Some thoughts on the Covid-19 coronavirus
With the entire world sinking under the pressure of the coronavirus ripple effect on society, and people finding various ways to cope with the stress of it all, it seemed appropriate to leave a few remarks in the pot.
There is no use being paralyzed by fear and anxiety about this. Like a hurricane or wildfire, these things come in and kill people, but they pass. And this too will pass. We must be careful, super hygienic and sensitive, keep calm and drink a lot of tea to make us feel better!
Many people are panicking, as can be seen from the compulsive purchase of toilet paper and other items. With something like this, where there is actually very little that can be done to prevent infection, people hold on to things they CAN do so that they at least feel like they are doing SOMETHING. But in fact, the best thing they can do is minimize physical interaction with other people and stay in their homes or accommodation as much as possible.
Just to repeat at this point, the avoidance actions you can take against the virus: Wash your hands with a virus-killing antibacterial soap after touching anything outside your home. Do not touch your face at all until you have washed your hands. Do not get closer than 2 meters from other people. (One meter is suggested, but I think this is a bit optimistic, and I would personally be happier with 3 or more meters – you can still have a conversation at a distance of 3 meters.) Don’t congregate in crowds. Use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands, and then wash them with soap and water as soon as you can. Do not shake hands with anyone and, of course, do not kiss anyone outside of your own family or home. Eradicate physical contact with anyone outside your home until this is over.
Some people say that this is a punishment from God for the sins of the leaders of the nations, which may well be true. Others say the Chinese purposely released this virus to bring down overseas stocks so they could buy Western companies at a fraction of their price. This is also a possibility. Others say it was caused by the unsanitary eating habits of the Chinese wild animals, which caused the virus to jump out of species, which is the most popular theory. I myself keep gathering all the information and examining the fake news to try to make sense of the outbreak. What is pretty certain is that it was caused by a combination of greed and poverty.
What we really have to do is support those who have tested positive, send them messages of encouragement and hope. Also be very supportive of the nurses and doctors, and also any of those people who have to keep working to make sure you have food and supplies. Be nice to everyone at this time, putting little irritations aside. Everyone is anxious to some degree, so give people some rope and always cheer up.
If you are in quarantine, enjoy time with your family (if they are with you) and the same if your area is closed. Take advantage of the situation so that this whole episode comes out well.
That the coronavirus will soon be just a memory, recorded in the history books.