By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dr. Roger Marshall says we'll know a lot more about whether the measures being taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 are effective or not by the end of the month.
"It's tough times for this country, but we're going to get through this," Marshall said. "I just want to tell people that there's an end in sight. I think the next couple of weeks are going to be tough on us here. It's going to get a little worse before it gets better. We're going to all make it together. We'll rally around each other and get through this."
Marshall said though he might not have followed the same timeline Governor Laura Kelly took in closing the state's schools, but he's looking past that to the bigger picture.
"I would have preferred to wait two weeks," Marshall said. "I applaud Governor Kelly for saying, let's make a plan. Let's go ahead and plan on doing online classes. Education is so important to Kansans. It's so important to my wife, myself, I'm glad she's working on this plan. I'm still hopeful we'll get those kids back in by the end of this semester, but let's see. I think she should proceed with the plan she's got. I'm going to support her plan. I'm not going to throw anybody under the bus. This is not a time to play politics. This is a time to isolate this virus."
It's still important to limit transmission, because even if a young strong person might not get sick, older more frail people are much more likely to.
"So far, no one under the age of 9 has died from this that I'm aware of in the entire world," Marshall said. "On the other end of the spectrum, if you're over the age of 80 and you get this virus, it's a bad situation. You're at a high risk for dying. If you have diabetes or hypertension. If you have a medical problem, then you're at risk for dying from this, moreso than the seasonal flu.
Marshall says if you're over the age of 70 and have a medical problem, you need to stay home. Ask for help from those who are younger and stronger to get you what you need.