Preface: I completely understand and believe that this pandemic is serious, and I am in no way, shape, or form am saying otherwise. I want to just make a point that we need to be more logically and stop panicking unnecessarily.
I vividly remember during my winter break vaguely hearing in the background stories of a virus that seemed to be running rampant in the now epicenter, Wuhan, China. No one other than the ones who experienced the virus since the start could really tell what an issue it would pose in just a few measly months. I wasn’t at all alarmed, I mean I live in a developed country with a great and inexpensive healthcare system. What was there to worry?
For a period of time, the virus seemed to be getting progressively worse, until finally the first case was confirmed in Canada, the country I live in. It all seemed to go over my head, I mean suddenly a virus that was so far away suddenly is a couple minutes away from where I live? Safe to say, I wasn’t the only one who was shocked. Social media was blowing up with conspiracy, fear, and overall misinformation. Suddenly friends were cancelling plans with me because they were scared and my own fear was setting in. I spoke with my parents asking about the risks and whether it would be as bad as SARS or MERS, and they said currently the virus should not be of great concern. The first case was of a man who came directly from Wuhan where the virus was already widespread. Public health is experienced and ready to combat this situation.
It was terrifying to see the once booming Chinatown completely and utterly empty. I mean it just doesn’t make sense. Why in the world would people be scared of businesses that are likely older than myself? How did prejudice and discrimination rise so drastically? Why are people panicking so much? these were all questions looming in my head. Of course, caution be damned, I still went to Chinatown, I still went outside, I still lived my life.
In the coming months, this virus progressively got worse, and was dubbed the virus name SARS-CoV-2, but the more commonly used name in the public is the disease name “COVID-19.” So many countries were affected by this virus, countries like Italy, Iran, the US were all being hit hard with dozens upon dozens of cases daily. It was starting to sink in. The severity of the virus and the risks and tribulations in brought with it. There are few things we can do other than trying to prevent the spread, and washing our hands often.
Advice for public about prevention – World Health Organization
http://www.who.int › Emergencies › Diseases › Coronavirus disease 2019
I finally understand the severity of the virus to people who have other underlying health conditions and I believe it is the job of society to band together and take on that responsibility, but I do NOT understand or agree with the panic stockpiling people seem to be doing in response. I don’t see ANY correlation between COVID-19 and hording a bunch of toilet paper making it harder for people who actually need it to get it. I like to think that we need not be panicking, but rather we need to be aware of the virus .
Alert NOT Anxious
Dr.Mike
This is not a natural disaster or anything of the sort, so please for the love of god STOP buying all the toilet paper.
Ilhan’s Blog 
Enjoy!
LikeLike