Managing Crisis

In the face of worldwide panic it can be hard to figure out how to feel.  Do I feel panicked?  Do I feel like the world is making mountains out of molehills?  Do I have the time and ability to care while worrying about how I'm going to handle my day to day existence?  All of these questions are valid!  The answer is really about doing what you feel is appropriate to feel safe while also taking into consideration your community.  It is important to be well informed through appropriate and accurate information sources.  In this case the CDC, Johns Hopkins, WHO, and similar organizations are providing helpful and realistic information.  It is important to recognize the value of community efforts-the schools are closing to be preventative.  Restaurants and businesses are closing to be preventative...they are all trying to follow guidelines and help their community.  You may have heard the term "flatten the curve", if we have fewer people interacting in large groups we have a better chance of slowing infection rates and keeping systems functional.  Taco Bell has not decided to go to drive through only because that will cure the problem, but not having large quantities of people sitting in the restaurant and touching things will definitely reduce risk.  Although children do not appear to be severely impacted by the virus, 30 little kids in a room sharing all sorts of germs means at least 30 adults are exposed, plus whomever they come in contact with, plus whomever they come in contact with etc.  Not having those 30 kids in the same room for several hours per day could prevent deaths throughout the community and that is all anyone wants to see. 
One thing to keep in mind, you are not the only one who is facing the questions of how to react or how to feel.  Therefore, we all need to keep in mind we are part of a community and we have to operate as such.  We are operating in a time of need not want.  Buy what you NEED, go where you NEED, and be open to others doing the same.  Don't assume everyone who coughs or sniffles is trying to make you sick.  Don't assume everyone around you has the same information you do.  Be kind, be realistic, and we will all pull through better for the experience.