How To Prevent The Coronavirus Pandemic From Becoming Everybody’s ‘Personal Story’
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak a pandemic today confirming the worldwide spread of the new disease. While this new description sounds scary, “all countries can still change the course of this pandemic,” reads a statement attributed to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the WHO.
Before we panic and start hoarding hand sanitizers, we have to keep in mind that there are vulnerable people in our communities, such as elderly, people with underlying conditions, and people with cancer on chemotherapy, who need our support more than ever before. Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO Executive Director of Health Emergencies Program, calls it ‘a very personal story’ and adds that “It’s a duty of us all to do as much as we can to protect those people among us.”
We are in this together and our actions impact others. Here are a few things we can do to protect ourselves and the rest of our community:
- WASH YOUR HANDS (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer). It is the easiest and the most important way to protect yourself and the others.
- Do not hoard supplies. Share them with those in need. Help provide sanitizers, masks and medicine to vulnerable people who cannot risk going to a crowded supermarket or pharmacy.
- If you are feeling even a little sick, stay home and work remotely, if you can. Cover your cough/sneeze and avoid crowded places.
- Only call emergency hotlines if you need to.
- Stay informed (follow the WHO and CDC, as they are the most reliable sources of information). Avoid the spread of misinformation. Be prepared. DON’T PANIC.
Our actions matter. They can change the course of the pandemic and help contain the spread. It is our civic duty to do as much as we can to protect not only ourselves, but everyone else in our community.
