the world turned upside down

According to legend, the British army sang "The World Turned Upside Down" when they surrendered to General Washington at Yorktown in 1781. Each stanza of the song ends with Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.

Has COVID-19 turned our world upside down? If you've gone grocery shopping or read any news this week, it looks like people are preparing for the apocalypse. Personally, I just can't get worried about it. It is necessary to take precautions (hand washing, hand washing, hand washing!) but healthy people shouldn't fear this virus. As with the flu, it's the elderly and immunocompromised who are at the greatest risk. For a little perspective, look at these facts: the CDC estimates 22,000 people have died from the flu this season, and so far there's been around 40 deaths in the United States from COVID-19.

At work, all our masks have been locked up in the safe. We use masks, gowns, gloves, and sterile alcohol on a daily basis for compounding sterile products. We have enough supply for a limited time, but are having a hard time getting more of these necessary supplies. The hospital has established a command center and town hall meetings are being held. In the event we have cases of COVID-19, an empty wing of the hospital has been set aside to keep those patients in isolation. Even though we are taking all precautions, I haven't seen anyone become panicked about the situation.

I keep thinking this feels like the end of the world. I have seen nothing like this in my short life (with the possible exception of Y2K). It makes me wonder, would all this preparation be happening if it was announced Jesus will return sometime next week? Somehow I think not.

Avoiding media, if possible, would be a good idea. Making lists of things we are thankful for, playing with children, cuddling a baby, or taking a walk in the fresh air are all ways to lessen the tension. Most of all,

STAY CALM

WASH YOUR HANDS