7 Personal Responses to the Coronavirus

The Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic because it has spread across many countries. While serious, medical professionals recognize that the percentage that die from the virus is likely lower than reported because un-reported cases (often the virus is mild).

And some countries that have contained the virus have already greatly reduced the spread of the virus (e.g., South Korea, China). For this reason, we can have a measure of hope that, although serious, the virus will primarily have an economic effect on countries. Sadly, it will also affect those with compromised immune systems and the elderly. 

With measured hope mixed with caution, I want to share seven personal responses to coronavirus that may help you to think through similar appropriate responses: 

I'm washing my hands

The virus infects through fluid, and so washing my hands is one way to reduce the liklihood of being infected. Yet it only prevents one type of transmission. If I touch a surface with infected fluid, then I may be infected unless I wash my hands. While only a small measure of prevention, I am washing my hands. 

I'm still going to church

I am still going to church because my region has no confirmed cases of coronavirus. If it did, my church would likely consider taking a week off to quarantine. Even if there were some cases in my city, I would likely still attend church. Were I over sixty or had some pre-existing medical condition, I probably would rethink that. 

I'm not travelling internationally

At this point, travelling internationally seems unwise because if anything does happen, I would not have healthcare and it is possible to be stranded in another country. I am less concerned about driving south of the border to the USA. 

I'm not worried for my health

The statistics are clear. Those at risk are 60+ and have pre-existing conditions. This does not describe me. It does describe many people I know. So while I am not personally worried, I will take precautions for the sake of others. 

I'm not worried about my children

So far, young children have relatively low risk of death from coronavirus. It seems that the virus primarily harms those over sixty or with pre-existing conditions. 

I'm concerned about people at high-risk

I am concerned about those who are at high risk. For most us, this may be an opportunity to love our neighbours by washing our hands, creating social distance, and other measures. 

I'm going to stay home if I have appropriate symptoms

The coronavirus is not a runny nose. But if I have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, then I would likely choose to stay home and not go to work, events, or other such places. That makes sense to me, and it follows the guidelines of many medical professionals.