In an earlier post, I was of the opinion this COVID-19 outbreak would sputter out a bit faster than it has, and I was wrong on that. However, I still stand by the contention humanity needs to remain calm and rational no matter what.
Yes, it's deadly if you fall into certain risk groups especially. Yes, it's quite communicable, and yes, there is no easily common cure for it yet, these are all facts.
However, some things that are still worth keeping in mind.
1. Viral outbreaks have yet to cause the end of humanity. The worst-ever outbreak of plague in the Western world was the Black Death, and that never managed to wipe out all of humanity. The Spanish Flu killed a lot of people, but it was less deadly, and thus far this COVID-19 has proven several orders milder than that.
Therefore, there is no sense losing our minds believing the end is nigh. Humanity will survive this unless we all decide to destroy ourselves with our own panic and paranoia.
2. Anyone making life harder for essential businesses or personnel detailed to enforce food supplies, quarantine measures, or public safety in general is just making matters worse. People need to not panic shop and screw over other people, quarantine measures should be obeyed as practicably as possible, and anyone who thinks hassling the overworked officials responding to an emergency situation is a good idea needs to calm down. All you are doing is making their jobs harder and every else's life worse due to stretching the amount of people needed to maintain order in a trying time.
3. Do not fall for anyone peddling miracle cures or touting non-medically approved means of treating or especially curing COVID-19. It's not something anyone can cure by homeopathy or, heaven forfend, those people drinking non human safe alcohol in Iran who have been killing themselves due to self-poisoning because of their misinformed belief it would help.
4. Have a reasonable stockpile of goods on hand to weather this crisis. Get foods that last, focus on non-perishables, and makes sure you aren't one of those people rich in toilet paper but poor in all other prudent emergency supplies.
5. Use some common sense. Don't frequent places of assembly even if such is not formally restricted yet and avoid crowds unless going to do essentials like shopping for food. Maintain a healthy distance and if you have any reasonable degree of concern you may be afflicted with COVID-19, see medical personnel trained to deal with this at your local hospital ASAP.
6. Finally, STAY CALM. Paranoia is a far more deadly enemy than any disease and can lead to far worse consequences if not kept under control. This viral outbreak can be contained and treated to some degree, but only each individual can keep a handle on their own tendency to panic.
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