It is easy for many, right now, to get caught up in the anxiety that comes with the official effort to try to stem the spread of COVID-19. Certainly no one could be blamed for indulging in a little worry.

But once we’ve got that out of our system, life is going to look very different for most of us for the next few weeks. The key — to borrow a phrase from the British — is to “keep calm and carry on.” Maybe we could adapt that a bit. Keep calm, wash your hands, use a little common sense … and carry on.

Adjustments must be made as schools are closed, and as officials recommend a pause in our larger gatherings — from sports to concerts to festivals. Many churches too have decided to be cautious and cancel Sunday services. The way many of us get through our work days will change. Some will work from home, some will have to make child-care arrangements. We’ve all got to be flexible.

And we’ve all got to take care of each other. If it is within your power to make the next few weeks easier for someone else, try to do it — not in a way that goes against health care recommendations, of course.

Be smart. Follow all the recommendations we should be following during flu season anyway. Be creative for entertainment. Be compassionate to those around you. And, most important, be well.