by Sudha Sudhaker 21’

As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 surpasses 4,000 as of April 7, 2020, state officials under the direction of Governor Larry Hogan have adopted  preventive measures in order to flatten the curve. The “curve” refers to the predicted number of people who will contract the virus. The peak of the curve represents the highest number of people who will be infected. The faster the infection curve rises, the quicker the healthcare system becomes overloaded beyond capacity. 

A significant key to slowing the transmission of COVID-19 is to increase the testing of those with symptoms and eventually also random testing of a local population. There are currently six drive-through testing sites and counting in Maryland. Hogan announced that he plans on using vehicle emissions inspection sites as testing sites.  Montgomery County hospitals, such as MedStar Montgomery Hospital, have set up outdoor tents outside of hospital emergency rooms to screen for coronavirus patients

In order to get a test, a person  should first call their primary care physician. Telecare lines are available for people to talk to doctors and nurses about their symptoms. If the phone call confirms the  need for a test, the person must call ahead to give the hospital time to take necessary precautions. Someone in protective equipment will take a nasal sample. Since it could take two to three days to get the test results, a person  must isolate themselves while waiting to see if positive or negative for COVID-19. Guidelines from state officials have been changing, as reports of people having difficulty getting tested have emerged due to the delays in local testing capability, narrow criteria about who gets tested, and increased demand of tests. To decide who gets tested first, the CDC’s guidelines have prioritized those who have symptoms of the virus and have had close contact with a confirmed patient within fourteen days of their first symptoms. Those who have traveled to areas impacted by the epidemic in the last fourteen days are the next priority for testing. 

For a teenger who posseses symptoms such as a fever, cough, or difficult breathing, and have been in close contact with a confirmed patient, or if they have recently traveled to an area with an ongoing spread of the virus, they should call their healthcare professional. The healthcare professional will decide if the teen would meet the criteria for receiving a test. 

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus most usually is spread between people within six feet through respiratory droplets. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of those nearby or can be inhaled into the lungs. The virus may be spread by people who are not even showing symptoms. The CDC announced that Americans should wear masks when they leave their homes, such as going to the grocery store. Therefore, it is especially important for teens to stay inside instead of getting together with friends for even small social gatherings, as it could save lives.