#COVID19 is here. People we know will get seriously ill. Some won’t make it. Many will suffer financially, rights and luxuries we took for granted will be questioned. This is going to be an endurance race. Some thoughts on what you can do to deal with what's coming: 1/
Identify reliable sources of information & follow the experts’ advice. Experts in this context are scientists such as epidemiologists and infectious disease doctors and of course official sources: the World Health Organization, the government, the national public health bodies 2/
Always look for the source of any piece of information. If there is no name in it, simply ignore it. If there is, then spend 10 seconds on Google to check if it's true. 3/
Prepare individually and as a family for various scenarios. This does not mean raiding the supermarket, but think about what needs you and your family have and how you will deal with them in case of emergency. These may be medication for chronic diseases and medical devices, 4/
food for your pet or liquid for your contact lenses. I’m not saying there will be shortages, but the individual responsible for buying these may get sick or spend time in hospital. Consider alternative plans; travel may be difficult or even impossible at some point. 5/
If you have a job that allows you to work from home, make sure you are able to work remotely for a long time. Prepare for potential sudden and long-term absence of your colleagues. Your service or business may need to operate with significantly reduced staff without notice. 6/
Communicable diseases do not stop at borders or discriminate between rich and poor. This is a battle we will either win or lose together as a community. These are times that will go down in history; no doubt everyone will remember who was helpful and who acted selfishly. 7/
Employers and business owners, let your employees know that they won't lose their jobs if they need to self-isolate at home. If they come to work sick and pass on the virus, things will be worse both for business and the society. 8/
Create small groups of mutual support in your neighborhood. Exchange phone numbers with neighbours, especially those who live alone, the elderly, immigrants. Start WhatsApp groups, ask them how they're doing, agree to check on each other every 2-3 days. 9/
If you have a neighbour who is a health care professional, offer to help. They're going to do the heavy lifting… They're probably going to get sick themselves and be absent for days. Babysitting for a few hours or shopping for groceries can make a huge difference. 10/
Stay at home. I know, it’s hard if you are young, but this is your chance to play video games or check social media for hours and get congratulated by your parents for it.
#WashYourHands! 11/
#WashYourHands! 11/
Things will get worse before they get better and it may be a while before we return to normality. But we've never had so many tools to fend off such a threat. With patience, perseverance and confidence in science, we'll make it. Together! 12/
