Panic, peer pressure and COVID19

We live in interesting times.

The picture was taken when I was shopping in Waitrose and there was little bottled water left on the shelves.

Panic has set in and the pressure to do what others do is overwhelming for many.

And this applies to what other nations are doing to respond to COVID19.

A few issues have been raised.  One is the way that we are no longer testing everyone who is suspected of having COVID19.  From what I understand, the number of tests required to continue doing this is to exceed the capacity. It is a shame for many as if those who are infected with COVID19 know they have had it, they also know that they no longer pose a risk to others.  An issue that even more important for those who have a formal or informal role in looking after those who are vulnerable.

The next issue is why we are not carrying out the shutdowns that are occurring in Italy and Spain are not happening here.  The answer to that is that they will, soon.  In the UK we are a week or so behind France and Spain.

There is cynicism about the ability of Boris to manage this.  If it was just down to him, I would share those concerns.  But it is not.  Our Prime Minister is making decisions after listening to those in Public Health who have access to epidemiological data from the UK, Italy, Wuhan, South Korea, France and Spain.

People are going to die due this illness.  The aim is to keep the numbers as low as possible.  It is scary, but we can ask our government to panic, or we can hope they can stay calm, and make the right decisions at the right time.