Better safe than sorry

While many see coronavirus as a true health issue that could mean serious illness or death, others still believe it is nothing but something that's being trumped up by the media. But, the truth is, people are being treated for the virus in hospitals, including ones in Central and Southern Illinois, and some are dying.
Some people are going to extremes, due to bare store shelves once filled with toilet paper, paper towels, frozen pizzas and lower-priced brands of microwave popcorn.
But, as you can see from recent news reports, both in this newspaper and other established news sources, this is something that should be enough there for us to follow certain precautions.
In reality, we can treat this much like we do the ordinarily flu – wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds each time; keep your distance from those who are ill; and stay home from work or school if you are sick.
We have to, at a bare minimum, follow recommendations and suggestions from our health professionals.
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