Coronavirus

I don't see any panic on here.

Being realistic and concerned for being in a very vulnerable group of people is not panic.

Is it not a pandemic now? I googled for the definition of "pandemic" and this came back

"A pandemic, a word from the Greek pan ("all") and demos ("people"), is the term used by disease experts when epidemics are growing in multiple countries and continents at the same time. "

As Antarctica is the only continent not to be affected so far, surely this meets the definition of pandemic.

I think we do need to take a step back and not allow ourselves to be panicked into rash actions by the as-ever hysterical media.

Yes, there are certain categories of people who are more at risk than the general population, but despite the scaremongering headlines, the death rate from this virus (so far, at least) is around 2%, as I understand it - way below the death rate for normal, seasonal flu. So yes, take precautions, but be sensible about it.

Antibac your hands all you like - it's useless against a virus. Proper handwashing with soap and water is the best precaution.

Those face masks that people are wearing - also useless. I heard a doctor saying that unless it forms a tight seal around your mouth and nose, then the air is escaping and entering from the sides. The particles for this virus are so tiny, that those face masks cannot capture them. You need a high grade (and therefore highly expensive) mask to be effective.

I have heard that one plan being put forward is to close schools for two months. At first, I thought it was a ridiculous idea, because how many working parents can take two months off work.

I suppose "they" have to consider the consequences of most of the country going down with it, thereby closing so many businesses, schools, unsustainable pressure on hospitals etc. Maybe closing schools is the lesser of two evils.

I'm just glad I'm not in charge of drawing up the action plan.

They will be damned if they do, and damned if they don't. You can guarantee that whatever plans are put into place, Mr and Mrs Joe Public will say it's a rubbish plan, and THEY of course, will have The Answer.

I have just been reading about Turkey " releasing" Syrian refugees. The conditions must be terrible and suitable for illness to spread very quickly.

They are just stupid.

Disgusting behaviour. My next door neighbours are chinese and they’re no more likely to have CV than anyone else. They also have a little boy. I hope they aren’t having s difficult time of it.

Look at the money that'll be saved by not flying/sailing anywhere or attending places where there are crowds--theatres/cinemas etc.

I'll be more than happy living like a hermit for the next month as I can't afford to catch any more flying germs like I did at Christmas ,coughing and spluttering and gasping for breath like an old grampus.

Julia what action is the nursery taking? Surely they are not allowing racist behaviour by parents in the playground?

Julia, that is stupidity and racism,mind you the two are the same really.

He was still in Japan..

A death has just been announced in the UK. Someone who was aboard the Diamond Princess. Poor soul. RIP

Thorntrees, I attended an outpatient clinic with my husband recently and just like you saw staff and visitors bypass the sinks and sanitizers.
They should not be allowed to enter if they cannot be bothered to wash their hands.
If as a nation we cannot take simple precautions then it will spread.

Well we both have Asthma ( DHs is quite bad at the moment) and in 10 days we are booked to go, self catering thankfully, to the Canaries......

So far we have decided that we will make a decision nearer to the date, lose the money or go and risk being isolated upon our return or indeed our arrival if someone on our flight displays symptoms.
Alternatively we will have a lovely month and all will be well.

I feel quite sad at the attitudes taken against Chinese nationals who live and work in Britain, and are being accused of being responsible for the spread of Coronavirus in the UK. One local family who run a Chinese take away business have seen a sharp decline in trade, had nasty messages written on their frontage, and people crossing the road to avoid them when out in the street. Their little boy attends the Nursery where my daughter is the manager, likewise there have been calls from other parents for this boy to be banned from attending nursery, which is not going to happen, and their children told not to play with him or go near him
and some unpleasentness and name calling from other parents in the playground when his parents come to collect him. This poor couple are lovely people, who have not been out of the Uk for 8years, their son was born here, in no way is it their fault that this virus is spreading throughout the world, yet they are having to suffer this daily abuse from people who quite frankly should know better, and they are struggling to make a living due to the rapid decline of customers to their business.

A neighbour has just returned from Northern Italy and has decided to self quarantine.

I love that island Merlot. Beautiful.

Those in high risk categories may feel better if they're prepared for possible isolation.

Very true. Stress compromises the immune system. Reassurance, if you have a family member with underlying health issues, is important. Nothing to do with panic - just common sense and not leaving things to chance.

A sense of humour helps as well. We have renamed our isolated smallholding, 'Spinalonga.'

With reference to the advice to wash hands or at least use hand gel when out and about- on Tuesday I had to attend our local community hospital for a blood test. I had to wait about an hour which is not unusual, but I sat by the entrance and in that time not one person either entering or leaving ( and there was a lot of coming and going) used the hand sanitizer on the wall by the door and that included several uniformed staff. To say I was shocked is an understatement. Being both 70 and hubby having asthma we are doing our best to protect ourselves, not just from the present virus but all germs around at this time of year- what we can’t protect ourselves from is other people’s disregard for common sense advice. Sorry for the rant!

Hetty that’s a nice, kind post. There’s nothing wrong with planning - I checked that my thermometer was working today.

Quite true atm Franbern, but people are anticipating and planning in case of a pandemic. Those in high risk categories may feel better if they're prepared for possible isolation. The risks are very low now but the virus is unpredictable.

I don’t see any panic on GN, just some understandably concerned people being careful.

My goodness, doesn't take long or much to send people into unbelievable panic mode. WHY??? As JenniferEccles says, 18 cases in UK, how many influenza? Whatever, absolutely daft to cut oneself of from the world - that way lies more definite mental health problems.
As usual, be careful about hygiene - not anti-bac liquid or wipes, just good old soap and water, but know how properly to handwash - should take a good time each time. Dispose of tissues, etc. But these are all the rules for any time, not just when a particular virus gets the headline news for a short period.
Okay cancel proposed trip to Northern Italy or China -but as for moving around and carrying on as normal in UK - best to do that and no need to start panic buying of foodstuffs.
Lead a normal life and stop worrying - at least about this particular thing.

I'm being careful with hygiene and would avoid anyone coughing and spluttering.

If it wasn't safe to go to the cinema etc., I imagine they would be closed. I am still going out and about but I accept people with health conditions may well think differently. People who are carers also have to think carefully.

Perhaps I am wrong.

The death rates by age and gender are interesting, especially for those with cardiovascular disease:

www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/

You seem to be doing all you can tickingbird

I am sure you are a great help to your son in his sad situation, so you need to keep going don’t you?

As you said, we will all keep up to date with the situation but I am well aware that the economy could nosedive if too many people over react.

I agree JenniferE. I am in the at risk category but I need to help my middle, son who’s a widower with young boys. I am washing my hands for the advised 20 seconds and wiping door handles etc with wipes. I just pray I don’t pick it up. If the situation worsens then I shall have to revaluate.