Top 10 Dos and Don’ts to Help Us Cope with the Coronavirus
The COVID-19 outbreak is real, so let’s make a big deal out of it.
It is surreal to witness this crisis unfolding. It feels like we are caught up in a sci-fi horror series, waiting with trepidation for the next episode to entrap us. There is no escaping this reality series because we can’t change the channel or turn off the feed. It is happening in real time and it touches each and every one of us around the globe.
For those of us adhering to the “shelter in place” directions, in the comfort of our homes, we are the lucky ones. The inconvenience of temporarily losing our liberties is relatively easy, compared to what others are enduring. Those at the front lines, fighting this unseen enemy, are taking a much bigger risk and making significant personal sacrifices to protect us and keep us safe. Our courageous healthcare workers, medical staff, emergency personnel, researchers, spokespersons, leaders, and all those involved in providing and delivering essential services are the heroes in this battle. They are working diligently saving lives, searching for a cure, keeping us informed, supplying us with goods, and offering us much-needed hope.
At the end of the day, we get to turn off the news, shut down our in-house entertainment, and go to bed. Meanwhile the next shift of frontline workers is suiting up and carrying on throughout the night. Our worries and fears might invade our sleep, but those protecting and supplying us are marching into a real-life nightmare.
How can we support and help them?
Do your part: follow these 10 basic Dos & Don’ts
Do take this seriously, and adhere to the “shelter in place” directions. It’s the least we can do to stay home, stay safe, and help slow the spread. By reducing the risk to ourselves and others, we help ease the burden on our overwhelmed hospitals and healthcare workers.
Don’t think these “shelter in place” directions do not apply to you. Going out for anything that is not essential is selfish and foolhardy. If you are aware of family members, friends, or neighbours venturing out on risky excursions, feel free to remind them and lovingly encourage them into compliance.
Do take all the recommended precautions to minimize your risk of exposure and infection. Sing to your heart’s content and until your hands are sanitized and clean.
Don’t make matters worse by spreading fear, false information, wild conspiracy theories, accusations, and blame. Don’t complain, criticize, or make judgments for personal or political gain. This global crisis is unprecedented, and our actions, words, and decisions will go down in history and for eternity. If you are guilty of any of the above negative behaviours, be aware that it is never too late to change. You have an opportunity to rewrite history by acting differently in the present moment.
Do take care of yourself, so that you can remain healthy and care for others. Self-care includes looking after your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Do positive things like eating healthy, exercising, doing relaxing and stress-reducing activities, prayer, meditation, resting, listening to music, watching inspiring programs, participating in positive social media engagements, communicating with uplifting people, communing with pets, and remembering that laughter is the best form of medicine.
Don’t participate in selfish, senseless, and immature activities and gatherings that put you and others at risk for contracting the virus. Licking a toilet as part of a social media challenge is not smart, responsible, or respectful to others. Just think, one day your grandkids might see these stupid stunts and ask, “What were you thinking, grampa?” Attending a “coronavirus house party” and partying like it is the end of the world is a slap in the face to those who succumb to the virus. Imagine if the partygoers were quarantined to the “party house” for two weeks with no wifi, no cellular connection, no alcohol and stimulants, and with only minimal rations and a constant streaming of the movie Contagion – plus, their “Big Fool” reality show would be streamed to the outside world. I wonder if they would still accept the party invitation?
Do participate in the tributes, positive messages, shows of appreciation, and gratitude for our frontline workers and their families. They are making incredible sacrifices and they deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Don’t forget to reach out and check on your loved ones, those who have lost jobs and income, and those vulnerable to loneliness, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. A caring gesture, volunteer assistance, or an inspirational and encouraging message can be a big deal for those struggling to cope with the coronavirus.
Do spread the love every day, so that one day we will look back and realize our acts of kindness, compassion, empathy, and care were more contagious than the virus.
Don’t give up hope. Contrary to some conspiracy theories, this isn’t the end of the world. This is an awakening, an expansion of our hearts, a shift of consciousness, a leap of faith, a progression of the planet, and an evolution of humanity. With all due respect to the victims of this virus and their loved ones, the sick and the survivors, the frontline workers and their families, and those suffering from virus-related fear, anxiety, and depression, our world will change for the better.
We are learning important lessons from this pandemic. Through global collaboration, research and education, healthcare investment and technological advancements, and political maturation, we will mitigate future risks and we will improve our response to potential outbreaks. And we will become a more compassionate race that puts people before profit, sustainability before development, and love at the centre of our existence.
Oh, and don’t forget to wash your hands, again!
Need more information?
Here are some resourceful links:
World Health Organization (WHO) – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
Government of Canada – Know the facts about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Government of Canada – COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
