elisera reblogged
Be ready? But how? … [M]any doomsday scenarios advise extensive preparation for increasingly outlandish scenarios, and this may seem daunting and pointless (and it is). Others may not feel like contributing to a panic or appearing to be selfish.
Forget all that. Preparing for the almost inevitable global spread of this virus, now dubbed COVID-19, is one of the most pro-social, altruistic things you can do in response to potential disruptions of this kind.
We should prepare, not because we may feel personally at risk, but so that we can help lessen the risk for everyone. We should prepare not because we are facing a doomsday scenario out of our control, but because we can alter every aspect of this risk we face as a society.
That’s right, you should prepare because your neighbors need you to prepare—especially your elderly neighbors, your neighbors who work at hospitals, your neighbors with chronic illnesses, and your neighbors who may not have the means or the time to prepare because of lack of resources or time.
this essay is the first piece on covid-19 i’ve seen so far that has actually made me feel somewhat empowered to face this thing. the author’s tone is very calm and practical, and she offers sensible advice – wash your hands!! stock up on nonperishable foods (and meds etc) you would use anyway, in case you can’t leave the house for 2-3 weeks – and helped me, at least, step out of my anxiety spiral and actually start planning
if those of us who are able do these things, then in turn we help those in our communities who are likely to be most impacted by this virus
now i’m thinking of how to help my community, instead of just panicking while reading the news, and that is exactly the kind of re-orientation i needed