In this episode we discuss where we stand when it comes to COVID-19. We go in depth about global, national, and local COVID-19 figures.

Globally, the U.S. has 4% of the world's population while having 20% of the world's confirmed cases of COVID-19 and COVID-19 deaths. Barring India and Brazil, which have the second and third most confirmed cases of COVID-19, the U.S. has more COVID-19 cases than the next 10 countries combined, despite having nearly 1/3 of their combined populations. The figures are tragic and astounding.

Nationally, COVID-19 will be the third leading cause of death this year, behind only cancer and heart disease.

Locally, Monroe County is no longer in the eye of the storm: we are in the storm itself with cases having precipitously risen. In just three days this week there were more confirmed COVID-19 cases than there were in the entire month of September. Now, more than 1.35% of Monroe County residents either have or have had COVID-19.

None of this was or needs to be inevitable. By practicing relatively easy to do and common sense practices, such as physical distancing and universal mask wearing, we can flatten the curve until a more permanent solution, like a vaccine, arrives. The best time to stop COVID-19 was months ago, the second best time is now.

Thank you for joining us.