I don’t know what it is about this spring, but it just feels different. Maybe because we got bombed with snow all winter long. Or maybe because it is the second spring during the COVID pandemic. Or maybe it is because I am vaccinated and most of my family is getting theirs too. Whatever it is, I am loving this season. It feels like a reawakening and I am feeling a bit more hopeful than last spring.
Daffodils in McGolrick Park, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
I am still not traveling but with the days getting longer, my walks are getting longer too. I live near many beautiful parks here in North Brooklyn, so I’ve been exploring near and far (but only as far as Manhattan since I am still not traveling at the moment.) Brooklyn feels almost “normal” with everyone emerging from their winter cocoon. The parks are packed, outdoor dining has resumed, and shops and restaurants that have been closed for a long time are slowly reopening. Everyone seems to be more optimistic.
I always tuck away ideas of great travel-related holiday gifts for gluten-free travelers. This year, most of us aren’t traveling so my gift guide looks a little bit different. More comfort food to enjoy at home while in quarantine, a few travel-related items, and even a celiac movie! I have also included some discount codes for you to use on your purchases.
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As you can imagine, post-COVID New York City is quite a different world these days. Stores are closing, people are moving out in droves, and we are basically adjusting to a new normal way of life here. (Although, is it really normal?) I personally haven’t been on the subway in almost 6 months and have only been into Manhattan a handful of times, always driving. I live so close yet feel so far.
If this isn’t a sign of the current state of the world, I don’t know what is?! It may be crazy times but there is no reason to stop educating others about celiac disease.
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and via my mailing list this month for celiac advocacy tips and awareness. I will also be sharing some of my favorite Gluten-Free Globetrotters from around the globe. Just because we can’t travel at the moment doesn’t mean we can’t dream about it and plan for the future.
NOTE: This post will be updated as I learn more information or other countries release updated statements. I suggest you click on the links below for the most up-to-date information.
This is not the post I was planning on for this week. I was planning on my yummy guide to Gluten-Free in San Diego. But then again, this is NOT a time any of us could plan for in anyway. This coronavirus/COVID-19 is totally uncharted terrority.
The thing we all need to do in this time is to stay educated, listen to local officials and top experts, and keep ourselves and loved ones safe. One thing not to do is panic or believe everything you read on the internet. Besides washing your hands and social distancing, arming yourself with truth is one of your best tools.
If you have celiac disease and are living a healthy, gluten-free life, you are NOT anymore at risk for coronavirus. I cannot repeat this enough times. I am linking to top experts in the celiac disease field from across the globe I encourage you to read these links, watch the videos, and do not panic.
Beyond Celiac (USA)
“People with celiac disease who are otherwise healthy are not immunocompromised and not at higher risk for coronavirus.”
Canadian Celiac Association (Canada)
“Patients with only celiac are not immunocompromised, unless they taking medications for other medical conditions which are immunosuppressive. Like everyone, they should exercise careful infection control practices, including washing hands with soap and water frequently, and avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.”
Coeliac disease and coronavirus – Update via Coeliac UK (UK) Updated 3/18/2020
“New government advice about at risk groups now includes criteria which includes people with coeliac disease. We should all be taking social distancing measures, but at risk groups should be especially stringent in following these. Social distancing aims to reduce social interaction between people. This is different to the advice for self-isolation for people with coronavirus symptoms such as a persistent cough or temperature.”
National Celiac Association (USA)
“At this time there is no evidence to suggest that someone with celiac disease would be more vulnerable to the coronavirus than the general population. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease and, in and of itself, is not considered an immunocompromising condition.”
Associazione Italiana Celiachia/Italian Celiac Association (Italy)
“Le evidenze scientifiche disponibili non riportano nessun maggior rischio di contrarre infezione da nuovo Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 per le persone con celiachia.” Translation: The available scientific evidence does not report any greater risk of acquiring a new Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection for people with celiac disease.
La Sociedad Española de Enfermedad Celiaca (SEEC)/The Spanish Celiac Disease Society
(Spain)
No se ha comunicado hasta el momento que el padecer enfermedad celiaca incremente el riesgo de contagio ni la gravedad de la enfermedad. Translation: It has not been reported so far that having celiac disease increases the risk of contagion or the severity of the disease.
Deutsche Zöliakie Gesellschaft/German Celiac Society (Germany)
Zur Risikobewertung von Zöliakiebetroffenen und Corona-Virusinfektionen gibt es bisher noch keine Daten. Translation: There is as yet no data on the risk assessment of people with celiac disease and corona virus infections.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Coeliac Disease via Coeliac Australia (Australia)
“The advice from our Medical Advisory Committee is that presently, there is no evidence that coeliac disease imparts a higher risk of serious illness to COVID-19, but there will be people with coeliac disease who do fall within categories of higher risk for serious infection (e.g. aged over 60).”
If you have specific questions regarding your celiac disease and your health, it is best to contact your physician directly. In these uncertain times, it is important to keep yourself healthy and educated.
