Panic is more dangerous than the virus

Various steps may be necessary to “flatten the curve,” but they cannot flatten Israel and its social fabric along the way.

By Hagai Levine, ISRAEL HAYOM

When a person or animal is in danger or experiences extreme stress, the sympathetic system kicks into gear and adrenaline is released for immediate action, while increasing panic. Overreacting can lead to stagnation, complete paralysis, and avoiding proper preparation to counter the threat. In a state of prolonged danger, the best way to deal with the threat is to alleviate panic and make plans based on the data.

We must all understand that overreacting and panic may be more dangerous than the public health risk the coronavirus itself poses – and it is already clear that it does not pose an existential threat to humanity or to Israel. Therefore, decision-makers must act to reduce public panic and encourage an appropriate response to the situation.

There is such a thing as a public health doctrine on how to manage a public health crisis and communicate it to the public in such a way that encourages vigilance and proper response while preventing overreaction and panic. For example, dramatic press conferences should be avoided, as should the rollout of media alerts about every case and the posting of alarming videos about the dispersion of saliva droplets.  This only stirs up panic and does nothing to foster a proportionate response in the public.

In accordance with the principles of public health, the response to a pandemic event should be based on facts while thinking ahead and addressing the needs of the individual and society. There is always uncertainty, but we already have a lot of information about the virus and how to handle it.

At this stage, it is necessary to release a detailed epidemiological report to medical teams, and the public, that will include an epidemiological curve, details about the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the cases, morbidity rates according to age groups, etc. It is essential to produce a macro view of the situation, not just a micro one.<
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It is impossible to know how long this crisis will last, but it is clear that it will not be less than a few months. Therefore, it is essential to maneuver the national and personal levels from an acute immediate stress response phase, which cannot be sustained for a long time, to a  routine suited to the ongoing emergency. Various steps may be necessary to “flatten the curve,” but they cannot flatten Israel and its social fabric along the way.

There is a need to devise a sane daily routine alongside the continued operations of essential industries. Social distancing is required to reduce the number of coronavirus cases, making the shuttering of the educational system and the various limitations imposed on the private sector necessary – but such steps must follow an orderly plan or they will lead to complete stagnation.

The public deserves answers about what is being done to ensure its economic security, especially with respect to small businesses and people who have been placed on leave.

Overreacting can also impair necessary preparations. If we come to a situation of widespread morbidity, the healthcare system and its medical personnel will be on the front line and the state must provide them with the support and protection they need.

The public health system has been neglected for years and that has compromised its readiness. Now is the time – the 11th hour – to invest the necessary resources to ensure it is there to protect us.

We have to carefully plan how to optimally allocate the valuable resource of advanced care in hospitals and formulate an outline that ensures adequate outpatient care for mild cases.

Even during an emergency, it is worth investing in actions that reinforce the healthcare system in the long run and primarily protect healthcare workers.