Emergency Preparedness

Coronavirus – Hysteria or Pandemic?

Matthias Schmid

February 20, 2020 · Reading time: 2 Minutes

The coronavirus, which caused millions of cities in China to be locked down weeks ago, is once again increasingly in the media. Over the weekend, cases were reported in Italy, and now several cases are known in Munich as well. On social media and internet forums, people are starting to worry. What does this mean for each individual as a person and for our families? Will public facilities be closed here soon or cities be locked down? It was heard on the radio that Bavaria wants to revise its pandemic plan.

Even though an infection with the coronavirus is unproblematic in most cases, I can understand the fears and concerns of the people.
What actions does the outbreak now justify in Germany for a family living in Germany? I think that rash actions or panic are not appropriate - not least because they do not help.
Taking a moment to pause and think about what the German Federal Government recommends to each of its citizens even when there is no virus in the media is certainly sensible. For example, this would be having a 10-day supply of food at home to be able to provide for the family in unforeseen situations without panic and stress.

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Exactly what we have done in the past few weeks: We have stocked up on supplies in time. If there is no major outbreak or panic buying, we are provisioned for the time being. If nothing else happens, we will gradually consume the supplies over the next few months - and nothing will go to waste. We are now much more relaxed about the possibility of panic buying leading to empty shelves in the supermarket. If the federal government were to recommend staying at home for safety, that wouldn’t stress us either.
For an additional financial expense of 0€, in my view, it’s worth it for anyone who can clear a little space on a shelf for this.

My recommendation is therefore: Stay cool and plan ahead with care.

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