The world has caught quite the cold.
The novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has spread to every continent except Antarctica and affected thousands of people. People across the world are panicking, emptying grocery store shelves and crying for the closure of borders.
While concern and mindfulness are reasonable, I don’t think we’re quite at the point where wide-spread panic is appropriate.
Instead, here’s what I think we should keep in mind:
Looking at the numbers
As of Monday morning, there have been 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States, according to New York Times (NYT) live updates. None have been reported in Idaho. Six victims have passed away in the United States.
Most confirmed COVID-19 cases still come out of mainland China, where NYT has reported 80,025 victims. 2,912 people have passed away there. South Korea, Italy and Iran are the only countries which have over 1,000 confirmed cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding travel to these countries and suggests reconsidering travel to Japan.
Comparatively, Moscow has a lower risk of infection than many places around the world. Antarctica is, of course, safer, but I’d rather not hide on an ice sheet until this blows over.
Basic safety
NYT, CNN and other news sources are providing live updates on outbreaks as they appear. If you plan on traveling, keep an eye on those updates and, as NYT suggests, continue to weigh the benefits of traveling with the risk of infection. Keep your loved ones in the loop and make sure you are informed of the health resources in your destination.
Regardless of your travel plans, it’s always a good idea to keep your hands clean. Wash your hands often and clean items that may cause a higher risk. The CDC recommends sanitizing counters, tabletops, doorknobs, phones, keyboards and bathroom surfaces every day. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as well. This can cause you to catch the virus if you’ve touched a contaminated surface.
Preparation
A NYT article stated experts recommend keeping a 30-day supply of necessary items, like prescriptions, food, laundry detergent and more in case stores and other resources shut down.
I realize not everyone will be able to afford this. Instead, finding a good support system and resources that will continue to function through emergencies is equally important. Look into local food pantries, talk to friends and family about possible solutions to problems and ask if your insurance will cover large quantities of medication given the solution.
Face masks, however, should not be on that list of items. The surgeon general urged the public to stop buying masks Saturday, explaining that it will not help prevent the spread of COVID-19. NYT reported that because the masks are unfitted, air is not completely filtered for the wearer. In addition, most people who wear the masks do so incorrectly, which leads to contaminants coming in contact with the nose and mouth regardless of the mask.
The masks do, however, protect those who know how to use them; healthcare workers coming into close contact with infected patients. The masks can also help those who are infected by blocking particles that could otherwise spread from sneezes and coughs.
A final reminder
There have been cases confirmed close to where I’m studying abroad. I can say I’m a little worried about coming back to the U.S. at the end of my program and the possibility of a two-week-long quarantine.
Paranoia and overwhelming fear aren’t warranted yet. Instead, it’s far more important to keep our wits about us and prepare to hunker down.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]