Dear Readers,
Thank God I am still healthy. I’m still going into the hospital, doing my small part in the Corona War. It’s been mostly preparations so far but we are beginning to see COVID + patients. It’s not well known, but many COVID+ patients become delirious and are highly agitated. They don’t comply with wearing masks and try to escape from the hospital, creating a high risk situation for staff and the public. The inflammation can cause infected patients to become delirious. There’s also growing evidence that the virus infects the central nervous system. I’ve been working on preparations related to behavioral problems in COVID+ delirious patients and how to manage psychiatric patients with COVID19 more generally. The doctors are extremely stressed out and traumatized as well. We’re organizing volunteers from mental health to provide support and medication management for the doctors. It’s all happening at lightning speed. This “war” is taking everything I’ve got. We are putting in 12-16 hour shifts, working at least 6 days per week, and this is just the beginning. I’ll need to take at least two months off from posting. As for my outfits: I’m wearing a black T shirt, black khakis, and black danskos every day. I wash them in hot water when I get home, and repeat the next day. Hair in a top knot. It’s all very utilitarian. But anyway, I hope you are all well and safe. Please do your part and adhere to the rules of social distancing. Hope to hear from you all when I get back. Bye!
<3, Michelle
