” said O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth). “Today’s announcement should not serve as a cause for panic, rather it should reinforce our diligence in adhering to the hygiene recommendations from public health officials to help slow and limit the spread of coronavirus within our community.”

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people to cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching parts of your face, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects, stay home if you are sick except to get medical care, and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

The CDC maintains an informational website on COVID-19 with a fully array of advice for healthcare professionals, families, and businesses.

O’Scanlon noted that modern society has largely been shielded from highly contagious diseases such as the new strain of coronavirus due to the success of vaccines in recent decades.

“For anyone who’s wondering, this is what the world looked like pre-vaccine,” added O’Scanlon. “People today are not accustomed to living in a world where highly contagious pathogens are a problem, and that’s because vaccines have successfully minimized the threat of dangerous diseases like measles and polio that once were a major threat. I have no doubt that a vaccine for COVID-19 eventually will be deployed with similar impact.”

“At this point we all need to avoid panic, work together, be responsible if we feel sick and follow health officials’ recommendations. We, and our economy, will get through this with diligence and teamwork,” O’Scanlon added.