For Immediate Release: 03/09/2020
New York State Democratic Committee
STATEMENT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is, obviously, a serious health concern. All reasonable precautions should be taken, particularly for senior citizens and those with compromised health. Use of alcohol-based sanitizers is advised.
Unfortunately, most people are unaware that for 80% of the people who do contract coronavirus, they are either asymptomatic or have symptoms akin to the common cold. These cases usually self-resolve. Very few require hospitalization and those tend to be mostly seniors and others with underlying health issues, who are at the highest risk. They are also at a much greater risk if they contract the flu, which according to the CDC is highly contagious with approximately 29 million US cases this year, 280,000 hospitalizations and more than 18,000 deaths – across all age groups, including 105 children. No official, educational, recreational or other public functions are curtailed due to the annual flu outbreaks.
When government determines that coronavirus requires a curtailment of any and all public interaction and assembly in an effected area, we are sure that the petitioning process will be included. Until then, while we urge everyone to be prudent, take reasonable methods to sanitize pens and hands, etc., we should continue the petition process until medical professionals and the appropriate governmental authorities advise to the contrary.
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