In recent days, as I’ve been doing my best to enlighten those who seem oblivious to the seriousness of the coronavirus, I’ve been met with comments urging me to “calm down,” insisting that the media should “stay out of it,” and claiming that “this is all just a major overreaction.”
Let’s clarify something—I am not in a state of “panic” regarding COVID-19. My linen closet holds the standard amount of toilet paper, and I haven’t stockpiled nonperishable food items. So, go ahead and enjoy your cruise ship buffet, Sarah, but don’t come to me whining when you find yourself quarantined for two weeks after mingling with the wrong crowd.
While I’m not panicking, I am deeply worried.
I’m worried because the World Health Organization (WHO) is worried. On March 11, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The WHO’s Director General stated, “We have been assessing this outbreak around the clock and are deeply concerned by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.” This statement should resonate with all of us.
I’m concerned that many individuals are proceeding with their daily routines, potentially putting us all in jeopardy. We must practice social distancing. We need to cancel events—festivals, conferences, concerts, vacations. Cancel all of it! Yes, it will come with its own set of challenges, but a little discomfort now is far better than a pandemic overwhelming our healthcare system. Nobody wants to face a situation like Italy is currently experiencing.
My worry extends to our elderly population and those with compromised immune systems. Can anyone honestly say that every person in their life would survive a bout with COVID-19? We should show compassion for public health, even for those not in our immediate circle.
What troubles me is the alarming number of people treating this crisis lightly. Take, for example, a family from St. Louis who ignored quarantine guidelines after their daughter returned from Italy showing symptoms. They were told to self-isolate until test results came back, yet the father took his other daughter to a dance, and the mother went shopping. You guessed it—the test results were positive.
As we observe the deserted streets of cities like Rome, where stores have closed to curb the virus’s spread, I can’t help but think of the consequences of ignorance. Over a hundred universities have halted in-person classes after spring break, and while some dismiss this as an overreaction, it is a necessary precaution. College students return from diverse locations, and without proper measures, they could become vectors for the virus.
University leaders are not making these decisions lightly; they are assessing risks and have determined that prioritizing health over comfort is essential. They’re opting for temporary discomfort to prevent a possible outbreak of a lethal virus on their campuses.
My concern is compounded by the fact that some people are spreading misinformation online, dismissing the urgency of the situation. They lack an understanding of risk, exponential spread, and the critical timing of our responses.
The current U.S. statistics don’t reflect the gravity of our situation unless we contextualize them within the timeline of contagion. The U.S. is still in the early stages of this outbreak, and we should learn from the experiences of countries like China and Italy, where initial complacency allowed the virus to spread unchecked. With the Trump administration largely inactive, many are perpetuating myths that downplay the severity of COVID-19.
It’s crucial to understand that our goal is not to eradicate the virus but to “flatten the curve”—to manage its spread to avoid overwhelming our healthcare system. The healthcare infrastructure needs to be able to treat all patients, not just those with COVID-19.
The truth is, the coronavirus is not like the flu. It spreads more rapidly, has a higher mortality rate, and lacks effective treatments. Those who persist in equating COVID-19 with the flu need to reevaluate their understanding.
For those still skeptical, it’s time to listen to the experts. Social distancing is our most effective tool for slowing the virus’s spread, as demonstrated in the countries hardest hit by the pandemic.
Here’s how you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Steer clear of crowded places.
- Limit travel.
- Maintain social distance (aim for 6 feet).
- Avoid physical contact, like hugging or handshakes.
- Refrain from touching high-contact surfaces—use your sleeve or a tissue instead.
- Share accurate information and correct misconceptions about the virus.
For more insights, check out this blog post on Home Insemination Kit, and for authoritative information on reproductive health, visit Intracervical Insemination or this excellent resource from WebMD.
In summary, we need to take this situation seriously and prioritize the health and safety of our communities. Ignoring the reality of COVID-19 is not an option.