Don't Fret

It began innocuously, yet was called a

mysterious virus, familiar yet unfamiliar

but then these pathogens have of late

been entering the stream of consciousness

even as one epidemic following another

preys on society beginning life in one

obscure corner of the globe and gradually

spreading to others fostering fear and a

sense of helpless inevitability. This one

however has proven slightly at odds with

the trajectory long, acknowledged for the

rapidity of its onset and its quite amazing

reach. Zoonotic it is, leaping from the wild

animal kingdom to humans also of the

animal kingdom where people challenge

fate with their appetite for exotic species

decimating their presence for the delicacy

of their taste but disproportionately the

prestige attached to consuming these rare

creatures becoming ever more rare with

species decline matching human appetite.

Its mortality rate is not high at 3 percent so

don't worry. Of course if you're aged, ill

or immunity-compromised, you might.

China, however, boasts it has the outbreak

well in hand, so relax. Its neighbours are

in deep distress with concern and a steadily

increasing rate of infection. Was a time

these epidemics had a limited span but

travel renders communication readily and

suddenly one or two proliferate to become

a veritable horde. State health authorities

issue broad assurances of readiness and

control. Religious authorities guarantee

avoidance through piety. Doctors are not

merely overwhelmed but themselves now

contracting COVID-19. Some die, some

recover. Stock up on perishables. Lock the

doors. Heed authorities. Don't be concerned.