I've had a lung disease since college that makes me one of the "high-risk" folks in the coronavirus epidemic. I've been self-quarantining for 9 days and I'm ok so far. 

But we all know the facts. There are more people infected than are sick, and hospitals are already starting to get overwhelmed. We know from the countries that got the infection first that strict measures to maintain physical distance will save lives, #flattenthecurve, and buy time for the healthcare system to catch up. In Wuhan, where this started, new infections are down to almost zero! South Korea and other countries have also controlled their outbreaks.

But we haven’t. New data from Columbia University say on the path we’re on now, DC is projected to have 380,000 infections--half of us. Let me say that again: On our current path, half of us will get sick. Many people you know and love will die. BUT -- and here’s the important bit-- with aggressive control measures we could slash that to only 23,000 infections, peaking at least six weeks later and buying us time to prepare. 

Every day that Mayor Bowser refuses to order a lockdown puts my life at risk, and yours. Right now, the number of infections doubles every two days. What we’ve done so far -- banning large gatherings and dine-in restaurants -- simply won't save enough lives.

Mayor Bowser: Follow the example of governors in California, Maine and Illinois and issue a “shelter in place” order today, to enforce physical distance, ensure people actually stay home, and close non-essential businesses. Follow that with orders to create temporary hospitals, manufacture protective equipment, and set up more testing sites. Do it now--today--and be the hero we need to save your people’s lives.