With memes of kiwi's handing kangaroos toilet paper, empty shelves, medical stockpiles and jokes about new ways to greet someone (anyone want to shake feet?) one could think the light-hearted Australian approach is taking the front foot when it comes to COVID-19, especially in the regional areas.

But there is a serious side to all of this, and one we need to start being a little sensible about.

You don't need a year's worth of toilet paper, but you do need to cover your mouth when you cough and make sure you wash your hands.

Plain old soap works just as well as expensive hand sanitizer - but make sure you wash your hands properly because a splash under the tap isn't going to cut it.

The flu vaccine won't stop you catching COVID-19, but it certainly helps to protect your immune system, making you less vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Practice proper cough etiquette - maintain your distance, cover your coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and make sure you wash your hands after to prevent the spread.

It's not too hard, and it all seems very basic.

It's just being as sensible, because being in a panic, isn't going to help anyone, and that's the message health authorities are trying to get across right around the world.

It's interesting to look around the world at how different countries are going about getting the hygiene message out in different ways.

While the Australian government is using social and traditional media to help get the message across, there are others who have decided that pop songs are the way to go.

The catchy tunes are helping to ensure that individual's make changes to their behaviour.

Whatever works.

The most important thing to remember is not to panic and to be sensible.

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