If people run around like headless chickens some of these things may indeed happen. Given much of the nonsense that normally spreads on social media the real danger is the perception of risk not the actual threat (if that makes sense). I’m just glad we don’t react to the much more prevalent and established flu viruses in the same way.

Referring to a point Chris made, in reality if the virus was more deadly it would almost certainly spread more slowly. The most deadly viruses quite often tend to be self-limiting. The biggest threat would be one that mutated to become very slow acting, highly contagious and with high mortality. Thankfully Covid-19 doesn’t fit that description based on all available evidence.

Originally Posted by: doctormog 

A very balanced post Doc.

As ever, perspective is required.

I also presume nobody is suggesting that we close all borders with Italy, ban all flights, and cancel holidays to mainland Europe on the back of the most recent developments? If not, we are being inconsistent. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

If people run around like headless chickens some of these things may indeed happen. Given much of the nonsense that normally spreads on social media the real danger is the perception of risk not the actual threat (if that makes sense). I’m just glad we don’t react to the much more prevalent and established flu viruses in the same way.

Referring to a point Chris made, in reality if the virus was more deadly it would almost certainly spread more slowly. The most deadly viruses quite often tend to be self-limiting. The biggest threat would be one that mutated to become very slow acting, highly contagious and with high mortality. Thankfully Covid-19 doesn’t fit that description based on all available evidence.

Originally Posted by: doctormog 

The WHO are still saying it's OK for people to fly between China and various African countries.
Their every pronouncement seems to be at least two weeks later than it should have been.

Originally Posted by: four 

If this new flu does get out and about, so be it. It might be unpleasant if you catch it, but it's not going to end civilisation as we know it!

Originally Posted by: Retron 

Public hysteria fuelled by the media is the biggest threat, not the virus itself

We have already seen a lot of irrational behaviour, with a large spike in hate crimes against Chinese looking people.

Our culture and society have been dumbed down over decades and mob mentality can easily take over. Only strong and sensible political leadership can keep the ship from sinking. Just as well we have a man of such honour and integrity in power

Originally Posted by: The Beast from the East 

If people run around like headless chickens some of these things may indeed happen. Given much of the nonsense that normally spreads on social media the real danger is the perception of risk not the actual threat (if that makes sense). I’m just glad we don’t react to the much more prevalent and established flu viruses in the same way.

Referring to a point Chris made, in reality if the virus was more deadly it would almost certainly spread more slowly. The most deadly viruses quite often tend to be self-limiting. The biggest threat would be one that mutated to become very slow acting, highly contagious and with high mortality. Thankfully Covid-19 doesn’t fit that description based on all available evidence.

Originally Posted by: doctormog 

Public hysteria fuelled by the media is the biggest threat, not the virus itself

We have already seen a lot of irrational behaviour, with a large spike in hate crimes against Chinese looking people.

Our culture and society have been dumbed down over decades and mob mentality can easily take over. Only strong and sensible political leadership can keep the ship from sinking. Just as well we have a man of such honour and integrity in power

Originally Posted by: The Beast from the East 

Good post  

If that wasn't how things worked we possibly wouldn't be worrying about Covid-19 because the human race would not exist as we know it.

Now pure speculation on my part about how things will develop: I expect the number of cases outside to China to keep increasing for a while, perhaps another few weeks. Thereafter a steady decline will begin.  

Originally Posted by: Brian Gaze 

The media control this country and it is they who control the hysteria.  They just need to act responsibly for once!  Of course there’s no accounting for social media!

Originally Posted by: Caz 

Suggestion for fake news: The strong winds affecting much of western Europe have been engineered by the (strike out as appropriate) US/Russian/Chinese to spread the COVID-19 virus across competitor countries.

Originally Posted by: Brian Gaze 

/shrug.

I really don't get all the fuss over this, considering that thousands of people die in the UK every year from flu and there's nary a mention of it on the news.

From 2018:

"The failings contributed to the worst flu season for seven years, with 15,000 deaths from the virus, around twice the average figure, and the worst NHS performance on record."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/30/winter-deaths-hit-highest-level-40-years-experts-blame-ineffective/

If this new flu does get out and about, so be it. It might be unpleasant if you catch it, but it's not going to end civilisation as we know it!

Originally Posted by: Retron 

I'm not suggesting people should run around in a hysterical panic but its definitely worse than flu. You only need to see how countries are responding to it. China is crippling itself at the moment economically to try and keep a lid on it. School closures planned for south Korea and Italy now. 

Originally Posted by: Ally Pally Snowman 

Good luck with that!

Bad news sells papers

Originally Posted by: The Beast from the East 

I’m not holding my breath!  If they think it out properly though,  (not holding it with that either) spooking people into isolation will mean they won’t venture out to buy newspapers, so they won’t sell!  

Originally Posted by: Caz 

I'm told they make all their money online now. It actually helps them if people spend more time looking for flesh on the sidebar of shame rather than meeting their mates for a drink or meal. 

Originally Posted by: Brian Gaze 

It could be worse than the flu but that is NOT why countries are responding in this way. The reason is the virus is believed to be new in humans and trying to prevent if from becoming established makes good sense. Even if the mortality rate was the same as the common cold it would be logical to try and stop it whilst there is a chance.

Originally Posted by: Brian Gaze 

Another cruise ship passenger has died the 3rd to die of the virus.

Originally Posted by: Ally Pally Snowman 

Wonder what the demographics were on the cruise? The old trope is that they're for the well fed, the newly-wed and the nearly dead. If it's the latter then no surprise that they're dying...

Originally Posted by: Retron 

The first 2 were in their 80s and had underlying health conditions.

Originally Posted by: speckledjim