Oh my. It’s interesting to go to bed in France, and then wake up and read the American news. It seems like something BIG inevitably happens during my sleeping hours, and I wake up to headlines that probably already feel like old news to you.
Today, I woke up to coronavirus headlines. Obviously, the virus has been in the news for lots of weeks at this point, but suddenly, it’s dominating every news outlet and social media network.
So I’ve been reading a ton and collecting the stuff I find most helpful. I’m traveling to Palm Springs early tomorrow morning, so I’ve also been watching the news closely to see if/how it will affect the Alt Summit conference next week.
At the moment, the latest news from Palm Springs is that the city is still very safe, the businesses are open, the flights are still coming in, and they’re ready to welcome Alt Summit attendees. Based on that info, we’re not cancelling the conference, but should the info change, I know we need to be ready to make decisions.
Here are some of the resources I’ve collected that are helping me remain calm and encourage my common sense:
-Looking for up-to-date information on the virus? Take a look at this resource from Centers for Disease Control. They also have a helpful page called Share Facts, Not Fear.
-Though many people are being tested and monitored in California to see if they are infected, there are relatively few confirmed cases, and the director of California’s Department of Public Health said Thursday per CNBC, “This is a fluid situation right now and I want to emphasize the risk to the American public remains low.”
-I really appreciated this thread:
Some of the highlights in the thread: On an individual basis, COVID-19 is just not a huge deal. If you do catch it, you’ll most likely feel like you caught a particularly nasty bout of the flu. And ZERO people under the age of 9 have died from it.
-Liz of Cool Mom Picks wrote: “One thing about coronavirus that we are not talking about: this is particularly hard for those already dealing with anxiety issues. Facts can help.” She encourages No Panicking, Just Preparedness.
-Richard Engle, NBC’s Chief Foreign Correspondent says: “Don’t panic. Doctors/ virologists I’m speaking to say 98% of people will be fine, even if they get Covid-19. They expect it will go around the world, but that most people who get it will be a little sick, then recover. The danger is to vulnerable people. Hospitals and old age homes.”
So we need to be especially mindful of our older neighbors and family members who may need our assistance.
-Here’s how the World Health Organization is fighting the spread of misinformation surrounding the new coronavirus.
-“Forget the doomsday talk and the “prepper” subculture with all its snake oil… We should prepare, not because we may feel personally at risk, but so that we can help lessen the risk for everyone.”
-Literally every thing I’ve read emphasis these 4 very doable things as the most important things we can do:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
I’ve also read some stories online that aren’t so calming and aren’t so reassuring. But I’m doing my best to stick to the trusted sources.
How about you? Has news about the virus taken over your news feeds and social feeds too? How do you typically react to this type of news? Do you head to the grocery store for supplies? Check in on your neighbors? Keep hand sanitizer in your pocket? Or maybe you read the stats and figure it’s not likely to affect you personally and move on with your day?
And how are talking to your kids about this? Have they heard of it? Does the virus worry them?
Have you read anything helpful that helped you keep perspective? If yes, please share!
P.S. — A hand-washing how-to.
