Panic at the Grocery Store

I'd rather see a panic at the disco (name of a musical group) than a panic at the grocery store.

We are now if full-blown coronavirus panic and it ain't pretty.
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/03/07/coronavirus-live-updates/)

I believe some of this panic fire is being fanned by the media in search of eyeballs and ratings. Sensationalism sells. Putting aside the misinformation being promoted, here are common sense prevention methods everyone should be following to keep healthy and prevent further spread of the virus.

• Wash your hands with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds (long enough to sing one verse of Happy Birthday to You) multiples times a day, especially after touching things other people have touched
• Avoid going to places where large groups of people gather (where people with the virus but have not yet developed symptoms may be present)
• Don't touch your face after touching things other people have touched (before washing your hands with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds)

This advice is not new.

My mother taught me to do this when I was a child, especially during cold and flu season.

I'm fortunate enough to work for an enlightened employer who has everyone working from home for the next two weeks to prevent spreading the virus. Yes, my company cares about its people. This is also a smart business tactic to protect the company's investment in highly skilled technical workforce upon whom their ability to deliver depends. It's also the way we help protect our customers, upon whom our business depends.

Yet, highest level government officials are saying in public forums, which get televised, that people should go about their normal business including going to work and to school. I'm not trying to make a political statement here, but it does seem irresponsible to down play the seriousness of sick people mingling with healthy people. And, never once did these officials mention the 3 simple things already noted that everyone should be doing. EVERYONE!

Things are not dire at this moment. But considering there are already runs on the grocery and warehouse stores, I can see this can easily get out of control.

I guess its every person for themself in today's environment, which goes beyond sad. It's actually dangerous.