Shouldn't we have a Public Health message going out?

[thenightsky]

I'm sure when I was little there used to be public health messages on the tv around the flu season. Coughs and sneezes spread diseases etc. Given all the people who are boldly going out and putting their social lives before anything, or are just confused, or just thinking 'oh its just a cold, no drama', shouldn't we have a decent short film telling people what they should be doing? Just reading the threads on here shows us how much confusion there is, even about what self-isolation means.

People already know, many just don't give a flying monkeys. All the TV ads in the world won't make them care about old Mabel next door with her COPD more than their need to nip to the shops for their 7th pack of bog roll/go for a walk/have saunter sound the shops.

It's a good point but actually makes me wonder about people who don't routinely watch TV or read the news - there are lots of people like that! And what about other languages? For example, there is a large Nepalese population in my area, many elderly and speak little English - how will they know what's going on be able to protect themselves and their community?

I'm sure they could get adverts onto social media sites for those that don't watch TV/read the papers etc. That would get the message across to a wider audience.

My friend has texted me only this morning, wanting me to meet her for lunch in a big, usually crowded, pub. She has COPD and asthma for god's sake and even she is not taking it seriously!

When I texted back saying not a good idea, her response was 'well fuck you, I'll go for a gym and swim instead'! And then called me a drama llama.

I just think a clear set of rules instead of waffly, often contradictory, messages might help.

Well, whilst we do need to exercise caution, the truth is there are a lot (most?) people with ‘just’ colds. You can’t stay in indefinitely for every single cold. That’s why the specific new cough and fever advice should be followed and those with colds can still go out.

I've heard a couple on the radio.

I keep getting Spotify adverts about the coronavirus by either the NHS or PHE, not sure which.