5 Ways to Not Spread a Virus
Hello readers!
If you’re visiting this post from the mailing list, then you know that there are some major differences between the current COVID-19 pandemic and the mysterious (fictional) disease that plagues the world in Due North.
Due North takes place in a world that’s experienced a disease-based apocalypse. Though the world has been rebuilt, the disease persists, complicating everyday life. Everyone in this world wants to see an end to it. After decades upon decades, who wouldn’t be tired of being stuck in their homes, afraid?
So how do you stop a disease that turns the host into a mindless, flesh eating monster that’s extra-resistant to physical damage?
The good news is that their government has been hard at work to address this very issue.
This advice is cutting edge, folks! It comes straight from the top scientists at the Northern Laboratories. What a solid-gold resource! The government’s Northern Laboratory scientists spend their lives studying the disease. They receive the highest education and training. They work on the frontlines, staring down the infection and the havoc it wrecks throughout the world.
Check it out:
The following advice is provided by the Investigative Research Branch of the Northern Laboratories as a collaborative effort of lead senior scientists. The material has been peer-reviewed and approved by the communications sector of the Department of Disease Containment. It has been revised for ease of understanding to all. Every citizen of the New City States is encouraged to follow these guidelines in their day-to-day lives regardless of their exposure to potential Zoribiatus hosts.
#1—Assume everyone is a carrier
Though outbreaks have been suppressed since the third decade of the new rise, errant spread remains incidental through the general public. DDC is working with the Institute and Northern Laboratory scientists to eliminate the final threat from the outside but your vigilance is important.
Your neighbors, coworkers, classmates and service workers are all likely perfectly healthy, but things happen! You never know for certain who has had contact with someone that’s traveled through an uncleared area (only the DDC knows this information, which is meticulously tracked through our personnel management systems).
What can you do? Wash your hands! Zoribiatus is only successful at transferring through the dermal layer when it has access. The most common access points are the eyes, mouth and nose. Unless you’re greeting everyone with a kiss (Note: this is not recommended) then the only way to allow access is to bring the disease to the access points. This can be done by washing regularly and thoroughly with approved Anti-Zorbial-detergent based soap.
Wash hands and other exposed surfaces with warm water. Scrub with soap for at least twenty seconds in order to give the soap time to work on the cell structure of the virus. Wash after contact with others, time outside the home, after restroom trips and before meals.
All government-provided restrooms have clocks installed by the sinks for self-timing and provide the latest in Anti-Zorbal soaps. Anti-Zorbal soaps can be purchased for home use at all hygiene markets with no restrictions on credit loan.
Quick note about open wounds—Zoribiatus can be transmitted via entry pathway of broken dermal layer. This means that contact with infection when cuts or scraps are present increases the likelihood of contraction. Open wounds should be covered and any at-risk contact should be avoided for the duration of dermal vulnerability.
#2 Enforce Social Distancing in your neighborhood
Gone are the days of enforced lockdown. Today’s youth can’t remember the days of government patrols. The generation that survived mandatory isolation is fading into history. The suspicions, distrust and fear that nearly ruined our society will go with them as the riots, social distrust, and nightmarish famine are forgotten. They will be nothing more than stories, but they will carry the significance of the past that birthed our strength.
As we grow into a stronger, more united society, however, we must not forget the wisdom in the daily practices that saved the New City States from the second outbreak. Social distancing is still recommended and should be practiced for all non-essential activities:
- Meetings should take place in open spaces whenever possible. If a telecommunication option is available, this is the preferred method over face-to-face.
- Keep all gatherings, including those involving family, to fewer than ten individuals. (Any larger gathering, or one that involves the meeting of non-family members requires the review and approval of your local DDC branch.)
- When greeting other individuals, do so with gestures that do not involve physical contact.
- Romantic and/or intimate activities should only be performed after both parties consent to testing and register with the personnel department of the local DDC Branch
- Like other, kinder diseases, Zoribiatus can be transmitted via direct person-to-person contact. Any contact that bypasses the dermal protection is a high-risk activity. Thus, all of such activity should be planned and reported.
#3 Test Frequently
Until symptoms manifest, there is no way to know for certain that you’ve contracted Zoribiatus. Most strains of the disease will spread internally and become contagious before first symptoms appear. Without testing it’s best to act as though you are a disease carrier in all social interactions to prevent further spread. Because of this, frequent testing is recommended.
The New City State government is happy to offer several tiers of access to the frequent testing programs at any one of the numerous clinics in your area. Testing, like other preventative measures is available with no credit-loan restrictions. Make sure to check the local information in your area to determine which program is right for you and your family.
#4 Don’t Ignore the Early Warning Signs
Symptoms of Zoribiatus range from mild to severe, but in almost every circumstance begin with great subtlety. It’s important that you don’t ignore small changes that could mean a serious infection.
Mild symptoms that should never be ignored include:
Open wounds: All open wounds, regardless of origin should be checked out by a clinician expert at one of the many convenient locations in your area. Many of our frequent testing programs offer wound inspection options to reduce the credit impact of incidental testing.
Any open wound that does not heal within three days requires follow-up services. Discoloration around an open wound site should be treated as serious.
Discoloration of any sort: With most strains of the disease discoloration occurs as greying of the nailbeds, gums, or other sensitive tissues. Any changes to tissue color or tone should be evaluated by a professional.
Changes in eye appearance or vision: Some strains of the disease will impact the ocular region. This manifestation might occur as subtle discoloration, clouding of the pupil, or minor changes in clarity of vision. Any change should be evaluated immediately.
#5 Check and Report all travel plans to the DDC
Though recreational travel is heavily discouraged, nothing is illegal. Any individual or group may file a petition to travel with the DDC travel and recreation branch at any time. It is imperative that this is done before any travel arrangements are made, as the safety of the collective population depends on the DDC’s ability to track movement and assess potential for infection and outbreak.
Travel required for commerce is likewise approved. Make certain that you carry your work permission documentation with you at all times and report to each designated check point.
All traveling individuals may be subject to city quarantine procedures at the discretion of the DDC travel and recreation branch. Failure to comply will result in immediate revocation of work-credit eligibility and mandatory isolation within your city’s punitive center.
Any concern about one’s self or any other individual should be reported promptly. Without the cooperation of every individual we are at constant risk of another outbreak. It is each citizen’s duty to respect the importance of adhering to the systems we have in place.
Under the blanket of our community—Together, we are better. Safer.
Wow! That’s some good advice.
I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into the Due North universe. Stick around to learn more! This post has been redirected to another site. Click here to be redirected to the original post:
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