According to the CDC, Washington State has significantly more cases than any other state in the United States, including at this time California and New York. As of 4:00 PM on March 12, 2020, there were 457 confirmed cases in Washington State. Nationwide there are 1629 cases, with 41 deaths. Only Idaho, Alabama, and West Virginia have not reported any cases as of this time.
With Washington's Governor banning all public gatherings in Pierce, King and Snohomish Counties, at least a few motorcycle events have had to be canceled. Some with only a day or two of notice. Both the ABATE of Washington Motorcycle Swap Meet, the 2020 Spokane Motorcycle Show and Sale, and the Northwest Classic Motorcycle Club's Indoor Show and Swap Meet have all been canceled. As we enter the phase of this pandemic here in the US where both the number of cases and fatalities begin to sharply rise, it is not unreasonable that more restrictions are coming.
The CDC has issued mitigation strategies for Seattle and the three most affected counties in Washington State. CDC has suggested:
1. Monitor local information about COVID-19 in your community.
2. Practice personal protective measures (e.g. hand washing).
3. Put a household plan into action
4. Ensure a 30 day supply of all medicines.
5. Individuals at risk of severe illness should stay at home avoiding gatherings or other situations of potential exposures, including travel, church attendance, social events with 10 or more people
6. Other individuals without such risk factors should adapt to disruptions in routine activities (e.g., school and/or work closures) by using remote participation such as telework where feasible or online classes or home study (E-learning).
With the beginning of the general riding season here in the Pacific Northwest only just getting underway, there are concerns that more restrictions may cause the cancellation of more motorcycle events and runs. Even though this virus seems to affect those over 60 and those with existing health issues, it has been pointed out that we are approximately 50 days behind China in the growth and spread of this disease. While this means that China appears to have begun to see a decline in cases, the US is only just beginning to see cases ramp-up. For that reason, it would not be surprising to see further cancellations or declining attendance at motorcycle runs in the next month or two.
As a community, we will have to endure what is to come and ride it out. Motorcyclists are not unfamiliar with risks in life. Covid-19 is simply the latest risk we all share. As motorcyclists, we are familiar with the risks involved with riding. For this outbreak, we should become familiar with the risks it presents us all, and understand that there are things we can do to help ride-out the suddenly rough road ahead of us. To give everyone a better understanding of what we face, so that we can each understand what precautions to take, here is a video from the CDC dated March 9, 2020. I hope it answers some questions you may have.
Stay healthy...
Catch you on the road sometime...
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