If you’re thinking about hoarding even more soap or cleansing wipes, Gregory would like you to think of his wife.
Gregory and his wife Julia have been inside for a week. They are inside because the outside world now poses a very real and deadly danger to Julia, who has a a neuromuscular disease and compromised immune system.
If Julia were to contract COVID-19 and develop pneumonia, Gregory says she would likely die.
“It’s a really, really dangerous time for us,” said Gregory, who is now working from home.
The couple has self-quarantined, with supplies being delivered. The danger posed by COVID-19 is such that everything that enters the couple’s home must be cleaned.
“We need to make sure they are virus-free before we bring them in,” Gregory said.
COVID-19 is primarily transferred through close person-to-person contact. The virus can, though, remain alive on surfaces, and there is a small risk that it can be transferred in such a fashion. It’s a risk Gregory and Julia can’t take.
But they encountered a major problem when the overwhelming demand for cleaning supplies left Gregory unable to find any isopropyl alcohol.
Gregory’s anger was palpable when he spoke to The News on Wednesday.
“Of all the people who would need it as a necessity, it’s us.”
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By posting on a local COVID-19 Facebook group, Gregory was able to connect with someone able to procure them some isopropyl alcohol. But he is upset to have needed such help in the first place.
“It shows how much people actually don’t care for each other. I’m very happy she was there but I think it should be the response of everybody.”
Gregory urged people to take social distancing and self-isolation seriously.
“Those most at risk would really appreciate if people would self-quarantine. The government right now is wanting to support people any way they can if they’re unable to work. We can’t leave our house until this thing settles down or until a vaccine is created.
“If people can do everything they can, even if they’re not directly impacted, that’s really important for our standard of living and our health.”
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