As the world is learning to manage the crisis that coronavirus has become, people are taking large, over-the-top tactics to combat the disease. Scattered across social media are images of empty grocery store shelves previously heavily stocked with disinfects. But why is it that a persistent respiratory illness must occur in order to spark our society to take cleanliness into action?

Amid the outbreak, eight states, including New York and California, have declared a state of emergency. Across the country, cities are taking substantial measures to prevent spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In fact, Los Angeles City Council members Mitch O’Farrell and Monica Rodriguez hope to pass a motion to set up sanitation stations at homeless encampments.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio publicly stated there will be an additional 85 school nurses hired to ensure every district school building has a full-time nurse by the end of the week. Along with this, The Verge reported the city’s public transportation system, which hosts 8 million passengers a day, will be a conducting a number of antiviral treatments. Some of which including cleaning subway station equipment like MetroCard machines, turnstiles and handrails.

While these decisions are ultimately going to help prevent and treat the spread of the illness, the outbreak should not have been the only reason to motivate local and state governments to improve their health and sanitation methods. The saying cleanliness is next to godliness seems to be forgotten by many, especially government officials, if these precautions are just now being implemented.

The severity of COVID-19 is in fact a serious concern, especially in heavily populated areas. In fact, Italy has decided to even move into a complete lockdown, preventing any forms of travel in or out of the country.

While adding such precautions are necessary for many of these nations, some of these methods should have been already taking place in order to combat the spread of the illness.

Some of the CDC’s recommendations to prevent spreading include clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, staying at home when you are sick.

While for some of us this may be part of our daily routines, it may be an extra step for others, which is frankly odd. All we’re saying is for those of you did not already have a bottle of Purell hand sanitizer on-hand, then you might have your work cut out for you later once you decide to hit the shelves.