Right now, the media is fixed on one topic: the corona virus, or COVID-19. There are a few extremes to this topic. Some people are treating this as if it were the end of the world, and the stores reflect that mindset. All the meat is gone, along with soap, hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

On the other hand, people are treating this as a vacation and booking really cheap flights to a nearby beach. Or some people are continuing about their days as if nothing were wrong.

Because I am not one to overreact, I decided to do some research before attempting to react and act somewhere in the middle of the extremes. While I do admit that I should take precautions, I am not buying up everything in the store as if I will never see the outside world again. But at the same time, as of today, I will be practicing social distancing.

If you read or see anything on the news, I am sure you have heard this phrase, but I will explain it and provide some facts. Social distancing is deliberately limiting your contact with other people with the intent of not spreading the virus. Even if you have no symptoms, or don’t have the virus, you could unintentionally transit it to someone with a weaker immune system.

For me, I have grandparents with no immune systems at all, along with a newborn baby in the family. Fortunately, I am able to work from home for both of my jobs, so that is one of the biggest advantages for me. I have also decided to not go out to coffee shops, the gym (even if it weren’t closed, I wouldn’t go) or the store unless absolutely necessary.

If you are unable to stay home, you can still help prevent the spread of the virus by wearing a mask, not going out to restaurants or bars (you can always call for carry-out), and not meeting with people who you haven’t seen since the beginning of this.

I understand that people feel helpless and stir crazy, and don’t see the need if they aren’t sick, but trust me, or rather trust the experts of the CDC and know that you will be helping everyone overcome this faster.