Prudence over panic: my take on COVID19
Like you, I’ve been hearing a lot about the coronavirus these days. I’ve been keeping up with the CDC and checking updates on Johns Hopkins.
Each day I get messages from friends: Northern Italy shutdown, all of Italy shutdown, the NBA cancelled.
In these moments, I do believe it’s important to turn to the experts like Dr. Fauci, the CDC at large and the WHO. I’m tapping into my networks and research and have drafted up a preliminary list of immune support and hope to share it soon.
In practice, I’ve fielded the questions of should I be worried? What should I do to protect myself? Is this an overreaction to the flu?
My thoughts on this today:
There are things we don’t know and that can breed panic. However, I think this is a time for prudence over panic. Which, for me, means let’s not test the waters. The current and biggest recommendation is to take measures for social distancing. This may seem exaggerated in places with no known cases (like my county currently), but it’s not without good reason.
The developing fear and panic rises from seeing that we may not be able to meet the needs of the most severely affected. This to me is a poignant point. Stories coming out of Italy describe a situation where they’re being heavily stretched to administer care to those who need it.
This is why social distancing matters now.
This is the mitigation strategy. We want to slow the spread of the virus and take weight off the hospital and medical system, so that they can deal with acute cases and complications.
Panic does not help our immune system nor does it lead to clear thinking. The opposite, though, isn’t to be cavalier. Taking precautions now could have a significant impact.
A short roundup of what you can do:
I suggest limiting your media updates to once or twice a day.
Check reputable resources like the CDC or Johns Hopkins
Take social distancing to heart. Use FaceTime, Zoom, telemedicine as needed to stay connected.
Eat those veggies
Get some restorative time. A walk, meditation.
Get good rest
Wash your hands
I’m feeling the anxiety in the air too and know I’m thinking of you! Check on your neighbor. Double down on the self care and community care. We’re going to need each other.
