In a time of a pandemic, the new norm becomes social distancing. That is keeping at least one meter away from others. Perhaps elbow bumps are okay but handshakes and hugs are out.
Given the covid -19 virus can live on surfaces for up to a week or more I am not sure social distancing has great value. Airborne transmission is considered not to be the main vector, although not much is really known.
Over Reacting
This is a serious disease that is propagating rapidly, often passed by carriers with no symptoms. The illness can be fatal. Putting protective and preventative measures in place is only common sense.
In this situation not reacting makes no sense but overreacting/panicking is probably not a good choice. Things like hoarding or pure isolation could be more harmful.
In Canada, the authorities’ reactions have been somewhat measured but the general populous is acting in full-on panic mode in some cases.
Economic Reality
World wide commercial activity is clearly going to be reduced during this pandemic. This loss of productivity will worm through each countries economy over time. This is obvious.
What I find hard to understand is the running for the exits before the fire has really started. Stock markets around the world have crashed, but the economy soldiers on.
Must be anticipation. Herd mentality. All-consuming panic. Basically just a sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety leading to wildly unthinking behavior.
For all the good it does. Not!
