- CJ
Who is afraid of the Coronavirus?

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
This week has been crazy. Well actually it started last week. I have some dear friends who made it their mission to keep me informed about the latest Coronavirus updates. See, I don't follow the news, or any of the depressing things that they have on television, because it depresses me. I hate the gloom and doom of the reports. It seems like each station is trying to outdo the other in who can report the worst news.
So my 3 friends begin to contact me with daily phone calls. They informed me of the danger of flying, they told me I needed to stock up on food and water and they told me I needed to stay away from people as much as possible. Now while I really appreciated their concern, it became a bit much. You see, I don't give in to the scare tactics that the government fills us with. Remember Y2K anyone? Even back then I did not stock up on water or supplies. I don't give in to the fear because If I give in to one fear, then it will open the floodgates for me to begin fearing everything. And I have worked hard to not be that girl anymore.
So once I got my friends on the same page that I was on, I started seeing the results of the Coronavirus scare. The media is reporting out constantly and people are going into fear frenzy. I could not believe it when I went into the store to do my regular shopping and the store was packed. The lines had formed down the aisles. And certain products were non-existent. What does toilet tissue have to do with the virus? I really want to know because the two stores that I visited were completely sold out. I mean not a roll in the whole store. It reminded me of the time Hurricane Freddie (1979) came through Mobile, AL. I remember the night my friend asked me if I wanted to go shopping with her because of the hurricane. She had been watching the news reports. I was watching Mash. I will never forget. She stocked up on supplies. I bought two dinner candles, because they were out of all of the other candles. (that should have been a clue) But no, I got my candles and we went on our merry way. Well, maybe I should have paid a little more attention because Hurricane Freddie did some real damage to Mobile, and I was without power for 2 weeks.
For a minute this week, I thought about that time and almost gave in to the fear and start stockpiling up supplies. Then, I had to laugh at myself. Nope. Because deep down inside I did not and do not feel panicked yet. I feel concerned of course, but I don't have that gloom and doom sense of dread that I see around me. So I did my regular shopping, picking up a few extra can good...just in case. Some people, all they can talk about is the Coronavirus. I'm sorry, I just really don't want to hear it.
When my job announced this week that we would be off for two weeks, my first thought was, "Well God, I have been praying for some extra time to get some things I really want to do done. Thank you for this gift of time." I was not thinking of any of the negative things I heard people predict. While I am not scared, I will use wisdom. I will follow the guidelines that have been recommended. But I just can't live my life in fear. Below are some basic protective tips that I am sure you already know and have seen, but I wanted to do my part and share them.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Basic Protective Measures
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Clean and disinfect your house
Maintain social distance
Practice respiratory hygiene (cover your mouth when coughing)
Stay home if you don't feel well

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
During your time off you can:
Read that book you have been trying to finish or start a book you have been wanting to read
Get a head start on spring cleaning the house
Exercise. You don't have the excuse of not having time.
Catch up on your sleep. Anybody still feeling the effects of daylight savings time?
Spend time with your children
Learn something new
There are so many things you can do during this time. One thing I hope you don't do is to consume your mind with the gloom and doom news that is on in constant rotation. Stay watchful and stay healthy.