People aged 85-plus are most vulnerable

The Orange County COVID-19 numbers are sobering, doubling over the holiday weekend even as GRF venues have been shut down. Security reported more than 2,000 guest cars were admitted on Thanksgiving Day. That is fewer than in previous years, but still too many considering the dire risk to older people.

Leisure World residents have been vigilant in wearing masks and adhering to other protection protocols. The community has fared well, with only a handful of cases reported. But as case numbers surge, it’s important to stay the course until a vaccine is available.

The Orange County Health Care Agency reported 1,666 new coronavirus cases Nov. 28 and 1,058 new cases on Nov. 30, and no additional deaths due to COVID-19.

The disease caused by the virus has killed 1,577 people countywide.

Since the start of the pandemic, the county has recorded 77,819 cases as of Nov. 30.

Hospitalizations because of the virus stand at 597, with 148 of those patients receiving treatment in intensive care units.

These are sobering statistics, especially for the LW population, which is vulnerable to the most serious outcomes of the disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older.

Eight out of 10 deaths in the U.S. have been adults 65 years or older.

People 85-plus are 13 times more likely to require hospitalization if they contract the disease.

Severe illness means that a person with COVID-19 may require intensive care and/or a ventilator to help them breathe.

Protect yourself by wearing a mask when interacting in public areas (see page 12 for more information on mask safety).

Other ways to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 include:

• Limit your in-person interactions with other people as much as possible, particularly when indoors.

• Keep space between yourself and others (stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths).

• Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-percent alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Then wash your hands.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and things you touch often. How to Protect Yourself: If you start feeling sick and think you may have COVID-19, get in touch with your healthcare provider within 24 hours.

For more information, visit CDC.gov. —CDC, OC Health Care Agency