PebbleCreek Community Works Together to Prevent Spread of COVID-19
Stevan Augustin
PebbleCreek is a marvelous retirement community. However, as seniors, PebbleCreek homeowners are at greater risk for coronavirus (COVID-19). According to Maricopa County on May 26, 2020, “People aged 65 or older or those who have at least one chronic health condition make up 72% of those who have been hospitalized and 94% of deaths for COVID-19.” These are the most vulnerable people in Maricopa County. Nationally minorities, particularly African Americans, have suffered disproportionately from COVID-19. In Arizona, members of the Navajo Nation have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Viruses do not see people; they see opportunity. All of our lives have been changed by the coronavirus since Governor Ducey has asked us to socially distance ourselves from others.
Viruses are ancient, billions of years old, and there are many different kinds. We have fragments of viruses in our DNA. The COVID-19 is a new virus to humans. The coronavirus is a nucleocapsid and spike protein. It needs a host in order to replicate itself. Therefore, the virus does not differentiate between people; it will infect anyone it has the opportunity to do so.
Maricopa County was required to socially distance to the extent possible by Arizona Governor Ducey beginning on March 31, 2020. Many of the PebbleCreek facilities, including the pools, exercise areas, restaurants, and other common areas had to be closed and only recently reopened. I am an avid walker and I have continued to walk during the pandemic. PebbleCreek has nice roads and paths for walking. I have found walking a good way to connect with nature. On my walks, I see and hear many rabbits and birds, including quail, doves, hummingbirds, roadrunners, and others. People have all been very friendly, while maintaining proper physical distance, even crossing the street if necessary. People have pulled together and taken COVID-19 very seriously and acted accordingly. I commend residents for their actions.
Like many of us over 65, I have chronic health issues, so I am very vulnerable to a virus like COVID-19. Wearing a mask protects others from getting COVID-19 from the person wearing the mask. Symptoms can sometimes take days to develop in people that have been infected with the virus. Maricopa County says to “consider wearing a cloth face covering when in public places.” Again, many people have followed this advice to protect others when going to public places like grocery stores and pharmacies.
People in PebbleCreek, irrespective of political views, have come together and acted respectfully to protect their fellow citizens from COVID-19. The spirit of the community has shone through to keep everyone as safe as possible; this is what we may have expected here.
Governor Ducey has announced the next stage of Arizona recovery. The stay-at-home order has been replaced by new guidance for economic recovery that prioritizes health and physical distancing. What happens in the future will depend on how people act when they are out in public. Together we can prevent further spread of COVID-19. Let’s all continue to act responsibly and protect the health of all PebbleCreek community members as we have in the past.