With the stock market sinking and national health experts warning that a new strain of coronavirus, manifest as COVID-19, is close to invading U.S. shores, what the nation needs is a strong dose of calm and reassurance.
Panic serves no purpose. And, to be sure, there are abundant reasons to remain calm, albeit cautious.
President Donald Trump went a long way toward calming nerves this week by naming Vice President Mike Pence as the point person in coordinating the nation’s response to any outbreak. No matter what people may think of Pence, and his political enemies have plenty to say, his appointment in this case provides clarity and accountability. The government’s health professionals, especially in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are professional and highly competent.
Here in Utah, separate news conferences Thursday by Gov. Gary Herbert and the Utah Department of Health, which included several representatives of the state’s health care system, let people know that hospitals and professionals are prepared and ready to begin treating patients. Beginning next week, the state’s lab will be ready to begin testing for the virus.
Crisis planners are examining how many beds are available, and a plan is in place for sharing resources among the state’s many hospitals.
This isn’t doomsday. Most of the cases are expected to be mild. Children, for some reason, have not been hit hard by this strain, although they may be carriers of the disease. The most vulnerable people are those with compromised immune systems, or who are elderly and not in good health.
But even they are not helpless in the face of this virus. The best defense is to wash your hands regularly and to avoid touching your face. If you feel the least bit sick, stay home. The advantage today’s generation has over previous generations that have faced outbreaks of disease is that many people can work from home on a computer, if necessary.
Health professionals are clear that they expect COVID-19 to reach Utah. They will let the public know within 24 hours, via press release, if anyone tests positive.
Depending on how widespread an outbreak may become, the public may have to change its behaviors temporarily. Major gathering points, such as sporting events, conventions, schools and church services might have to be canceled. Mass transit may shut down. People with even mild symptoms may be asked to self-quarantine at home. Travel may be restricted.
But at the moment, the state is a long way from experiencing any of these inconveniences.
As Gov. Herbert put it, “We are in fact hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.”
Information is power. Preparation brings confidence.
News about the spread of COVID-19 is moving quickly and changing, it seems, by the hour. Expect to hear reports of more infections in the United States, and even in Utah.
But stay calm. Trust the professionals. Take common-sense precautions.
This disease did not originate here. The medical community is learning more about it, and how to treat it, each day. There is no need for anxiety or panic.