Covid-19, Uncertainty, Panic and

Precautions
Human coronaviruses first discovered in 1965 and it’s responsible for upper respiratory tract
infection. Corona viruses are the group of viruses which are RNA related that are zoonotic, causing
diseases in animals. Coronaviruses are belonging to the family of Coronaviridae, Subfamily
Orthocoronavirinaae and the order of Nidovirales. Covid-19 novel coronavirus, nCOV: a new strain
of coronaviruses that not identified previously in humans.

Human life is unpredictable and full of uncertainty especially at the time of pandemics and
emergencies. We are going through the age of uncertainty as Corona “A Hidden Killer” is prevailed
everywhere. Everyone is facing the uncertain situation over the employment, finance, physical and
mental wellbeing. Governments are facing troubles of economy, trade, industrial collapses and
hunger outbreak after the current pandemic. These uncertainties and panics are triggering the
depression, anxiety and social violence.

Covid-19 with no known treatment or cure is itself the main reason of panic. Things which
aggravated the situation and making it more terrible day by day are “Social Media, unreliable
sources of Print and Electronic Media, poorly manage Lockdowns and social distancing, Hoarding,
Panic Buying, Sudden unemployment and Lack of Medical facilities.

What we can do to lessen the stress and anxiety of Covid-19?

Everyone has its own level of tolerance to depression and anxiety. We can only control the things
which are in our hands. Here are the some advises which may help you to tackle the panic and
uncertainty.

Trustworthy source of Media

It’s essential to be informed about what’s happening in society but from where we can get useful
information is still a question. There are hundreds of websites which are providing valid and fact
based information. You can visit WHO, CDC, NCBI, http://covid.gov.pk/ or Candlelight
(http://candlelight.pk/).
You should avoid spreading rumours, Avoid electronic media if you feel exhausted.

Hoarding and Panic Buying

Law and enforcement agencies should establish a mechanism to counter the Hoarding, Black-
marketing.
We should only buy necessary groceries and avoid unnecessary shopping.

Lockdown and social distancing

According to the mentioned SOPs, Lockdown should be implemented and as an individual level we
should promote social distancing.
Medical Facilities
As every country is somehow facing trouble related to skilled medical staff and shortage of
equipment. At the time of current pandemic, we should promote “Charity and Volunteerism”. It will
be helpful to tackle the panic.

Government should grant Funds and Financial Support packages to resolve the sudden
unemployment.

Precautions is better than Cure

Stay at home, Maintain Social distancing.

 Use face mask at rush places

 Cover the nose and mouth during coughing and sneezing
 Frequent hands wash with soap and water or sanitizer containing 60% or more alcohol
 Avoid touching facial parts (nose, mouth, eyes)
 Maintain 1 meter distance
 Take immune boosters such as Vitamin C
 Sleep well up to 8 hours daily
 Avoid unnecessary travelling
 Adopt daily exercise and mediations
 Avoid irrational or self-medication

Some Precautionary measures while you visit Hospitals or health care clinics

1. Don't visit Hospitals unnecessary because viral load is more in hospitals

2. Only 1 attendant with patient in case of emergency
3. Don't bring your healthy children or old age relatives with you
4. Use mask and gloves while in hospital.
5. Bring your bottle of water, juices or other eating stuff from your homes, don’t use public
Water coolers.
6. Don't use Public toilets.
7. Use Telemedicine procedure if you need any information about medicine, treatment etc.

We are supposed to be a Healer of pain and Reliever of fears and anxiety. By adopting precautions
and preventative measures, we can alleviate the panic and uncertainty because if we want to win the
battle against the “Hidden Killer” we have to work together.