Panic means there's no more supermarket open because first the hordes come and panic-buy, then the supermarket has to close as even the workers don't show up. P

Panic means there's no more supermarket open because first the hordes come and panic-buy, then the supermarket has to close as even the workers don't show up. Panic means people not showing up to work, doctor's offices overcrowded, streets blocked with people going to the countryside. Panic means the system breaks down - electricians don't show up to fix issues, firefighters can't get through as the streets are blocked, local businesses getting looted and going bankrupt as they have to close, etc etc Mild panic/mild fear/excessive carefulness will inconvenience you. Real panic means people die and things break.