The fact is with this is that almost certainly there are some of us on this thread who have it already and aren't aware we have it because many people won't only have very mild symptoms but no symptoms at all. The cases are of course way, way, higher than the confirmed ones. Inevitably, as it is with ANY virus.
I think most of us have a weird feeling right now. I'm trying to carry on as much as normal, not just because that's the Government angle, but for my mental health and well being. Because at some point in a few weeks, we will almost certainly all be told to stay home and that's when we'll need our mental strength.
I get what the CMO and CSO say. I can understand it. Some other experts in viruses agree with them, some don't? Which experts are more likely to be right? The problem is with a new virus, EVERYONE is guessing and will interpret data and evidence in alternate ways.
What I do know is that because science is continually improving and what might have taken years to get to grips with in even identifying and understanding something now takes months. It won't be like the Spanish flu on 1918. It won't be like Ebola. Yes, sadly, there are going to be more deaths - inevitable with any virus of this type (as with flu - and no, I'm not saying this is like flu).
The poster who said your chance of dying from it is minute is statistically correct. 5 people die each day in a car accident in the UK. Hundreds of cancer each day. 800 a year from falling down stairs. Yes, we're in uncertain, strange times and it's going to be odd for a couple of months. Which is why we need to ensure our mental health as much as possible by putting it into perspective in terms of HEALTH and being sensible - don't visit elderly family or friends apart from dropping things off for them, don't go to something if you are at all worried, avoid large gatherings if you are concerned regardless of Govt advice, wash hands regularly, wipe surfaces regularly, eat healthily as far as possible.
There are going to be economic issues. Unfortunately, what happens there is up to Government in terms of loss of earnings. I think that's going to be the harder issue than the health one and that's TOTALLY out of our hands, especially harder for self employed and certain industries.