Cross-sectional model of a coronavirus

There is something very strange going on in our country right now.

Have you noticed that we seem to be living in an episode of the Twilight Zone?  One of those classic situations where people wake up and everybody has gone insane–walking about like zombies, avoiding each other, wearing face coverings.

The streets and highways are almost empty.  Apartment building parking lots are full of cars when usually people are somewhere else.  There are long lines, spaced out, at the grocery stores, where the aisles of paper products are 100% empty and milk and egg purchases are limited.  Many other stores are closed.

After much reading and research, I have come to the conclusion that most Americans are suffering from a new psychological condition .  I think there is an appropriate name for it–Coronaphobia.

What is the definition of coronaphobia?

Coronaphobia  n.  The irrational fear of coronaviruses  (the definition of coronavirus + the definition of phobia)

Coronavirus  n. any of a family (Coronaviridae) of single- stranded RNA viruses that have a lipid envelope studded with club-shaped projections, infect birds and many mammals including humans.  Coronaviruses are included in the list called the common cold. (More on coronavirus and the common cold.)

Phobia  n. an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation.

Update 5/31/20: David Crowe concludes in Coronavirus Panic that “The coronavirus panic is just that, an irrational panic, based on an unproven RNA test, that has never been connected to a virus. And which won’t be connected to a virus unless the virus is purified. Furthermore, even if the test can detect a novel virus the presence of a virus is not proof that it is the cause of the severe symptoms that some people who test positive experience (but not all who test positive).”

Update 6/21/20: The zombies are still in force and demanding that everyone should wear masks.  In Texas, where businesses were beginning to open back up with more customers, County Judge Hidalgo has reinstated a requirement to wear masks in businesses.  (Source)

Coronavirus photo credit