Pandemic Declared by WHO: What Now?

photo: pixabay

Today, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. The writing has been on the wall for some time, so it’s hardly a surprise. But still . . . just hearing this word evokes strong emotions.

We’re all affected. There’s a mania based on the unknown and the fear of getting sick. For those who are infirm, the fear is even more. For those with older parents, the fear intensifies.

Travel  – trips are canceled or not being planned. Everything seems upside down. I canceled a trip to London this weekend. See CDC Coronavirus Information for Travel,

Shopping – people are hoarding the basics. But unlikely they are shopping for clothing or luxury items.

Cruises – NFW.

Marathons – Marathons and other running events are being canceled left and right. As disappointing as this is, runners can still run outdoors to their hearts’ content, even if they can’t run in organized races.

Events, parades and conferences – canceled, canceled, canceled. Will Broadway go dark?

Streetart in Barcelona by TV Boy

Free hugs – Nope. Only fist bumps.

Financial Health – FORGET ABOUT IT – I haven’t dared look at my stock funds or accounts in weeks! The poor airline and hotel industries are tanking. Let’s just call this all a correction and hope for the best.

Social  – I have curtailed how much I go to social events and crowded places (other than work and travel to work). I’ve predominantly tried to stay home. For exercise, I try to walk a lot (thereby avoiding both the subway and the gym).

Colleges – all seem to be going remote. Will parents survive?

Future – we don’t know how far in the future to plan and cancel. Our heads are spinning. While trying to stay level headed, we all have a paranoid relative who’s driving us nuts.

Work – I travel to work by subway and work in a public building. I think many offices can be closed for a short period, or at least reduced to a skeletal amount of people, and the remainder could work online. I am lucky that I have a quarantine clause in my collective bargaining agreement, such that I would get paid for any quarantine time. However, I think broad action should be taken before quarantines are necessary. (I’m sure this is easier said than done?).

Mental Health – I’m guessing that this is wearing on everyone emotionally.

I’m not sure what else to say, so instead I will post and update, articles and news concerning the Covid-19 and the epidemic pandemic. Feel free to post other newsworthy articles and links in comments – I’ll add them to the text here.

One noteworthy article is from The Atlantic, called Cancel Everything. It’s an important read.

World Health Organization Coronavirus Covid-19 Advice for the Public

NPR: Coronavirus: COVID-19 Is Now Officially A Pandemic, WHO Says

New York TImes: WHO Declares Pandemic

So, what now? 

Just keep washing your hands  . .