‘Coronaphobia’ spreading quickly among people: Experts

Fear of contracting COVID-19 is threatening people as much as the virus, a member of the Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board of Turkey has said.

The term "coronaphobia" describes the fear of contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, as the infection has been spreading rapidly across the world.

Dr. İlhami Çelik said people should take measures against the virus without panicking.

"This virus should not be perceived as a plague or tuberculosis. People should not approach each other like they are plague-stricken. The virus will not remain in the human body forever," he said.

Stressing the importance of the measures against the virus, he said it should not be forgotten that 95 percent of the infected have recovered. Çelik said due to the fear of coronavirus, two types of approaches have emerged.

"One is of the people who frequently want to have a coronavirus test and the other of those who stay away from the virus test," he said.

According to Çelik, both approaches are wrong.

"A negative virus test does not mean you will no longer get the virus. Or testing every day does not protect you from the virus. Also, avoiding virus test risks both your own life and the lives of others," he said.

Çelik also stressed that what's important is to take all necessary precautions without panicking and to continue living as usual.

In preventing coronaphobia, Çelik stressed that the media has played a significant role.

"The media should move away from the language of news that will push people to panic and fear, and it should rather accurately inform people," he said.

Baseless claims and rumors about the virus on social media should not be shared, he added.

Meanwhile, as mental...