Alexander Gerst, 43, who commanded the International Space Station, addressed the anxiety people may feel during the coronavirus epidemic.
Before a mission, astronauts think about the worst that could happen and then train how to respond.
“Then you have the feeling not that you are losing control, but that you have some control over the situation,” he said.
“Now the situation is similar. We have a very effective means of limiting this illness – that is that we stay at home.”
Reiter urged people to act likes astronauts going into quarantine before a mission – a protocol to prevent illness in space.
“Some people take the attitude ‘I’m young, I’m not at danger, I have no symptoms, so I don’t need to pay attention’,” he said. “It is up everyone to behave appropriately now, just like for us in quarantine.” (Writing by Paul Carrel Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
