U.S. Surgeon General: 3 simple W’s will control COVID-19
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIDK/KIFI) - U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams is concerned about the recent uptick in two categories in Idaho and Wyoming, but he offered a solution.
KIDK Eyewitness News 3 anchor Todd Kunz interviewed the Surgeon General about the recent numbers from the White House Coronavirus Taskforce. The data shows upward trending numbers in both new cases and test positivity. Dr. Adams acknowledged the numbers and said, yes, they are concerning.
"Wyoming, Idaho, (are) in the red, going in the wrong direction. We've got to do better so that you can keep the freedom that comes with having places open," said Adams.
He said his three W's can turn this control the coronavirus and keep places open if people would just practice them.
Kunz asked what are the three W's?
"Wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. If we do these three things, and if you get your flu shot, then you can significantly lower your chance of ended up in the hospital or spreading the virus and you'll increase the chance of more places in your community stay open," replied Adams. He referred to a state and a large city that have recently made a big turnaround since the early days of the pandemic.
"But understand the power to stop the spread of this virus lies with each and everyone of us. Look at Arizona that was worst in the country earlier this summer, now in the green. Look at New York, worst in the world, less than one percent positivity rate for several weeks in a row. They did it without a vaccine. They did it with three simple measures, wearing a mask, washing your hands, and watching your distance. And Idaho and Wyoming, you can do it too," said Adams.
"Do you know the status on a vaccine, a safe vaccine, and the procedure and where we stand today?" asked Kunz.
"I really want people to understand, we're not asking you to take these measures forever. There is an end in sight. I talk with Dr. Anthony Fauci and with Dr. Deborah Birx regularly. We still expect to have a safe and effective vaccine available by the end of this year or the beginning of next year," said Adams.
The Surgeon General said it's important to take care of your body. He said don't be afraid and push off seeing your doctor for other ailments because of the coronavirus. Dr. Adams sent out a hypertension call-to-action Wednesday to remind people about their hypertension.
"While we've lost 200,000 lives to COVID-19, we are going to lose 500,000 to 600,000 people this year due to uncontrolled high blood pressure."
The entire interview with Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams can be viewed in the player above.
