Mediation and Business Consulting by Kathleen Kauth.
The situation
As I write this, our country, and the world, is in the midst of dealing with the Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak. Starting in China, it has spread around the world fairly quickly. The virus has a very high rate of transmission, with a long contagion period where there are no symptoms. It affects the respiratory system, and is more dangerous for seniors and those dealing with underlying medical conditions. Because it is so widespread without symptoms there is not a way to determine the actual mortality rate. Figures of 2-3% mortality are based on the number of people actually tested and confirmed to have the disease. Tests are being developed and deployed and will be administered to many more people. The number infected will most likely go up significantly – which means the mortality rate is going to decline. Most people will recover from the Wuhan Coronavirus.
The response
Our government is responding quickly, and efficiently as information comes in. At the point of this writing, travel from other countries to the US has been suspended to slow the contagion. Many states and cities have closed schools and cancelled large gatherings such as concerts, sporting and cultural events, and local festivals. Nursing homes are no longer allowing visitors and domestic travel may soon be impacted. Some areas of the country are experiencing panic buying of products (toilet paper of all things!) and the stress levels of many people are going up.
Conflict in the chaos
Right now, we are adjusting to an entirely new set of parameters for our lives. Virtually every person will have some aspect affected – work, school, entertainment, social etc. This uncertainty, and the rapidity with which these events are unfolding, can create stress and conflict as we attempt to adjust. There are a few steps we can take to lessen this conflict:
Finally, take a deep breath. This too shall pass.
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