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I’ve spent the last weeks talking w/ teachers & health workers in #Nebraska. The 1 constant I’m hearing is that they are not OK — things are beyond emergency territory. So here’s what we know.
What’s Happening In Nebraska? A #NPRShortWave Thread
(1/16) https://www.npr.org/2020/11/30/940115260/nebraska-doctor-craves-more-help-less-hero-talk
What’s Happening In Nebraska? A #NPRShortWave Thread
(1/16) https://www.npr.org/2020/11/30/940115260/nebraska-doctor-craves-more-help-less-hero-talk
A) Like many states in the Midwest, Nebraska was somewhat spared during the early days of the pandemic. https://covidtracking.com/data/state/nebraska
B) But now, it has the most cases per capita, of any state in the US. As of yesterday, Nebraska is considered one of the HIGHEST risk states in the country. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/09/01/816707182/map-tracking-the-spread-of-the-coronavirus-in-the-u-s
C) I talked to Alberto Marcelin, a family medicine doctor in Omaha, & he said this latest surge didn’t surprise him.
In the spring, he’d run lots of tests every day at his clinic – no positive cases. But now: “We’re getting nearly 40-50% positive cases.” https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1205c60366ba43719a59225ec62e31b5
In the spring, he’d run lots of tests every day at his clinic – no positive cases. But now: “We’re getting nearly 40-50% positive cases.” https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1205c60366ba43719a59225ec62e31b5
D) @UNMC, which is considered to be one of the MOST pandemic ready hospitals in the country, is nearing capacity.
Read this REALLY great piece from @edyong209 about the hospital. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/11/americas-best-prepared-hospital-nearly-overwhelmed/617156/)
Read this REALLY great piece from @edyong209 about the hospital. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/11/americas-best-prepared-hospital-nearly-overwhelmed/617156/)
E) @UNMC had 2 COVID units in the spring. Now they have 10. One of them is specifically for “comfort care.” It’s where patients go when there’s nothing else that can be done — and so that, hopefully, they aren’t alone when they die.
F) Even though Nebraska has a tremendous amount of cases per capita, there have been few state-wide public health directives. No mask mandate. Many schools remain in person. Restaurants & bars open for indoor dining. https://www.npr.org/2020/06/11/847413697/midwest-coronavirus-related-restrictions-by-state
G) Health workers throughout the state have been pleading w/ @GovRicketts to take more action as the virus spreads unchecked in the community.
This open letter reads: "It is said that when you are digging yourself into a hole, you should stop digging." https://omaha.com/opinion/columnists/midlands-voices-nebraska-hospitals-under-enormous-strain-the-public-can-help/article_d23062c4-6ac5-5e6e-bf85-45ba83a8550f.html
This open letter reads: "It is said that when you are digging yourself into a hole, you should stop digging." https://omaha.com/opinion/columnists/midlands-voices-nebraska-hospitals-under-enormous-strain-the-public-can-help/article_d23062c4-6ac5-5e6e-bf85-45ba83a8550f.html
H) We talked w/ @DrJRMarcelin about how things look on the ground & how she’s doing. And the answer on both fronts is – NOT OK. And, she’s REALLY TIRED of people calling health workers heroes.
Listen to our convo here: https://www.npr.org/2020/11/30/940115260/nebraska-doctor-craves-more-help-less-hero-talk
Listen to our convo here: https://www.npr.org/2020/11/30/940115260/nebraska-doctor-craves-more-help-less-hero-talk
I) She also says the exhaustion is “compounded by countless reminders of the violent oppression that Black people have to encounter on a daily basis & the numbers of people that are being shot & killed on top of being at-risk for worse outcomes from COVID-19.”
J) If you don’t know much about Nebraska, here’s some important context.
The murder of George Floyd & others just this year that have been covered nationally, hit close to home in Nebraska where there is a LONG & VIOLENT history of racial oppression. https://northomahahistory.com/2012/12/19/a-history-of-racism-in-omaha/
The murder of George Floyd & others just this year that have been covered nationally, hit close to home in Nebraska where there is a LONG & VIOLENT history of racial oppression. https://northomahahistory.com/2012/12/19/a-history-of-racism-in-omaha/
K) And speaking of just this year … A 22-year-old Black man was shot & killed by a White bar owner during a protest in Omaha this summer.
His name is James Scurlock. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/11/james-juju-scurlock-why-you-should-say-his-name-too
His name is James Scurlock. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/11/james-juju-scurlock-why-you-should-say-his-name-too
L) Nebraska was my first true home. It’s where I found my people. Where, during my 20s, I sat on the front porch w/ all my best friends drinking High Life. The place where my best friend is raising her babies now.
I. Love. Nebraska. And, y’all, Nebraskans are NOT OK right now.
I. Love. Nebraska. And, y’all, Nebraskans are NOT OK right now.
M) Please wear a mask when you have to go out. Talk to your fam & your friends on FaceTime — or YELL at them from ACROSS the street when you need to feel connected.
But please, please be your own hero right now, and stay home.
But please, please be your own hero right now, and stay home.
If this was helpful for you, you'll find LOTS more interesting and easy to understand science stuff (including coronavirus coverage) on the #NPRShortWave podcast. Check it out here ... or wherever you podcast: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510351/short-wave
LASTLY ... If you're a health worker who would be willing to share your experiences w/ me & the #NPRShortWave team, please send us a note at [email protected].
We'd love to hear anything you'd like to share.
We'd love to hear anything you'd like to share.
