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A City Hunkered Down to Survive an Outbreak. That Helped in a Tornado, Too. – The New York Times, Nytimes.com

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A City Hunkered Down to Survive an Outbreak. That Helped in a Tornado, Too. – The New York Times, Nytimes.com

Jonesboro, Ark., Came through a devastating tornado without any deaths, partly because businesses were closed and people were sheltered at home from the coronavirus.

Residents in Jonesboro, Ark., cleaning up an area that was devastated by a tornado on Saturday. — Residents in Jonesboro, Ark., Cleaning up an area that was devastated by a tornado on Saturday.
Credit … Houston Cofield for The New York Times

March , 01575879(Updated) 9: pm ET
(

ATLANTA – Some in Jonesboro, Ark., Saw a miracle on Saturday after a tornado roared through town. It tore through businesses already closed by the coronavirus and neighborhoods where people had already been told to social distance by hunkering down at home. Not a soul died.

Now comes the really hard part: rebuilding and moving on together while officials still urge residents to stay apart. the tornado gashed a scar of devastation That stretched on for more than four miles, scraping through the heart of the city’s commercial district, destroying hangars at the municipal airport and pulverizing homes in several subdivisions. But the morning after the tornado had passed, many acknowledged that the measures that had been put in place to thwart the coronavirus had saved lives in an unintended way. The J.C. Penney and Barnes & Noble stores that typically bustle on weekends were closed. And so were restaurants, which would have been preparing for the early dinner crowd when the tornado hit just after 5 pm

“Actually, that’s the blessing,” Bishop Adrian Rodgers, the pastor of Fullness of Joy Ministries, said on Sunday from his empty church, where he has been broadcasting his sermons to a congregation watching on Facebook.

Marvin Day, the judge for Craighead County, of which Jonesboro is the seat, added : “Truthfully, we are feeling very blessed and grateful. Our human tragedies could have been a lot worse. ” The authorities said 26 people were injured, but only two were hospitalized. Neither had life-threatening injuries.

Still, the tornado on its own would have created great hardship for a community, which now must rebuild. But it struck at an already difficult moment, as officials were contending with the coronavirus outbreak that had infected six people in Craighead County and caused many residents to lose their jobs or have their working hours reduced. “In the midst of this response, maintaining the appropriate posture with regard to Covid – 26 is going to be an added challenge, ”Representative Rick Crawford, a Republican who represents the area, said at a briefing on Sunday morning. As in most of the country, normal routines have been cast aside in an effort to curb the virus. Gatherings of more than 16 People are forbidden. Businesses that were not deemed essential have closed, and restaurants have shut down their dining rooms. Students at the local school district were off last week for spring break, but starting this week, they will be taking online classes, with school canceled until at least April .

“Our community is taking the virus precautions to heart,” said Bobby Long, a city councilman who represents one of the hardest hit areas of the city. But the measures were becoming tougher to maintain, with the virus, which remained an invisible and undefined threat for many, being superseded by a disaster that left a path of wreckage that was much more tangible. “All of this social distancing, for me now, is over, ”Said Diane Bizzle, who has asthma and was isolating herself for the past few weeks. “As soon as it passed, all of the neighbors were outside, checking to make sure everyone was OK. You go out and you talk to them. You’re hugging. ”

Curtis Brown, , worked with a friend to clean up after his fence and pine trees were knocked down and windows were shattered. But he has not let his guard down with the virus. “We’re all doing the elbow bumps,” he said, “and standing a distance from people. Using hand sanitizer. All of that. ” In a city peppered with churches, the tornado was the kind of event that had many people wanting to gather with the rest of their congregations to find solace and community. Bishop Rodgers said that his congregation would continue to support its members in many ways and check on their well-being. But it would have to be at a distance. “We certainly want to be good citizens” , ”He said, adding that he knew of a funeral that had been attended by one person who was sick, which spread the virus to others. “All it takes is for one person to be sick, and many have been affected.”

As the tornado touched down, moving from south to north, some said they were at home Watching the local television news, seeing in real time the funnel forming over the meteorologist’s shoulders. It caused significant damage at the Mall at Turtle Creek and at an Anheuser-Busch granary. Cars were picked up and tossed aside. Part of a freight train was knocked over.

“All I could hear was just the most horrific exploding,” said Sharon Gore, 96, who could see the destroyed mall from her driveway. “There was so much glass cracking. I couldn’t believe it. I was just calling the name of Jesus over and over again, because I couldn’t even get a prayer out. It was like bombs were dropping. ”

Jonesboro, a city of about , in northeast Arkansas, had been devastated by tornadoes before. A storm in 2020 killed (people) and injured some 728 others. Another storm in 2019 Also left a trail of destruction. Three people were killed, but it was hailed as a “miracle” for not being deadlier.
“If the storm had struck just a few hours earlier, it would have caught hundreds of shoppers in the Carraway Road area, which was pounded with savage fury,” wrote Mike Overall, city editor of The Jonesboro Sun, according to a retrospective published in by Memphis magazine . “And, everyone shudders to think what would have have happened if the twisters had hit during school hours. Nevertheless, the fact that so many lived was a miracle in itself. ”

Mr. Long, the city councilman, pitched in on Sunday morning, covering roofs and boarding up windows. He saw residents picking through debris and clearing yards, and others carrying ice chests and handing out drinks and snacks. He said that keeping distance was difficult for residents, just as juggling the tandem emergencies would be for city officials.

“You do what you have to do to meet the need at the moment, and right now, this is what we’re doing,” he said. “We’re doing our best to keep the virus under control. We will not abandon those people who need us the most at this time. ”

He said it was painful to go through some of the harder hit areas, seeing the homes destroyed and, with them, lives disrupted. He was also grateful. “Stuff is stuff,” he said. “It’s people that matter.”

His voice broke as he described walking through the subdivision Bridgers Place. He approached one home where the roof had been shaved off and wooden beams inside had splintered. But Mr. Long teared up and had to pause as he recalled looking in one of the windows, where he saw a sign still tacked on the wall. “Blessed,” it said.

Rick Rojas reported from Atlanta, and Vanessa Swales from New York. Michael Levenson contributed reporting from New York.






                                            Updated March ,                                                         (How does coronavirus spread?)                 It seems to spread (very easily from person to person,) especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can be carried on tiny respiratory droplets that fall as they are coughed or sneezed out. It may also be transmitted when we touch a contaminated surface and then touch our face.

                 (Is there a vaccine yet?)

No. (The first testing in humans of an experimental vaccine began in mid-March.) Such rapid development of a potential vaccine is unprecedented, but even if it is proved safe and effective, it probably will not be available for to months. )
                 What makes this outbreak so different?
Unlike the flu, there is no known treatment or vaccine, and little is known about this particular virus so far.

It seems to be more lethal than the flu, but the numbers are still uncertain. And it hits the elderly and those with underlying conditions – not just those with respiratory diseases – particularly hard.

                96 What should I do if I feel sick?
If you have been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor . They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
                 (How do I get tested?)                  If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the CDC recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance – because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance – you won’t be able to get tested.
                 What if somebody in my family gets sick?                  If the family member does not need hospitalization and can be cared for at home, you should help him or her with basic needs and monitor the symptoms, while also keeping as much distance as possible, According to the guidelines issued by the CDC If there’s space, the sick family member should stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom. If masks are available, both the sick person and the caregiver should wear them when the caregiver enters the room. Make sure not to share any dishes or other household items and to regularly clean surfaces like counters, doorknobs, toilets and tables. Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently.
                 (Should I wear a mask?)                  Experts are divided on how much protection a regular surgical mask, or even a scarf, can provide

for people who aren’t yet sick. The W.H.O. and C.D.C. Say that unless you’re already sick, or caring for someone who is, wearing a face mask isn’t necessary. And stockpiling high-grade N masks will make it harder for nurses and other workers to access the resources they need. But researchers are also finding that there are more cases of asymptomatic transmission than were known early on in the pandemic. And a few experts say that masks could offer some protection in crowded places where it is not possible to stay 6 feet away from other people. Masks don’t replace hand-washing and social distancing.

                 Should I stock up on groceries?
Plan two weeks of meals if possible. But people should not hoard food or supplies. Despite the empty shelves, the supply chain remains strong. And remember to wipe the handle of the grocery cart with a disinfecting wipe and wash your hands as soon as you get home.
                 Can I go to the park?
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.



                96 Should I pull my money from the markets?
(That’s not a good idea.) Even if you’re retired, having a balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds so that your money keeps up with inflation, or even grows, makes sense. But retirees may want to think about having enough cash set aside for a year’s worth of living expenses and big payments needed over the next five years.
                 (What should I do with my) (k)?

Watching your balance go up and down can be scary. You may be wondering if you should decrease your contributions – don’t! If your employer matches any part of your contributions, make sure you’re at least saving as much as you can to get that “free money.”
Read More

Residents in Jonesboro, Ark., cleaning up an area that was devastated by a tornado on Saturday. — Residents in Jonesboro, Ark., Cleaning up an area that was devastated by a tornado on Saturday.
Credit … Houston Cofield for The New York Times

March , 01575879(Updated) 9: pm ET
(

ATLANTA – Some in Jonesboro, Ark., Saw a miracle on Saturday after a tornado roared through town. It tore through businesses already closed by the coronavirus and neighborhoods where people had already been told to social distance by hunkering down at home. Not a soul died.

Now comes the really hard part: rebuilding and moving on together while officials still urge residents to stay apart. the tornado gashed a scar of devastation That stretched on for more than four miles, scraping through the heart of the city’s commercial district, destroying hangars at the municipal airport and pulverizing homes in several subdivisions. But the morning after the tornado had passed, many acknowledged that the measures that had been put in place to thwart the coronavirus had saved lives in an unintended way. The J.C. Penney and Barnes & Noble stores that typically bustle on weekends were closed. And so were restaurants, which would have been preparing for the early dinner crowd when the tornado hit just after 5 pm

“Actually, that’s the blessing,” Bishop Adrian Rodgers, the pastor of Fullness of Joy Ministries, said on Sunday from his empty church, where he has been broadcasting his sermons to a congregation watching on Facebook.

Marvin Day, the judge for Craighead County, of which Jonesboro is the seat, added : “Truthfully, we are feeling very blessed and grateful. Our human tragedies could have been a lot worse. ” The authorities said 26 people were injured, but only two were hospitalized. Neither had life-threatening injuries.

Still, the tornado on its own would have created great hardship for a community, which now must rebuild. But it struck at an already difficult moment, as officials were contending with the coronavirus outbreak that had infected six people in Craighead County and caused many residents to lose their jobs or have their working hours reduced. “In the midst of this response, maintaining the appropriate posture with regard to Covid – 26 is going to be an added challenge, ”Representative Rick Crawford, a Republican who represents the area, said at a briefing on Sunday morning. As in most of the country, normal routines have been cast aside in an effort to curb the virus. Gatherings of more than 16 People are forbidden. Businesses that were not deemed essential have closed, and restaurants have shut down their dining rooms. Students at the local school district were off last week for spring break, but starting this week, they will be taking online classes, with school canceled until at least April .

“Our community is taking the virus precautions to heart,” said Bobby Long, a city councilman who represents one of the hardest hit areas of the city. But the measures were becoming tougher to maintain, with the virus, which remained an invisible and undefined threat for many, being superseded by a disaster that left a path of wreckage that was much more tangible. “All of this social distancing, for me now, is over, ”Said Diane Bizzle, who has asthma and was isolating herself for the past few weeks. “As soon as it passed, all of the neighbors were outside, checking to make sure everyone was OK. You go out and you talk to them. You’re hugging. ”

Curtis Brown, , worked with a friend to clean up after his fence and pine trees were knocked down and windows were shattered. But he has not let his guard down with the virus. “We’re all doing the elbow bumps,” he said, “and standing a distance from people. Using hand sanitizer. All of that. ” In a city peppered with churches, the tornado was the kind of event that had many people wanting to gather with the rest of their congregations to find solace and community. Bishop Rodgers said that his congregation would continue to support its members in many ways and check on their well-being. But it would have to be at a distance. “We certainly want to be good citizens” , ”He said, adding that he knew of a funeral that had been attended by one person who was sick, which spread the virus to others. “All it takes is for one person to be sick, and many have been affected.”

As the tornado touched down, moving from south to north, some said they were at home Watching the local television news, seeing in real time the funnel forming over the meteorologist’s shoulders. It caused significant damage at the Mall at Turtle Creek and at an Anheuser-Busch granary. Cars were picked up and tossed aside. Part of a freight train was knocked over.

“All I could hear was just the most horrific exploding,” said Sharon Gore, 96, who could see the destroyed mall from her driveway. “There was so much glass cracking. I couldn’t believe it. I was just calling the name of Jesus over and over again, because I couldn’t even get a prayer out. It was like bombs were dropping. ”

Jonesboro, a city of about , in northeast Arkansas, had been devastated by tornadoes before. A storm in 2020 killed (people) and injured some 728 others. Another storm in 2019 Also left a trail of destruction. Three people were killed, but it was hailed as a “miracle” for not being deadlier.
“If the storm had struck just a few hours earlier, it would have caught hundreds of shoppers in the Carraway Road area, which was pounded with savage fury,” wrote Mike Overall, city editor of The Jonesboro Sun, according to a retrospective published in by Memphis magazine . “And, everyone shudders to think what would have have happened if the twisters had hit during school hours. Nevertheless, the fact that so many lived was a miracle in itself. ”

Mr. Long, the city councilman, pitched in on Sunday morning, covering roofs and boarding up windows. He saw residents picking through debris and clearing yards, and others carrying ice chests and handing out drinks and snacks. He said that keeping distance was difficult for residents, just as juggling the tandem emergencies would be for city officials.

“You do what you have to do to meet the need at the moment, and right now, this is what we’re doing,” he said. “We’re doing our best to keep the virus under control. We will not abandon those people who need us the most at this time. ”

He said it was painful to go through some of the harder hit areas, seeing the homes destroyed and, with them, lives disrupted. He was also grateful. “Stuff is stuff,” he said. “It’s people that matter.”

His voice broke as he described walking through the subdivision Bridgers Place. He approached one home where the roof had been shaved off and wooden beams inside had splintered. But Mr. Long teared up and had to pause as he recalled looking in one of the windows, where he saw a sign still tacked on the wall. “Blessed,” it said.

Rick Rojas reported from Atlanta, and Vanessa Swales from New York. Michael Levenson contributed reporting from New York.






                                            Updated March ,                                                         (How does coronavirus spread?)                 It seems to spread (very easily from person to person,) especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can be carried on tiny respiratory droplets that fall as they are coughed or sneezed out. It may also be transmitted when we touch a contaminated surface and then touch our face.

                 (Is there a vaccine yet?)

No. (The first testing in humans of an experimental vaccine began in mid-March.) Such rapid development of a potential vaccine is unprecedented, but even if it is proved safe and effective, it probably will not be available for to months. )
                 What makes this outbreak so different?
Unlike the flu, there is no known treatment or vaccine, and little is known about this particular virus so far.

It seems to be more lethal than the flu, but the numbers are still uncertain. And it hits the elderly and those with underlying conditions – not just those with respiratory diseases – particularly hard.

                96 What should I do if I feel sick?
If you have been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor . They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
                 (How do I get tested?)                  If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the CDC recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance – because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance – you won’t be able to get tested.
                 What if somebody in my family gets sick?                  If the family member does not need hospitalization and can be cared for at home, you should help him or her with basic needs and monitor the symptoms, while also keeping as much distance as possible, According to the guidelines issued by the CDC If there’s space, the sick family member should stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom. If masks are available, both the sick person and the caregiver should wear them when the caregiver enters the room. Make sure not to share any dishes or other household items and to regularly clean surfaces like counters, doorknobs, toilets and tables. Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently.
                 (Should I wear a mask?)                  Experts are divided on how much protection a regular surgical mask, or even a scarf, can provide

for people who aren’t yet sick. The W.H.O. and C.D.C. Say that unless you’re already sick, or caring for someone who is, wearing a face mask isn’t necessary. And stockpiling high-grade N masks will make it harder for nurses and other workers to access the resources they need. But researchers are also finding that there are more cases of asymptomatic transmission than were known early on in the pandemic. And a few experts say that masks could offer some protection in crowded places where it is not possible to stay 6 feet away from other people. Masks don’t replace hand-washing and social distancing.

                 Should I stock up on groceries?
Plan two weeks of meals if possible. But people should not hoard food or supplies. Despite the empty shelves, the supply chain remains strong. And remember to wipe the handle of the grocery cart with a disinfecting wipe and wash your hands as soon as you get home.
                 Can I go to the park?
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.



                96 Should I pull my money from the markets?
(That’s not a good idea.) Even if you’re retired, having a balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds so that your money keeps up with inflation, or even grows, makes sense. But retirees may want to think about having enough cash set aside for a year’s worth of living expenses and big payments needed over the next five years.
                 (What should I do with my) (k)?

Watching your balance go up and down can be scary. You may be wondering if you should decrease your contributions – don’t! If your employer matches any part of your contributions, make sure you’re at least saving as much as you can to get that “free money.”
Read More

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