During times of increased risk of illness or death the last thing that should happen is to amplify anxiety and fear. But that is exactly what is occurring as we experience the corona virus. There is a convergence of information and noise that elevates the concern to inappropriate levels. When the general population begins to buy out groceries, toilette paper, and hand sanitizer we are reacting to the incessant presence of the problem of viral infections spreading exponentially which is not happening. The reality is that, yes, we have what the Center for Disease Control has called a pandemic is in fact true, but many of the right steps are being taken to mitigate the spread of the virus. Although we should have acted sooner we are not in a position to panic without necessity.
The mixed messages are part of the problem when local news programs devote more than half of their broadcast to the covid-19. And that includes local doctors who are reporting what is already reported by the CDC and the WHO (World Health Organization). There is also a very comprehensive data site from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Here.
And more mixed messages come from two of the least qualified people in the country, the president and vice president. These two men don't even believe in climate change! Equating the virus to the influenza virus and saying "everything will be fine" is just an empty gesture that doesn't square with the facts.
Please understand that I am not trying to minimize the problem but suggesting that we limit our information to the health professionals. Of course we hope that this will pass soon but fear and anxiety are poor substitutes for true and accurate information. Hand washing and monitoring our own health is much more realistic.
The mixed messages are part of the problem when local news programs devote more than half of their broadcast to the covid-19. And that includes local doctors who are reporting what is already reported by the CDC and the WHO (World Health Organization). There is also a very comprehensive data site from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Here.
And more mixed messages come from two of the least qualified people in the country, the president and vice president. These two men don't even believe in climate change! Equating the virus to the influenza virus and saying "everything will be fine" is just an empty gesture that doesn't square with the facts.
Please understand that I am not trying to minimize the problem but suggesting that we limit our information to the health professionals. Of course we hope that this will pass soon but fear and anxiety are poor substitutes for true and accurate information. Hand washing and monitoring our own health is much more realistic.
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