Everyone knows what’s going on right now, as we seek strategies for coping with the challenges of mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.

We are being asked to practice “social distancing” in order to help avoid spreading the virus between us. This will not be a cure-all, but it is likely to greatly enhance the possibilities for reducing the number of new infections.

We’re already seeing social distancing in action right here in Somerville, we’re happy to report.

Schools and local government offices have closed for the time being. Clubs, restaurants, entertainment venues, and various other small businesses are doing likewise. The same goes for offices, factories, and a whole host of settings where people congregate or work together.

This is leaving our streets and neighborhoods looking like a ghost town in many cases. While people are still out in droves shopping and stocking up on essentials – as well as some definite non-essentials. Please, people. Coronavirus does not cause diarrhea. There is no need to strip the stores clean of toilet paper. If you can do nothing else to render aid to your fellow citizens, at least allow them to get their fair share of the stuff. There’s plenty to go around, provided that we don’t go primitive and hoard as much of it as we can for no justifiable reason.

We’re on the right track, as long as we follow the good advice of trusted medical professionals. This too shall pass. The sooner the better, of course. Until then, keep calm and share a roll with a neighbor – from a distance.