Coronavirus: Ten Good Reasons Not To Be Alarmed  

by Larry Waight
coronavirus

The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has spread across the globe in the last few months causing sickness, panic, and even death. Almost every country has felt the health and economic impacts this virus has created. People have been discouraged from traveling, gathering in large crowds, or even attending schools or work. Despite all of the bad news surrounding this disease, here are 10 reasons not to worry.

1. Most COVID-19 Cases Are Mild

For many people who catch the virus, the symptoms of coughing, fever, and upper respiratory discomfort are mild and can be treated at home. Many people with the virus have reported feeling slightly ill or haven’t exhibited any symptoms at all. If you are in relatively good health with no underlying health problems, you are likely to recover and have no lasting effects.

2. Cleaning and Disinfecting Kills COVID-19

The best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands with soap and water. This simple method is the most effective way to stay healthy. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face. You can also use household disinfecting products to clean contaminated surfaces.

3. Keeping Your Distance Can Make The Difference

According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is spread by person-to-person contact and the droplets emitted from a cough or sneeze. You can reduce your chances of catching the virus if you keep a distance of at least six feet from anyone suspected of being sick, is coughing and sneezing, or in a room full of people.

4. Packages Don’t Carry The Virus

You can safely open any mail or package from overseas without worrying about catching COVID-19. The virus is spread through contact with a contaminated person and cannot survive on packages or soft materials.

5. New Cases In China Are Declining

China is reporting fewer new cases and deaths in the last few days. This can be attributed to China’s unprecedented measures to confine and treat the sick, disinfect public spaces, and restrict contact between people.

6. A Vaccine May Be In The Near Future

Scientists are currently conducting antiviral drug trials to determine if a newly-developed drug will help prevent the virus’ spread. Scientists are also looking into existing antivirals, such as those used to treat HIV and ebola, to determine their efficacy on COVID-19.

7. You Can Still Fly

If you’re not sick and haven’t been exposed to anyone with the virus, you can fly to countries without the disease if you take the right precautions. Protect yourself by cleaning your seat and tray table, washing your hands often, and refraining from sitting near anyone who may be sick.

8. Testing Is Widely Available

If you think you may have the virus, your doctor or local emergency room can perform the test if requested. The results may be ready in as little as a few hours.

9. Kids Seem To Be Immune

Children don’t appear to be as susceptible to the virus as the rest of the population. Those children who have been diagnosed have mild cold-like symptoms and there are no reported fatalities.

10. Lessons Learned

In dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries have developed better epidemic response strategies. Governments are making resources more available and are getting better at informing the public on the situation.
There are still a few places in the world that do not have any known COVID-19 cases. Belize is one of them. For those of you traveling to Belize, be assured that the local government is taking all recommended precautions to keep its visitors safe and healthy. 

 Written by Larry Waight

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