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Whatever you do, now is not the time to panic!

Somebody says the words outbreak, epidemic, pandemic or shortage and the world goes crazy, says columnist Wendy King
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Whatever you do, don’t panic!

Somebody says the words outbreak, epidemic, pandemic or shortage and the world goes crazy.

You can’t make a move without hearing about the coronavirus in all its incarnations. The numbers keep changing. Everyday, there are more suggestions of how to avoid it.

What’s with all the stocking up of supplies in the event coronavirus strikes our homes?

From all the media reports, I gather COVID-19 has symptoms including fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, and headache.

But, as far as I can tell, diarrhea is not one of them, so why are consumers rushing out to stock up on the Charmin?

I am not understanding the co-relation.

Not to mention hand sanitizer (apparently sold out in a lot of locations), disinfectant wipes, paper towels, etc.

That makes more sense, but do we need so much?

Panic buying!

It is like we don’t want anyone else to get something we may need.

I guess it's human nature. I found myself making sure I was stocked up, too. I had toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, cleansers, and soap filling my cart.

However, because I didn’t want the cashier to think I was rushing home to self-isolate, I tossed in a new sweater and some bacon. If the end is near, I do want to be well-dressed and well-baconated.

I knew it wasn’t going to protect me from anything really, but the thought that stores might run out scared me.

The thought prices might jump (supply and demand) made me follow along like just another lamb.

News reports suggest some stores are rationing how much bathroom tissue you can purchase. 

Some store shelves were left empty. Nothing makes you want something more than if someone advises you can't have any!

It makes sense to have extra medications on hand, just in case of a lot of things.

Every time there's a snowstorm coming, we all rush out for water, milk, bread and batteries. At some level, I guess that’s logical, but this latest stampede to retailers is just bizarre.

According to Samuel Veissiere, an assistant professor at McGill University, “it's amusing, predictable and interesting because it is giving yourself the illusion that you are protecting your body.”

The best advice is what we all got from our moms. That’s wash your hands properly (sing Happy Birthday in your head twice) and cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

There is still so much we don’t know.

Here are a few definite things we have figured out:

1. People clearly were not washing their hands enough before this.
2. Introverts had it all figured out. Stay away from people.
3. People only buy enough toilet paper to get them by.
4. Liquor is considered by many to be an essential emergency supply.
5. Given the speed at which this virus is spreading, it is a small world, after all.
6. If I had a dollar for every time I inadvertently touch my face, I’d be rich.
7. Being quarantined, even on a cruise ship, would be hell.
8. People who want to make their own sanitizer have more time than germs on their hands.

Certainly, it is an uncertain time. Nobody wants to get sick. I am not making light of it at all. I just rely on trusted media sources to stay up to date on best practices. 

I don’t think there is any reason to cancel travel plans or social gatherings. I enjoy hugs, kisses and human touch too much to cut back on any of that. Just live your life.

I’m just off to the store for some hand cream. My overly washed hands are dry as the desert.

Have a calm and healthy week!


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About the Author: Wendy King

Wendy King writes about all kinds of things from nutrition to the job search from cats to clowns — anything and everything — from the ridiculous to the sublime. Watch for Wendy's column weekly.
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