I'm not an MD, just a medical student. While yes it is basically just a bad flu, 2% mortality is roughly 20 times as lethal as
@ian said, so while there's no reason to panic, one should be prepared.
Wash your hands hourly, avoid too much contact with people and public surfaces, face masks can help, but as long as everyone sneezes into their elbows and avoid spraying it around it should be fine. Do not use disposable gloves because you're less likely to regularly wash your hands then, so they're actually less hygienic. Keep an eye on your temperature and any symptoms exhibited, CALL your GP if you're showing a fever and respiratory issues. Self quarantine is effective.
Remember, the virus can not survive without a host. Basic measures like this are enough in most cases. If your partner exhibits signs, remain 7 feet away from them for a few days to monitor the situation, beyond that, there isn't much you need or even should do. I'd suggest in more affected areas like Washington or northern Italy or Southeast Asia to stock up on basics and food. There's no shortage but people are doing what they do best, panicking, so they end up stocking up and causing the shortage themselves (here in Limburg in the south of Netherlands it's starting to happen due to the affected areas in Germany being so close)
But either way, do not worry, but take it seriously and be prepared, better safe than sorry.
