By Honorary Reporter Franco Rizzo from Malta

Something worse than COVID-19 has hit my home country of Malta: panic. How does the situation in Malta compare to that in Korea?

There's no need to panic, and if there was ever a time to remember the phrase "Keep calm and carry on," it is now. 

In a Facebook group having absolutely nothing to do with the Ministry for Health of Malta, a host of posts that spread fear, confusion and worry has caused all this panic. Worse, the group's administrator has apparently used the group to promote his or her own website's sale of masks at the very affordable price of EUR 160. This is not only happening in Malta, either. On Amazon, for example, certain sellers have priced masks at 400 times the original price.

My point is, however, that this panic solves nothing and ignorance is worsening the situation.

In Korea, the number of confirmed cases surged due to the cult Shincheonji. Its leader demands that followers sit on the floor packed together in a closed room without masks or glasses. And no member dares missing an event, even if extremely sick.

In Seoul, many places are closed and people are struggling a bit to go about their business as usual. Despite that, all precautions have been taken and most importantly, the vast majority of people are following them.

These five tips will help prevent you from getting COVID-19:

1. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
2. Wear a mask if you frequently cough or you're sick.
3. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for 30 seconds.
4. If you've recently visited a place heavily affected by COVID-19, self-quarantine for 14 days.

5. Forget what you read on Facebook and listen to the advice of doctors and health experts.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.