At times many folks I speak to are now expressing their opinions about the COVID-19 Virus with comments, “I'm sick and tired hearing about it all the time and as far as I'm concerned there is too much media frenzy.”

Media needs to calm down but I keep reminding folks that this is a very serious issue and that trusted journalism starts with the media.

Too much playing politics is this issue, government should do what is right…cut the political BS.

I heard strong statements the other day that social distancing may be around through at least 2022 and regular exercise and fitness are important in fighting this virus.

A friend of mine talked to me the other day about folks panic buying and noted that back in his day the only time this took place was when the bartender called out “Last Call,” could not help repeating this as a little humor sometimes goes a long way at times like this.

Never talked on the telephone as much as I'm doing now with all interviews being done by use of email and the telephone and a lot of my discussions recently have centered around folks talking about the empty store shelves and the fact that when this virus thing broke there was a lot of panic buying in bulk.

Got to talk with a long time friend this week who manages a large supermarket and he boldly stated, “there is no shortage of food and the reason for today's conditions centers around the fact that people over a month ago began bulk buying and began to hoard items.”

Distribution has had some problems but this will work its way out and remember stores are faced with safety precautions that are slowing down restocking shelves…just coming across the news…the FDA says there is no need to wipe down grocery packages when you get home.

Best rule of the day is be patient, eliminate panic buying and shop smart (mask and gloves) by only buying what you need for a week.

Ed Townsend provides year around "Beyond The News"coverage in this column with over 60-years of photojournalism analysis and insight. The column can also be read on his Web blog at http://bght.blogspot.com