At first when I learned of Coronavirus I thought that the media was sensationalizing the topic. Grabbing your attention online is almost everyone’s end game at this point, from the social media influencer to the large news corporation with an HQ. But everyone is curbing their behaviors right now. It doesn’t matter how large or small your cohort, one thing that is remaining the same is that people still want to solicit your attention and or potentially turn a profit. They just have to get creative with how to do it now because let’s face it, COVID-19 is getting more serious every day.

While a lot of our world is virtual in 2020, a lot is still based on contact and services and that realm is currently being threatened right now. The economy is taking a hit, which is definitely a reason for concern, but the state of the public’s health should be our top priority. And it is.

At this time there are a total of 198 cases in Canada, including 1 death. The Prime Minister’s wife has tested positive for the virus, demonstrating to the public that no one is exempt from potentially getting COVID-19, no matter what their social standing.

As we see international travel bans begin to be enforced globally, and domestically, we are interestingly not even hearing a peep about people’s right to mobility being restricted. It is clear that as a collective we want to contain the virus from spreading. This pandemic is an interesting time for state sovereignty and seeing how well the government is truly equipped to care for its citizens.

Now is not a time for taking unnecessary risks. Stay away from crowded places. Don’t travel unless you have to. Wash your hands. Try not to touch your face. Keep yourself healthy. Don’t panic, but be smart.

I knew that when SXSW was cancelled things were going to continue to go in that direction but I never expected the NBA and NHL to suspend their seasons altogether. I never expected Italy to entirely shutdown. I never expected travel bans to be enforced all over the world.

Pay attention to what the government is saying and doing. Take the necessary precautions and be “extra” right now. Bear in mind that what you see on social media is a collection of reactions during a highly neurotic time and read posts with a grain of salt. Everyone processes these things differently and some are using online as a therapeutic outlet right now…to each his own. But don’t forget to keep your mind healthy as well at this time.

Be cautious but try not to give in to the hysteria.

Stay healthy, y’all.