
The best thing we can do is to follow the precautionary measures, spend some quality time with our families
HYDERABAD: Like many contagious diseases, fear is also a contagious mental state that can spread swiftly. This is quite clear now that we see the way people are reacting to Covid-19 related news. Amidst the pandemic, the media’s constructive role in spreading mass awareness is evident, but at the same time its sensational coverage is also breeding panic and fear in the masses. This has led to much paranoia including anxiety and depression. Consequently, infected people are hiding while some have committing suicides. This whole situation is generating stress throughout various countries. It is therefore important that we stay away from the media and all kind of negativity for a while. There is a lot of false information that is spreading both through the electronic and the social media. People should only seek information from trusted sources.
While staying home, the best thing we can do is to follow the precautionary measures, spend some quality time with our families and pray to God rather than panic and create further chaos. This is also the best time for pursuing other fruitful activities. Reading books can help us divert our attention from the pandemic paranoia. We can even start reciting religious books with translation in order to understand the meaning and purpose of our lives that we have long forgotten. Students can start their exam preparations and parents can help them in setting future goals. Those men sitting free at home can learn cooking skills from their wives or mothers. There are many skills that can be learned while being in isolation. It is better to say home and learn different things than to go outside and contribute to spreading the virus.
Ali Murtaza
Published in The Express Tribune, April 7th, 2020.
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