To think mumsnet is making more fuss of corona than anywhere else on the Internet, or in general society

[FreshFancyFrogglette]

Just that! Until I checked mumsnet I realised we had a serious situation on our hands, and that hand washing is essential, and isolating if you have symptoms. And that was that, carried on as normal. But coming on here, and it's people convinced they are going to die because they've got asthma, people refusing to go into work (even though they don't have any symptoms), people planning for the end of the world. I'm sorry, but this just doesn't reflect the rest of the world. I was at my friend's last night, and apart from mentioning her partner needs to be careful because he's got cancer, it wasn't mentioned. Same when I went shopping. On here it's sounds like the world is ending. Aibu??

[woodchuck99]

I‘m on the contintent and people here are shocked that the uk now seems to be the only country in the World that is still sleepwalking while having such a bad health service- but happy to be proved wrong

We are not sleepwalking. Everything is closing.

[snowqu33n]

FreshFancyFrogglette. The most recent stats are: 152 confirmed cases, 6 deaths, 6 currently critically ill, 74 currently undergoing treatment.

Survival rate is nearer 96%. The hospitals have had plenty of capacity so it has been about the patients’ age and general health.

The local authorities have been very diligent in finding connections between cases and have identified two clusters, one quite far in the north and another at a small live music venue. The ones outside these clusters have been traced back to family members and coworkers mainly, with a few outliers.

I have seen speculation on Mumsnet from “Coronavirus sceptics” that young kids don’t get it at all, or haven’t been exposed to it so much because they mainly socialize with other kids. Well...There have been several cases of kids under 10 getting it. This week there was a kid who was going to daycare confirmed to have it. There have been at least 3 young kids needing hospital treatment so they do get it but they have all recovered so far.

I was quite unworried to begin with, when numbers were very low, but now I would say that it helps no one to put yourself in harm’s way.

[snowqu33n]

Just to add, I am in Japan, for people who haven’t read the thread

[Cyllie33]

I’m sorry you’re worried OP. The most sensible thing to do is to follow the Govt advice.

You didn’t just ask if the ‘worry on Mumsnet was excessive’. You said you were carrying on as normal, visiting someone with a compromised immune system, and suggested people who were following advice were ‘panicking’. That’s why posters were anxious to try and point out sensible steps that should be taken in following government advice in the face of a pandemic.

You’re right - worry and anxiety won’t be helpful, even if sometimes they can’t be helped - but please don’t confuse being worried with taking sensible precautions.

[FreshFancyFrogglette]

Yeah, I agree really. The survival rate is high, which is good. It obviously spreads quickly, which is bad. And has some nasty symptoms. So if we all take precautions, but don't panic, then we've got the best chance of riding it out. Yes, it's awful these things exist at all, and I suppose we've been quite sheltered in the UK, with a lower number of diseases, faminine and natural disasters, so it really has shook a lot of people to the core. I'm not being goady, or a sceptic, is just think in the microcosm that is mumsnet reactions have been disproportionately over the top in comparison to the wider world, or society in general.

[willdoitinaminute]

I was sceptical of these threads until a couple of days ago but looking at today’s figures we are now exactly where Italy was on the 2nd March. They locked down on the 9th so I think our lockdown is imminent if it is going be effective. Otherwise we we be looking at 400+ deaths a day in 10-12 days time.
The stats are pretty consistent for most countries with the virus.
Big changes ahead I’m afraid.
I think my DH is beginning to realise it’s serious now they have cancelled the grand national and from tomorrow all horse racing. He has been less dismissive of me this afternoon after they announced it. I am usually the massively calm one in a sea of panic.

[FreshFancyFrogglette]

I am worried about people's reactions, I think it's highlighted a crack in our sanity, and ability to pull together, any sense of citizenship seems to be abandoned quite quickly. But in my everyday activity I am not worried about catching the virus, or my daughter catching it. Or anyone else for that matter. I am, perhaps naively? Reassured by the high survival rate.

[midwestspring]

UK government advice is currently very lax compared to most of the world.
Currently in my USA state most things are shut and dc are e-learning at home.
I imagine that the UK will eventually catch up with other countries response.

The death rate for this virus isn't that high but if enough people catch it then the NHS will become overwhelmed.

Social distancing is to flatten the curve and keep the systems operating.

www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/?fbclid=IwAR1jclP2jSrCOE-vYetMB5U0VEAqYPDX4vtsoKuqaxcIJE1uk2D0PpIbFbU

[FreshFancyFrogglette]

But surely taking precautions is a reason not to worry?i mean, it will suck. But if it stops the spread and consequence, then that is a reason to be hopeful, not negative.

[woodchuck99]

Yeah, I agree really. The survival rate is high, which is good.

I don't think 97% is high but even if it was it could be a lot lower if the NHS gets overwhelmed which could legally happen. Furthermore an individual's survival rate depends on how high-risk they are.

[SnoozyLou]

A local restaurant posted last night that Boris can bugger off, it will be business as usual, and the government and media need to stop scaremongering. The media perhaps, but what have the government got to gain from scaremongering? Do these people think they're making it all up?

Apparently so, as numerous patrons cheered the restaurant on, bragging that they were in the vulnerable category, but it would be business as usual and they'd be down on Saturday.

Conversely, there are posts from American friends on FB who are freaking out, and an Italian friend who is clearly going through it. I've also got an acquaintance who is stuck in Tenerife as she was daft enough to go last week, and several who are "still going as long as the planes take off" in a couple of weeks.

How dramatic people are being depends where you want to look.

[Figgygal]

I’m personally more concerned about the impending global recession, job losses, the collapse of businesses and every day infrastructure.

This whole thing has really highlighted to me the inequalities that exist in this world:

Millions die of starvation in Africa
The destruction of Syria
Even the excessive winter deaths in this country
All continue without a thought but this brings the world to its knees.

[midwestspring]

I agree OP worrying isn't helpful.

Taking action is important.

It isn't surprising people are worrying if you look at Italy but if everyone does as asked it will help.

I'm not sure people will without much clearer directions than the UK government is giving them.

[IvinghoeBeacon]

I’m not worried about me personally catching the virus, though of course I don’t want to be ill. I’m worried about vulnerable people catching it because I wasn’t careful. I’m worried about lots of midwives and obstetricians being off sick or caring for ill children in a few weeks’ time when I am due to give birth. I am following govt advice as a result. Are you aware of this advice OP? What precise level of worry and action is acceptable to you, for someone in my situation?

[woodchuck99]

I am worried about people's reactions, I think it's highlighted a crack in our sanity, and ability to pull together, any sense of citizenship seems to be abandoned quite quickly.

I think a lot of the anxiety is caused by the contradictions in advice. On the one hand I not supposed to go out much for a few months but the schools are open and my children are being exposed to the virus which means they could infect me. It's even worse for teachers and children who are at high risk.

[viccat]

I don't think death is the main worry for many of us personally, it's more about how all this will affect our jobs and livelihoods. So many sectors have already seen people made redundant and contracts cancelled. Especially the self-employed have zero security in this situation - that'll be accountants, photographers, artists, therapists, cleaners, dog walkers, musicians, builders and lots more. And of course the hospitality and travel industries are going to suffer massive losses and people will lose their jobs.

[DishingOutDone]

But surely taking precautions is a reason not to worry?i mean, it will suck. But if it stops the spread and consequence, then that is a reason to be hopeful, not negative. - you've said you aren't taking precautions as they are unnecessary. Just getting silly now OP.

[snowqu33n]

I would also add that people in Japan do disaster preparedness as a matter of course due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. We always have a week’s worth of dry and canned food on hand, for example.
There has been concern, rather than panic, and action plans announced and followed.
I have had groceries delivered and Amazon deliveries as usual. There was a run on toilet paper for a few days but it’s back in stock, didn’t affect us because we already had plenty.
It’s difficult to get face masks and hand gel but everything else has been OK as far as I am concerned.
I think that some people in the UK need to stop interpreting “Keep calm and carry on” as “don’t change any of my behavior” and more as “keep calm and take sensible precautions”.

[FreshFancyFrogglette]

@Figgygal totally agree with you.

@woodchuck99 I think people have misinterpreted the advice. Particularly on here. People have taken avoid unnecessary interaction to an extreme, to mean don't go into work, rather than refrain from orgyies with strangers.

[Dongdingdong]

I was sceptical of these threads until a couple of days ago but looking at today’s figures we are now exactly where Italy was on the 2nd March.

Italy recorded 52 deaths on 2nd March and on 4th March it was up to 107. We were at 55 deaths yesterday, so it’ll be interesting to see whether we have the same jump to 100-plus tomorrow.

[4cats2kids]

Do you not know people die from asthma?

Lucky you.

[HoffiCoffi13]

People have taken avoid unnecessary interaction to an extreme, to mean don't go into work

They have also said to work from home if necessary.

[HoffiCoffi13]

Sorry I mean if possible.

[Inkpaperstars]

It isn't the over anxious who are going to be a problem, it is the over confident or under aware.

OP, if you or your dd get you will probably be fine, although the chances that you won't are very real. But let's say you would be...if you and people like you go out and about and get it you will be spreading it to others who may be more vulnerable, and you will be increasing pressure on health services trying to treat covid or anything else. More people will die for every person who is well and goes out and about. Everyone has a role to play in cutting transmission here.

What about that is so hard to follow I don't know. I don't think people can have sought out much reliable information if they can't see that, and we all have a responsibility to seek reliable information.

The strict measures which apply to you are being put in place by govts and scientists OP...are you concerned they are doing it based on reading some overwrought thread on MN?

[TwelveIslands]

4% of 60% of the UK population is 1,584,000 people.

That's assuming 60% of the population get it and 4% die. That's three times the annual death rate of around 500,000.

If 1% die it about doubles the annual death rate.