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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.
Amen. The hand washing technique they’re suggesting is standard procedure for people in the food service business. In my baking class, as soon as we enter the commercial kitchen, we have to wash our hands under hot water for at least 20 seconds with soap and use disposable paper towels to dry them. This also prevents cross contamination from utensils to food.
I agree people need to get a grip. But if you weren’t taught certain hygienic practices when you were a kid, the learning curve may be high for some.
Maybe in the long run, this pandemic needed to happen in order for people to get away from being so self-absorbed and understand that one of the most important jobs we have is taking care of one another.
Everything happens for a reason – that’s for sure. I would love to see a genuine level of concern for our fellow man come of this – that’s my hope. The silver lining. Thanks for reading.
Totally agree m6 friend and the panic is insane! As a I’ve said all along, DON’T PANIC!…EDUCATE YOURSELF! STAY AWAY FROM THE NEWS! GO THE THE CDC WEBSITE AND THAT IS THE ONLY SOURCE OF INFO YOU NEED AND SHOUKD BE PAYING ATTENTION TO!…and the beat goes on!!!
It’s been very strange to me; I am one to get cranked up pretty easily and for some reason, the larger the episode the calmer I am. This is no exception. I am listening and being cautious but not an ounce of fear. Very thankful for that.