The WHO report says that the vast majority of asymptomatic cases in China went on to develop symptoms a few days later. Also (and contrary to what you were saying here) they were very good with testing; they setup whole fever clinics with the results given in just 4-7 hours.

Overall the WHO says that it wasn't the draconian measures that seem to have stopped the epidemic in China, it was a whole list of other measures that can be replicated in other countries, but that requires a big effort. 

They keep emphasizing that the public was well informed in China. How many people here know that a runny nose is a rare symptom of covid-19? (the 2 main symptoms are fever and mostly dry cough). How many people in Europe still go to A&Es instead of calling the authorities?

Psychologically It takes a hell of a shove to force people out of "normality".  Most people don't sit on forums like this babbling away about the ol' Corona virus all day.  To  the majority there is no   personal  impact, just a lot of "babble" on the idiot box.

To stop holidays is going to require a Govt edict - then people can get refunds / get their insurance to pay out.

Gandalf may be right against minimal risk - or he may be wrong.  It all depends on   how many asymptomatic  cases there are  and how widespread infection really is.  This mornings news about  the positive test   of the hospital patients that have presented for unrelated  conditions swings me towards the latter POV.

"I'm expecting the number [of coronavirus cases] only to go up."

The chief medical officer says it's "highly likely" that there is "some level" of "community transmission" of #coronavirus in the UK now.

87 cases of #COVID19 have been confirmed in the UK: https://t.co/vMjLKWOV4B pic.twitter.com/U1KR4VlxZe

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 5, 2020

"There's no evidence of community transmission."

Health Minister Edward Argar responds to the increase in UK #coronavirus cases and says the majority of new cases are still "linked to travel".#KayBurley

Latest on #COVID19: https://t.co/rPjIwE6zAP pic.twitter.com/DesxuhRYPh

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 5, 2020

We all have to make decisions based on the available information, that much is true. However, I cannot think of anything worse (other than having to serve time in gaol) than being in enforced quarantine on a plague ship.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarantine

That was only one part of their approach, they did very well (especially outside Hubei) in finding and isolating the contacts of infected people. 

This is taking the issue seriously:

"The United Arab Emirates has told citizens and foreign residents to “avoid travel” anywhere abroad because of the coronavirus outbreak.

"In case of travel, preventive measures will be taken upon arrival back [to the UAE], at the discretion of the specialised authorities, [such as] medical tests at the airport followed by self-isolation at home," the health ministry said."

The UAE is a small country, but it is also a major hub for international air travel. It is the home of two airlines - Emirates and Etihad - and Dubai’s airport is one of the world’s busiest.

I really hope its containable,  China is probably the only country in the world where its even possible.  No doubt the numbers are down .But we know how contagious this virus is and for China to already virtually eradicate it outside Hubei seems illogical . 

Chris Whitty once again saying many people will probably be asymptomatic and stay asymptomatic. 

Not releasing daily figures and Health Minister comments this morning clear sign the Govt is trying to copy Trump and cover up

Will the press allow them?

Our only bulwark against this regime is the media, in all areas of life. 

The chief medical officer, Chris Whitty explains why the UK is planning for the "worst case scenario", despite not expecting #coronavirus cases to reach higher figures than China.

Get more on #COVID19 here : https://t.co/vMjLKWxjG1 pic.twitter.com/mv6BYsrVvl

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 5, 2020

Not according to the Minister

Seems to be a lot of confusion this morning

I have never been on a cruise. The only attraction for me would access to lots of drunk single women

First death in Switzerland from the virus - 74 year old male.

Switzerland should have closed its borders with Italy as soon as the epidemic in its neighbour broke out and then pursued a radical programme of containment like the UAE is implementing. Far too late now. But the Swiss had a chance in the early days to avert the epidemic now taking hold there.

Do you fancy rich women in their 70s? Just asking.

He will probably already know the numbers that will be announced today and is laying the ground work.

Are there cruises for younger people? I suppose not

I would only go on the ones that stop over on dry land frequently, or on a river like a Nile cruise

FlyBe won’t be the last.... many airline stocks already down a third since outbreak - iata anticipating revenue losses of between $63billion and $113bn because of coronavirus https://t.co/k3Y1Ew7IqQ

— Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) March 5, 2020

“We will get 50% of all the cases over a three-week period and 95% of the cases over a nine-week period, if it follows a trajectory we think it’s likely to”

England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty on the possible impact of coronavirus on the NHS https://t.co/up8tvXnSE1 pic.twitter.com/tw43DJkLC1

— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) March 5, 2020

Problem is, their average age will probably be circa 80  !

You would like to suppose that "A" level students nearing the end of their course would be able to self study / revise for a few weeks with  on-line support when required.

Child care is an issue. They need to be kept at hope.  No earthy point in   closing schools and then arranging some  huge crèche