This year seemed to begin under the sign of the Australian fires and the threat of an imminent Third World War. However, at the end of January and the beginning of February, the real disaster struck: we are talking, of course, about the Coronavirus, which spread from China to the rest of the world, especially Italy. Until March 10th, China confirmed 80.756 cases and 3.136 deaths, Italy - 9.172 cases and 463 deaths, while the total balance stands at 114.452 cases and 4.026 deaths worldwide.
The World Health Organization is on the verge of officially declaring a pandemic, while tens or even hundreds of thousands of people are trying to flee from the areas where quarantine is about to be declared. As you might have already figured out, media is sometimes exaggerating and spreading panic, while doctors tend to use a too complicated language, leaving the public puzzled and scared. This is where you, as a webcam model, can take action and help your members understand what the Coronavirus is about and how they can protect themselves against it.
If this subject turns up, you should know a few things about it. The Coronavirus first appeared in Wuhan, China, at the end of last year, and spread between people similarly to influenza, through droplets from coughing or sneezing. The time from exposure to first symptoms is typically 5 days but can range from 2 to 14 days. Symptoms are usually fever, cough, and shortness of breath, but can sometimes lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Today, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment available, but research is ongoing.
Preventive measures include handwashing, maintaining a safe distance from other people, especially sick ones (at least 1 meter recommended), and safe-isolation for 14 days for people who suspect or are suspected of being infected with the Coronavirus. Therefore, when you talk to members about this plague, your first thought should be calming them down, informing them about the preventive measures, and assuring them that, if they will follow your instructions, the chances of getting infected are pretty much zero.
However, since you are not a doctor, nor a journalist, you should consider other aspects as well, apart from the medical and statistical implications. For example, you should advise your members about the social aspects of the Coronavirus. One of the biggest problems is the fact that Chinese, other East Asian, as well as Italian people, are facing additional racism since they are almost automatically considered infected or bearers of the disease.
Furthermore, you should fully dissemble false allegations or conspiracy theories, such as the Coronavirus being a bio-weapon, a population control scheme, or the result of a spy operation. These are ridiculous claims which have nothing to do with a healthy way of thinking. The truth is that this period is a test for the whole planet, and only if we are united and stand up for one another, we will defeat it. Even if your chances of becoming infected are really low, you should have respect for other people and take all the necessary preventive measures.
