COVID-19 is likely here, but panicking isn’t the way to beat it.

OK, so now we have a presumptive case of COVID-19 in Wayne County.

County officials reported late Friday that the patient is under quarantine at home and is showing minor symptoms.

They are waiting, they say, for official confirmation from the CDC before labeling the case as positively coronavirus.

So, now, there is no more wondering. COVID-19 is likely in Wayne County.

And considering the panicked buying of soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and paper towels at the mere suggestion that the virus might hit the area, we can only imagine what the reaction to an actual announcement will be.

And that is why we are writing to you today.

There are less than 1,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in this country right now, according to the CDC.

The deaths have been primarily concentrated in Washington state, where a nursing home was hit with the virus.

There are areas and states with a lot of infections, but none that could even come close to be considered epidemic proportion — and that is why while we need to take coronavirus seriously, we need to stay calm and smart, too.

Reactionary cancelations are not the answer, and neither is panicked purchasing of items like masks and hand sanitizer.

Right now, perhaps a week for the county to settle down, to digest the information, is the right thing to do.

The barrage of coronavirus information has been nonstop. So, it is not surprising that people are not sure what to think.

But doctors all over social media and television are letting people know that the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is the same way we prevent infections from the flu and other illnesses.

Wash your hands, wash your children’s hands, avoid close personal contact and use gloves or a paper towel when handling door handles and other items that might have been touched by many hands, cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough and stay home if you feel sick.

It’s also worth noting that most of the reported cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate, with those who are infected battling the illness well.

Who we really have to worry about are at-risk populations — those with compromised immune systems and other health concerns.

There should be strict rules at local nursing homes and hospice facilities as well as at our local hospital — and it looks like those precautions are already in place.

And by the way, you shouldn’t go into any places where at-risk patients are housed if you even think you have the signs of an illness — any illness.

Wayne UNC Health Care officials also announced this week that hospital staff, doctors and nurses are all ready to go — and today implemented new visitor restrictions.

And that is good news.

The mass cancelations of spring sports and other activities like festivals and large gatherings are a precaution, not a signal that there is a reason to panic.

And that brings us to the most important message.

Please, stay calm.

Take the risks seriously, follow the safety guidelines and check on those who might have more danger of serious complications from an infection. If you know someone who falls into that risk group, consider picking up some extra supplies for them so they do not have to go to the store.

And if you feel sick, stay home, and check with a local healthcare facility if your symptoms get worse.

The best way to battle this virus is not to create a panic-induced public overreaction that causes storming of the stores and reckless decisions made without fully considering the consequences.

Officials should listen to the facts and calmly and thoroughly explain those findings to the community. Decisions on closures and postponements should be tempered as well.

And right now, that is exactly what Wayne County’s leaders and healthcare officials are doing.

They are sharing the news and putting it into perspective — and that is what we need to do, too.

Listen to the information, and the advice from the doctors, and then do what needs to be done.

Panicking has consequences — serious ones. If you want proof, take a look at the stock market roller coaster.

Nobody wins in that scenario.

Coronavirus should be taken seriously. And if we continue making the right calls, we will not only minimize the risk, but we can move forward with confidence into the rest of the spring and summer.

There is a reason to act with concern right now, but there are steps being taken to mitigate the risks.

Our part is to pay attention, to heed the warnings and to act with safety in mind.

We will get through this.

Together.