Why you shouldn't leave town now

1. In an attempt to avoid infection, you can spread it

Don't forget that even those without symptoms themselves can carry the coronavirus. If you are traveling from an area with a large number of detected cases to a place where (you hope) there are few or none at all, you could become a source of new infections.

Think for yourself. If the coronavirus gradually spreads everywhere, it will be at the expense of travelers. This happened with the Austrian town of Ischgl. Only one and a half thousand people permanently live in it, but in February it became one of the epicenters of the virus, because this place is incredibly popular among tourists.

2. There may already be a virus at the destination

It spreads very quickly. Perhaps some person before you (with the same desire to unwind or defend) has already brought the virus into this area. Take a look at the distribution data collected at Johns Hopkins University. Cases of the disease are found not only in large cities, but also in the outback. Over the coming weeks, tests for coronavirus will improve, and we are likely to see even more infections. So it is likely that leaving the city will not protect you.

3. During the trip, you will be in contact with people more often

This means you will be in greater danger. Even if you do not go by public transport, but by your own car. We'll have to stop at gas stations, go to shops, cafes, hotels. In such cases, it is very difficult to comply with social distancing measures.

It seems that while traveling, you can escape from the epidemic, but this is not the case. You will simply change one social environment for another.

4. Small cities may not be able to cope with the surge in cases

How we get through this epidemic depends a lot on the health system's ability to accommodate all those infected. Based on how the situation is developing in different countries, there may not be enough medical equipment, places for patients and staff.

The number of cases is growing especially rapidly in large metropolitan areas, so their residents most of all want to go somewhere farther. But think about the health care system in small towns: there are fewer hospital beds and fewer medical personnel. They may simply not be able to cope if the virus spreads with newcomers.

The desire to take control of the situation is quite natural and understandable. Just remind yourself that traveling will not solve problems now, but will only expose you and those around you to additional danger.