Coronavirus concerns legitimate, but keep it in perspective

Minute by minute, news on the coronavirus outbreak seems to change. While we all should stay up on the latest news, we also should keep it in perspective. We should remain vigilant and listen to recommendations from medical professionals and our leaders in government, yet continue to live your lives.
    Seeing some of the reports of empty store shelves for certain products, I thought I’d check locally. There was still a shelf full of sanitizer wipes and hand sanitizer at one local grocery store, although the owner said some had been sold to people here who were mailing it to people in other areas.
    Another grocery store doesn’t sell hand sanitizers, but has seen an uptick in the sale of paper towels and toilet paper.
    It is being recommended that people be prepared if they would be required to stay home after a possible exposure. Buying a few additional products is not out of line, but unlike some of the video in larger cities, I’m confident in saying it’s doubtful we’ll see fights over toilet paper in store aisles here.
    Traveling is a tough one. I canceled a trip to Florida the end of this month to see family. I’m not sure I’d be going overseas, either, but that’s a personal decision. Right now, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends travelers, particularly those with underlying health issues, defer all cruise ship travel. The CDC is recommending all non-essential travel be postponed to Level 3 countries including China, Italy, South Korea and Iran.  
    The best thing for all of us to do now? Follow the everyday prevention practices listed by the CDC:
    Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
    Stay home when you are sick.
    Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw the tissue away.
    Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and always before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
    If soap and water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer but make sure it contains 60-95% alcohol.
    There’s also a lot of good information at: coronavirus.gov.