(02-27-2020 04:35 PM)mrbig Wrote: I'm not saying everyone should panic. But I do think everyone should be following the news, listening to experts, and at least thinking about how to act if there is an outbreak in the USA.
I wouldn't listen a lot to news. There's no way NOT to panic if that is your source. I absolutely would listen to experts like the CDC etc in terms of facts, figures etc... but remember that their entire job is to play defense... and there is zero risk to them in being 'over-prepared'.
As to thinking about how to act...
now...
1) monitor your own health. You are much more at risk if you are otherwise compromised.
2) watch out for those with compromised immune systems just as you did/would through flu season.
3) practice good hygiene.
there are some other thoughts, but they would be more person/job specific.
as to what to do with a larger outbreak?
If you are not otherwise compromised or showing symptoms or have reason to think you are infected, DO NOT SEEK ATTENTION FROM HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
1) they're busy caring for sick people 2) you would be going to a place where the virus is more prevalent..
Work from home if/as you can. Avoid crowds
beyond that, it depends on what you mean by larger. Healthy people who don't work in healthcare generally have little to worry about. Infants, the elderly and the compromised... masks and gloves etc etc etc