HOUSTON — Editors Note: Video tells story of Katy resident Amy Casto, who is sewing masks designed to extend the lifespan of N95 masks for nurses and other healthcare workers.
Despite the MLB season being postponed, two Houston Astros' stars brought a group of local medical professionals a win on Opening Day.
Carlos Correa and McCullers Jr. treated nurses and other medical personnel at Houston Methodist Hospital to a catered lunch. In an Instagram post, Correa thanked the staff for all their hard work during this difficult time.
“You guys are the real heroes,” Correa wrote in the caption. “Working every single day in the front lines to help the victims of this terrible virus. We appreciate every one of you.”
The Astros were slated to play the Los Angles Angels at Minute Maid Park on March 26, but like with most sports, all MLB games have been called off until the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
The nation's attention has shifted to supporting healthcare and medical professionals who have been working tirelessly to treat COVID-19 while managing other high-risk patients.
In the past weeks, there has been a growing global push to provide these workers with protective medical supplies like N95 masks, others necessities and much-deserved appreciation.
One team of local women has started a social movement, "Hack Coronavirus," which has collected and donated thousands of protective medical items to Houston-area healthcare professionals.
On a larger scale, Crocs has announced plans to donate thousands of pairs of shoes to healthcare workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. And Starbucks is giving away free coffee to healthcare workers, as well as first responders, nationwide as thanks for their efforts.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
Get complete coverage of the coronavirus by texting 'FACTS' to 713-526-1111.
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