Amidst all the madness that is spreading online across social media right these days with the COVID-19 pandemic, one post in particular has a very simple but profound message.
“Your grandparents were called to war. You’re being called to sit on a couch. You can do it.”
Simple, but true.
Our country has faced far greater threats; even our community has faced adversity and worked together to weather the storm.
The panic buying, the hoarding, and the fear mongering aren’t going to help us get through this health crisis intact.
Staying calm, washing your hands thoroughly and often, staying away from large gatherings and buying only what you need for two weeks is what will ensure that Chatham-Kent limits the number of cases of the coronavirus.
Common sense sometimes flies out the window when fear is your first go-to, and a mob mentality kicks in. Now is the time to realize you are not indispensable and can stay home when you are sick, that 40 rolls of toilet paper aren’t going to help you if you do have the virus and that keeping vulnerable family, friends and co-workers safe is more important than any job.
Yes, it is inconvenient, and belts will have to be tightened until the crisis passes, but the more we do now to prevent the spread of the virus, the better off we will be in the future. That just makes sense.
Support local business by getting take-out or gift cards, check on elderly or immunocompromised friends and family, and hunker down at home to enjoy this time with family. Play games, cook together and help each other out.
Being selfish and not listening to the advice of health officials because you think it’s not as bad as they are saying is a sure way to keep the spread going. Think of others – the frontline health-care workers and emergency response personnel that have to go to work every day to keep us safe. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for them and their loved ones.
We will make it through, just like we always do, because we let common sense rule the day, not fear.
