A stark reminder of the COVID crisis

Any hopes that the worst of the coronavirus crisis could be near an end were shattered early Friday morning on news that the president of the United States has contracted the disease already responsible for killing more than 200,000 Americans. No matter one’s politics, the news that the nation’s top elected official has contracted a serious illness must be treated with utmost gravity.

What effect the diagnosis will have on the presidential election, now only weeks away, remains to be seen. But elected leaders from across the political spectrum were rightly wishing President Trump a speedy recovery. No matter who anyone plans to vote for, COVID-19 is a deadly serious ailment that everyone must be united in fighting.

It’s another reminder, in case one was needed, that precautionary measures such as masks and social distancing are as important as ever. In the absence of a vaccine that can be administered to millions of people, everyone will need to take steps to limit the virus’ spread. That will only get more difficult as the weather cools and more people are stuck inside, but nothing can be taken for granted.

In Connecticut, there are worrying signs that the relative calm in recent months could be in for a reversal. The infection rate has trended up over the past week, with hospitalizations on the rise and outbreaks tracked in various hot spots.

This has come as the state prepares for new easing of coronavirus restrictions, a response to the economic damage that a prolonged shutdown has wreaked on Connecticut businesses. Though bars will remain closed, restaurants will be allowed to increase their capacity and some larger gatherings will be allowed. At the same time, the school year is in full swing, with some districts easing their own restrictions and bringing students in for more in-person learning if local infection rates allow it. Other schools are closing for days or weeks at a time in the event of new cases.

Gov. Ned Lamont has shown flexibility in the past six months in responding to changing conditions, and more of that flexibility will be necessary as the situation continues to change. Of concern is a rising caseload in nearby New York City, which in the spring coincided with the worst of Connecticut’s outbreak. State officials must be prepared for the outlook to again deteriorate.

This is also flu season, which adds another potential wild card. Though widespread use of face masks could limit the spread of traditional illnesses, everyone needs to be prepared for an uptick in sick people, COVID or otherwise. Every cough could be enough to cause alarm, and officials need to be prepared. And everyone needs to get a flu shot.

We wish the president a prompt recovery, and hope this unfortunate development might inspire more unity. COVID-19 affects different people in a variety of ways, and there is no predicting anyone’s long-term prognosis. Even young and healthy people who have contracted the disease have reported lasting problems, from fatigue to heart trouble. So much is still unknown.

As winter looms, we’re all about to get yet another lesson in the importance of disaster preparedness.

Even young and healthy people who have contracted the disease have reported lasting problems, from fatigue to heart trouble. So much is still unknown.