Don’t Panic

In the past two weeks, I have seen post after post advising (pleading) with people to listen to this one or that from the medical profession as opposed to the politicians who may be “spinning” the information given to the public regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.  Here’s what I know:

Since the very beginning of Facebook (and I am speaking about worldwide use), newsfeed has been a deluge of what has come to be known as ‘fake news’.  For years we have all engaged in debates over which piece of information is funny, which is true, and which is downright malicious.  The truth of the matter is – we no longer know.  Most of us determine truth based upon our own experience and, let’s face it, particular viewpoint on the world.  We assume that everything generated by every Democrat or Republican must be linked to some hidden agenda to glean votes for the next candidate.  But when it comes right down to it – we don’t know what we don’t know. 

Not every person who believes or votes the opposite of you is trying to manipulate you.  They are merely voicing his/her own opinion.  However, the source of these things that we are sharing may have a very specific agenda and by that piece being circulated – the agenda is realized.

So – we have spent the better part of over a decade being shaken like a chicken leg in a shake-n-bake bag with information sticking or not and now, during what is being broadcast as not only a health crisis but pandemic, the entirety of society in this country is panicking.  Is anyone surprised?

I would be erring on the side of caution when I saw it is best to listen to the medical community in a situation like this above all else – but they don’t seem to agree either. 

I used to laugh when the news would announce an upcoming snow or ice storm approaching because you could just about set your watch to the time the local grocery stores would run out of bread, milk and eggs.  This, however, is a much broader level of panic that is ensuing and the toilet paper demand, while comic on one level, illustrates a very serious issue….that being:  The public is in a panic and does not trust anything they are hearing regardless of who says it.

I went to school in the 60’s.  We were trained for fire drills.  The key was to exit the building in a calm, orderly fashion.  Don’t PANIC!  Panic causes chaos and results in more injury or loss of life. 

As for keeping my hands washed, I’m using the method a schoolteacher of young children came up with.  Stamp your hand like you would if you paid to get into a club and then wash your hands throughout the day as often as you think of it.  If, by the end of the day that stamp is still on your hand – YOU DIDN’T DO IT ENOUGH.  That’s what I’m going with.  Do whatever you think will work for you.  But calm down. Talk to a friend…a knowledgeable friend.  Safe to say, everyone knows at least one nurse.  You want to know how to effectively wash your hands and keep them away from your face?  Ask a nurse.  Go back to your basics that, hopefully, you were taught as a child and just breathe. 

Consider this a test run for future events.  I’m thinking we better get good at this – or else.