COVID-19... You’re not panicking if you’re concerned for your loved ones

It’s seems many people are a bit ticked off that people are panicking about the Coronavirus.

Let’s look at the facts.

Unprecedented actions are being taken by governments and organisations all over the globe.

The virus has killed over four thousand people.  Many more than that number of vulnerable people will die.  Most people will recover.

The rate of infection (new cases reported) is climbing every day.  The fast transmission of this virus is the main concern.

The “panic” is not just about the health impacts of the virus.  With the economic, social and hygiene ramifications alone, it’s complicated.

What we might deduce from these facts.

Containment measures are wise and sensible.  These are not “overreactions”.

The general public are wise to plan.  Anyone who has frail family members has the right to feel gravely concerned.

You don’t need to feel that you are “panicking” just because you’re caring for your parents or grandparents or family member with special needs or other susceptible person.

Indeed, it could be said that you taking this seriously might save their life.

If you are one of the vulnerable ones in our communities, you can be forgiven for feeling distressed.  Try to stick with factual sources of information.  And take good care.

Don’t be intimidated by people telling you, “Stop panicking!”

** My first degree is a Bachelor of Science from a School of Public Health, and I worked in the occupational health field for over 15 years.

Image from the Center for Disease Control.