Visited a shelter for the displaced and another DMAT/ disaster assistance team (South Carolina- 1) helping out a hospital in Fajardo, and met with the Governor of Puerto Rico aboard the USNS Comfort today. The shelter had about 300 people. Spoke to several, and all had lost their homes (and pretty much everything else) in the storm. But they were all still smiling and gracious with us. Met the little guy I'm holding in the pictures- little Jose was only 4 months old. And there was the other little guy in the crib- he's only 5 days old! Unfortunately it was over 90 degrees inside the shelter. No electricity over most of the island = no AC. They had a few old fans running off the generators for the elderly, the sick, and the little newborn, but it was still so hot. They are doing the best they can. They asked me to tell the rest of America not to forget they are American citizens too, and that they are relying on us- both the government and the generosity of their fellow citizens- to help them rebuild their homes and lives. As to the DMAT team, they have been seeing patients and doing community outreach all day, and sleeping in tents that are over 90 degrees at night- they gave up their generators (and thus their air conditioning) so that sick patients from the island in another location without electricity wouldn't have to go without. Their sacrifice almost certainly saved lives. I wonder how many in the mainland would do the same for a fellow citizen? Truly a memorable day...
Washing your hands is one of best ways to help stop the spread of #COVID19. Here are 5 things to know about properly washing your hands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnJ1wvlIcbs&feature=youtu.be
"We should be cautious & take appropriate measures to prepare & protect ourselves, but we should not be afraid. We've been through this before and no place in the world is better prepared to handle this challenge." More on #COVID19 from me in CNN Opinion: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/03/opinions/coronavirus-prepare-not-panic-opinion-adams/index.html
While CDC considers #COVID19 a serious situation and is taking preparedness measures, the immediate risk here in the U.S. is considered low. Everyone should always take simple precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Learn more: https://bit.ly/37Ay6Cm #coronavirus


