The LuLac Edition #4,250, April 1st, 2020

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

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This week’s “Write On Wednesday” looks at the Coronavirus and the way it is affecting all age groups.

THE CORONAVIRUS PAYS NO MIND TO AGE

In the constant stream of coronavirus stories this week, one stood out as running counter to the common perception of the pandemic: More than half of those diagnosed with COVID-19 in Pennsylvania are under 50 years of age.
The majority of deaths have occurred in the ranks of those older than 65, who are most likely to suffer life-threatening complications, usually due to other pre-existing conditions. But seniors make up only 18% of those infected, probably due to extra precautions that cohort and society at large have taken to limit their exposure.
It’s people between 25 and 49 who represent the largest segment of the diagnosed, just short of 40%.
Perhaps those numbers will convince folks who act as if they are immune in this pandemic to think twice.
Admittedly, those adults are much less likely to die from COVID-19, but they are potential sources of danger to other, more vulnerable people.
Ten days into the business closings imposed by Gov. Tom Wolf and three days into the stay-at-home order issued Friday, the ultimate toll of the pandemic remains unclear. It could take a month or more for clarity on that issue, no matter how optimistic some might be about a quick return to normalcy.