Why are people avoiding the doctor?

[Howdidido]

Based on this article but also my GP keeps putting out messages saying call us if you need us
Are people avoiding the doctor because they're scared of catching CV or dont want to put strain on the system or are people really just not hurting themselves as much?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/23/accident-and-emergency-department-coronavirus-hospital-serious-conditions

@JaneJeffer
But they won't be working?

BBC News - Coronavirus: Plea for public to get medical care when they need it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52417599

Maybe because they put a load of signs up saying not to go in?

How Jesus I hope not there's another doctor in the practice so I presume he's seeing everyone now. It's a bit off putting though.

Most of the signs say do not go in if you have covid19 symptoms or a few months back if you had returned from visiting certain countries not do not contact your GP if you are unwell with other things.

My GP is updating on their newly created Facebook page to let people know what to do as things change. I think it might be confusing for some people if they're not on social media though and don't understand why the doors are closed. Not everyone reads the signs they put up, they still had loads of people coming in coughing before they had to lock the doors. :(

I felt bad having to call up about a condition getting worse recently, even though I'd tried to manage it myself.

The receptionist almost put me off by asking if it was urgent tbh! I was directed to a pharmacist and then a GP confirmed it was ok to change my medication, all by phone.

Maybe because they put a load of signs up saying not to go in?

Which is not the same as don't make contact.
If anything this situation is highlighting the lack of comprehension for many.

Everyone shouting STAY HOME

People getting nasty comments and named and shamed if they seemed to go out too often.

Massive FEAR that 'Rona was everywhere, infecting everyone at once, and you must avoid getting it no matter what since it's so hugely lethal.

It's entirely understandable that people thought that a visit to the hospital was enormously dangerous and almost certainly unjustified -- certainly in contrast to uncertain signs of a maybe stroke or heart attack, etc. Govt has reaped what they sowed in spreading so much fear.