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Reaching the peak -

As the coronavirus spreads and with it the propagation of COVID-19, questions are being asked about when the outbreak is likely to peak.

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Spreading anxiety and concern -

Meanwhile, anxiety and concern about the disease are rife, not least the question about how to deal with it. How do you predict an unknown enemy?

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Global pandemic -

Since it first emerged as a mystery illness in Wuhan, China in December 2019, coronavirus has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic.

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How much do we know? -

While we have a better idea of how it spreads and who's at risk, there's still much we don't know.

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Worry and apprehension -

The WHO has a page on its website dedicated to answering questions about the outbreak, things like "How likely am I to catch COVID-19," "Should I wear a mask to protect myself," and "Is there anything I should not do"—information designed to reassure the general public that guidelines are in place to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. But later, the WHO felt inclined to issue further  guidelines for protecting mental health during the outbreak, such is the level of worry and apprehension experienced by many across the world.

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A decrease in cases -

While these remain legitimate concerns, one fact is emerging that perhaps should be looked at more closely: China is reporting a decrease in cases reported daily. Now, what does this mean?

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A downward curve -

Right now pandemic forecasters are trying to work out how COVID-19 will evolve. But with any infectious spread there is a noticeable increase, a peak, and a decrease. This is a pattern China is experiencing, and the country now seems to be on the downward part of the coronavirus curve, as explained by an ABC News report.

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How to flatten the curve -

Meanwhile Italy, together with Iran and Spain, is still experiencing sustained transmission of the virus. In other words, these three nations are still very much in their upward trajectory. So, what does the pattern in China tell us?

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Lockdown -

As soon as the gravity of the coronavirus outbreak was identified, the Chinese authorities were quick to respond: an entirely new hospital was built in 10 days, among other swift response measures. The authorities effectively put the city of Wuhan, the source of the outbreak, in lockdown. As a result, China has seen its pandemic curve flatten. But what exactly is the definition of flattening the curve?

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Reducing risks -

In the context of this unprecedented medical emergency, flattening the curve is to reduce the risk of infection by introducing interventions such as social distancing, handwashing, and lockdowns.

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Extreme measures -

In its attempts to flatten the curve, Italy, currently the worst affected European nation, is in total lockdown. Authorities have taken extreme measures to halt the spread of COVID-19 by ordering the closure of all shops, bars and restaurants, discotheques, museums, and cinemas in a drastic measure to try and contain the spread of the disease. But maintaining a lockdown for an extended period is challenging. The country is already suffering significant social and economic hardship. But how did Italy get to this stage?

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Social distancing -

Despite the widespread lockdown, Italians were initially reluctant to adopt social distancing, with few people apparently willing to self-isolate. A denial of sorts, this ambivalence allowed the virus to propagate.

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Minor actions, dramatic differences -

So how can other countries avoid the fate Italy is currently experiencing? How can they flatten their coronavirus curve? Some of the most dramatic differences come from minor actions people can take in their everyday lives.

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Health etiquette -

People should adopt thorough handwashing practices. At least 20 seconds is required to rid skin of any potential transmission. Cough etiquette is important. Cough onto your sleeve, or into a tissue, never into your hands. And, of course, stay at home if you display any flu-like symptoms.

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Bump fists -

Avoid shaking hands. Instead, bump fists like a politician or a visiting dignitary.

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Be more aware -

Being aware of when you might come into contact with infectious people, or if you are infectious yourself, is another way of contributing towards containing the spread of COVID-19 and therefore helping to flatten the coronavirus curve.

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Flattening the curve in the USA -

As of March 12, 2020, the United States has recorded 1,700 cases and 41 deaths, according to statistics released by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This figure is expected to rise exponentially over the following days and months. Can the country still flatten its curve before reaching peak cases?

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Being more remote -

The CDC has urged urged local governments, schools, and businesses to discourage large gatherings and employ remote work.

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No large scale gatherings -

Responses to the outbreak in America have included prohibitions and cancellation of large-scale gatherings, including the closure of schools and other educational institutions, the cancellation of trade shows, conventions, music festivals, as well as sporting events.

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Disinfect -

As in other countries around the world hit by the outbreak, the US is taking measures to disinfect public transport systems. Travel is also being discouraged. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0)

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Coronavirus task force -

In February, after new cases in America were being reported on an almost daily basis, the US administration began to take measures to quarantine those infected, or believed to be infected with coronavirus. Pictured is US Vice President Mike Pence meeting with White House coronavirus task force principals on March 2 in the White House Situation Room.

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Healthcare overload -

The CDC subsequently warned that widespread transmission may force large numbers of people to seek hospitalization and other healthcare, which may overload healthcare systems.

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Take simple precautions -

Meanwhile, ordinary US citizens across the nation are being encouraged to practice additional health and hygiene measures, things like wiping down tables and work surfaces. Taking simple precautions like this may flatten the coronavirus curve before the country reaches peak outbreak numbers.

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The impact on mental health -

As previously indicated, the World Health Organization has set out guidelines to help those who feel their mental as well as physical health is being affected by the outbreak.

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Negative aspects -

In fact, there is a significant mental health component to consider when dealing with a pandemic on this scale. The WHO suggests a number of measures to shield yourself from any negative aspects of coronavirus. These include avoiding watching, reading or listening to news that cause you to feel anxious or distressed.

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Reliable news sources -

Instead, people worried about contracting COVID-19 should gather information from reputable health agency websites and local health authority platforms. Dealing with a crisis may evoke fear and worsen chronic health problems.

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Support network -

Protect yourself and be supportive to others, urges the WHO. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper.

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Step back from social media -

Another way of coping with the negative aspects of what's happening is to step away from social media, which has the habit of sensationalizing news events and spreading unfounded rumors.

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Stop panic buying -

And don't start panic buying. Needlessly stocking up on perishable goods is selfish and unreasonable, and verges on paranoia, which only serves to spread anxiety about the pandemic.

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Getting ahead of the curve -

Flattening the coronavirus curve is to get ahead of it. The CDC recommends connecting with family, friends, and others in your community. This way an individual can feel empowered that they can be the reason this pandemic flattens.

See also: Tips to prevent coronavirus. 

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