The rapid rate at which measures are being implemented to try to minimise the spread of the coronavirus is undoubtedly creating anxiety.
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And as more businesses and services are forced to close and people consequently lose their jobs, community panic will naturally increase.
As Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Peter Gutwein have said, this is serious and people need to take it upon themselves to self-isolate, socially distance themselves and follow hygiene guidelines laid bare by the Chief Medical Officer.
States and territories are united on most measures being implemented, however, there is clearly conjecture on whether schools should remain open or not.
The scope of this decision cannot be underestimated.
Because when and if schools and child care centres are told to close, it will have far-reaching and serious consequences for the economy, our children's education and the functionality of how essential services are delivered in a time of greater demand.
It is not a decision that should be made on a whim.
It must be considered and, like other measures, be tied to medical advice that keeping them open will be detrimental to the health of the most vulnerable.
So far, Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy and Tasmanian Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch believe it is safe to continue sending children to school due to global patterns.
Children could be asked to repeat the year they are in if schools close.
Many businesses would lose hundreds of thousands of dollars as employees are forced to take leave to care for their young dependents.
Hospitals, GP surgeries and other key health services could be left short staffed as parents are needed at home also.
The flow-on effects to consider here are very real and they will be far-reaching.
Perhaps too far reaching to properly comprehend, given this is indeed uncharted waters. The decision must me considered and based on medical evidence.
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