Just kidding.
It’s always interesting to see how people react when faced with a new situation.
Yes, COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, is making people sick around the world.
No, you don’t need to panic.
The risk level here in Alberta is still considered low and, so far, all seven of the province’s confirmed cases are travel related.
Alberta Health is now recommending anyone who has travelled outside Canada and feeling unwell to stay home and call Health Link on 811.
It’s ‘better safe than sorry’ and Alberta Health and everyone in quarantine (voluntary self-isolation) is just trying to contain the potential spread of infection.
Travel plans are being changed all over the world. It might be scary to read headlines about concerts and sports games being cancelled, but, again, it’s the smart option to reduce the potential spread right now.
"We need to start thinking about what our new normal will look like," said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw on Monday. "With no vaccine for this virus likely to be available for a year or more, to protect the population we need to protect each other."
While that could sound like the start of a post-apocalyptic movie, I don’t think we should be too alarmed just yet.
COVID-19 is transferred through respiratory fluids, like saliva and mucus, and Hinshaw suggested elbow bumps or waves instead of handshakes as a practical way of limiting the spread of germs.
But the best precautionary behaviour, as always, seems to be: wash your hands and try to not touch your face.
This virus is also very survivable. As of Tuesday, Canada had one death out of 77 confirmed cases.
In fact, Alberta Health says 80 per cent of people with COVID-19 don't need any special treatment at all.
Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are those more at risk, so don’t visit hospitals or seniors’ homes if you’re feeling unwell.
Simply, keep calm and take reasonable precautions.
Hinshaw said Albertans only need 72 hours worth of supplies, as they would for any emergency.
But how many rolls would that be?!
Fuchsia Dragon
