EDITORIAL: Approach virus with a level head

Published 11:48 am Friday, March 13, 2020

Don’t confuse precaution with panic. 

We’ve all experienced a major deluge of news and information in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, but it’s important to distinguish facts from fear. 

Refusing to buy a brand of beer because it has the same name as the virus while filling a shopping cart with toilet paper is more about misinformed panic than well-informed precaution.

Keeping track of where cases of the virus have been confirmed and regularly washing one’s hands can keep a person informed while taking smart precautions.

We are making every effort to share information verified by experts both in print and online as all of this develops. 

We have shared the preventative steps on handwashing already but they are worth repeating: 

•Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

•If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

•Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

•Stay home when sick.

•Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

•Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are good recommendations any time, especially during flu season. In the era of the coronavirus, now is a good time to make these practices regular habits as part of a healthy lifestyle.

This is an issue of public health with global ramifications that will potentially impact all of us. 

That’s why we need to get news and information from sources that can be verified. Social media posts from individuals are not the best source of news and information — now, amid a global pandemic, or quite frankly, ever. 

Remember also that when we spread misinformation, we redirect the time and attention of professionals who have to shift their focus to debunking untruths and clarifying to counteract this bad information. That’s valuable time and attention these professionals could be using in some other way. 

While there is no need to panic, we do need to show concern and also compassion for others who are also worried, particularly those who are experiencing the most direct impact of this situation. 

Just because you may not directly fall into the category of those who are at risk or contracting the virus doesn’t mean that you can’t endanger others who might be, whether because of their age or because they have a chronic illness, are pregnant, or have a compromised immune system. 

We all have a personal responsibility to protect not only ourselves but also others around us. 

Heed the warnings of the medical experts. Take the necessary precautions and remember — we are all in this together. If you’re not a doctor or a health care professional, act responsibly by not touting information that you don’t know firsthand or cannot verify. 

Think before you share on social media. 

Panic can spread faster than disease if left unchecked.

We don’t know what we don’t know at this point. It’s best to err on the side of precaution.