I’ve been reading a lot of experts who say that, in these moments, people like consistency and information.So we’ll go 7 days a week on NextDraft until we get out of this mess… Under normal circumstances, most of us on the internet would be exchanging takes about it being Pi day (3.14), but instead, we’re talking about shutting down, closing in, hunkering down, and hoarding toilet paper. Spain is set to follow Italy in announcing a nationwide lockdown. Scary? Yes. But there are signs that these lockdowns work (so prepare for one in the US). “China, meanwhile, where the virus first emerged late last year, continued to relax its drastic measures in its hardest-hit region.” But before we move on to the world and the big picture, let’s talk about you. You shouldn’t panic, but trust me, you’re not overreacting. If the commander in chief has seemed at times to downplay the risk, it’s notable that every commander beneath him is on another page. NPR: The Department of Defense has halted domestic travel for all service members, civilian employees and their families in a bid to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.

+ This headline is interesting on a lot of levels. Apple to close US retail stores and all others outside China until March 27th. (That’s the American military and Apple, the two most powerful forces in the world, both staying put. So, please, chill in place.)

+ And while physical distancing is advised, helping each other is encouraged. Rays of inspiration shine brighter when times get dark. And there are a lot of them. Rutger Bregman in The Correspondent: Don’t forget: disasters and crises bring out the best in people. (Of course, there are also rays of darkness, we’ll get to those below. I don’t want to get too far off brand!)

+ There are even some positives when it comes to self-quarantining. The Atlantic: Shakespeare Wrote His Best Works During a Plague. (Same for me, but tweets.)