I think we all need to get a grip.

[Bulb1976]

I know Coronavirus is scary, the constant media scaremongering hasn’t helped either. But let’s get this into perspective, the majority of us will be fine and whilst those of us who fall into the at risk category are anxious it’s still important to realise that there is still a good chance we can recover from this.
But the food stockpiling, sending your kids to school when you know you shouldn’t (yes I know people have financial obligations but if you are really worried about Coronavirus then surely the health of your kids comes first). The threads on MN are sounding pretty hysterical and we aren’t helping each other instead we are creating group hysteria.

Step away from the phone and just calm down and get some perspective. We can’t control this, just have to keep going.

[diminishingmarbles]

The impact this hysteria is having on those with mental health issues shouldn’t not be underestimated it is also important for people to realise that the virus is very contagious and has to be controlled, ie the opposite of your OP. In other countries in europe this is fully understood, there is lockdown already and very little panic and not nearly as much panic buying. The calmness where i live, in mainland europe, in a country with lockdown, everyone with full understanding of the seriousness, is going to be helping the people here with fragile mental health. Calmness and sense of community and support will help, not hiding the seriousness or hiding what is happening in Italy.

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

In fact the biggest crowds are in the supermarkets, people panic buying and that could have been avoided.

[BuckingFrolics]

blunt you need to understand this better. A cure? You're mad. A vaccine yes - and this will take 18 months minimum to be ready for the population as a whole.

[LuluJakey1]

It is as if some people just don't get this. My friend, said to me last night (by text)
'I don't think it is anywhere near as serious here as Italy. We'll be fine.'
She is intelligent but does not read the news. Hears headlines but sees her daily life as pretty normal - at work, children at school. Husband often WFH anyway.

[TheCanterburyWhales]

Chardonnay, obviously the virus is progressing slightly differently in different countries depending on variables like: availability of ICU care for those who need it/age and general health of population/how well or not contagion has been slowed.
But beyond that, the fact it's exponential is not under debate.

And there wasn't the media coverage in 1968 that there is now? Well, who knew.

In Italy, yes, some people are not sticking as stringently as they should. That's why the police are on the streets fining people who are out but without one of the reasons on the document that has to be carried at all times. That's why the PM said yesterday that in all probability there would be more restrictive measures brought in.

[BuckingFrolics]

Outside my house my neighbour is standing right next to a couple of builders who are doing something to his windows. Right next to them.

Even if the work is necessary, not one of the four people I can see (all men) are making any effort whatever to keep a distance. Fuckwits

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

*Central London is the biggest problem. Overcrowded and a breeding ground for infection with the tube etc. And transport hubs all over the country from there. ^

Agree.

I need to use public transport and the fact that TFL are scaling down service is not helpful at all.

[Geepipe]

Daisy you're mad. Theres nothing wrong with my attitude. Its the problem of people not socially distancing not my dp who has to work to survive until he is told not to.

[Bluntness100]

A cure will not be found in the coming weeks. Or months

Why would you say this when scientific communities in every country are saying they have a variety of drugs they think will cure it and many counties into human trial now.

This is an example of scaremongering with no evidence behind it. Just blind panic.

[MarshaBradyo]

That’s good to hear Chardonnay

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

There is no one on the streets where I am, theatres and cinemas closed down, non essential shops closed down, there were two people in the local pub, which is usually packed, even the dog walkers are waking separately. All community events cancelled.

I don’t agree people aren’t distancing.

[HowIrresponsible]

Central London is the biggest problem. Overcrowded and a breeding ground for infection with the tube etc. And transport hubs all over the country from there.

The city centre is now deserted.

I'd say the biggest risk to the whole country has been pretty well stemmed

[MarshaBradyo]

We can’t control this

But our actions can change the outcome significantly

[EthelMayFergus]

I agree op, I think being daunted is good. It gives you pause for thought and the motivation to change behaviour. But fear and panic isn't constructive.

[LuluJakey1]

I think it is incredibly serious and has the potential to be catastrophic. However, I do think we need a calmer, more orderly approach.

Stop stockpiling- supermarkets just need to put a stop to it.
Stop ebay and Facebook selling of babymilk, hand sanitiser- anything people are profiteering from.
Stay at home - follow the advice. If we don't it will become compulsory and enforced. Yes go for a walk or to a shop but that is it.
Those still working should be those essential workers.Employers have to listen.
Gov. need to close pubs, clubs,restaurants, cafes etc.
Wash your hands and keep your distance.

If we all just did these things we could slow this down. The idiots refusing to take any notice are going to cause more illness and deaths.

[diminishingmarbles]

We can’t control this

This is wrong thinking. Many countries are taking action now to control it. The idea is to control it.

[utterlybutterly8]

It reminds me of the no deal brexit threads, where people were doing the same, panicking, stock piling, screeching we were all fucked, but this is a million times worse.

I was quite concerned about Brexit at the time, but Brexit seems like a picnic in the park compared to what we’re facing now. Coronavirus has definitely put things in perspective.

[daisypond]

likely that a cure will be found in the coming weeks
A cure will not be found in the coming weeks. Or months.

[MarshaBradyo]

The problem is people don’t realise what it will be like in a couple of weeks if they don’t do what we’ve been asked to do now.

[Falangalangadingdang]

But most people are doing it anyways.

But they aren't and that's the issue.

[BreatheAndFocus]

We’re obviously not “scaremongering” enough if some people think it’s a great idea to go to pubs most nights. It’s them many of the media scaremongering messages are aimed at. Some people need it hammered into their heads that this is serious.

Threads about the world coming to an end are a bit different, but are, I think, an outlet for some people.

We should definitely be aware of how serious this is and how crucial it is to limit this virus, but we should react calmly and logically. Not just to stop hysteria but because that’s the best way to ensure we have the best result.

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

Ummmm, take social distancing seriously maybe? Just a thought.

But most people are doing it anyways.

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

I suppose there is no panic buying because Italy went into it earlier.

The videos we’ve been urged to watch are feeding the panic buying here.

[Falangalangadingdang]

Wake the fuck up from what and do what?

Ummmm, take social distancing seriously maybe? Just a thought.

[HowIrresponsible]

The impact this hysteria is having on those with mental health issues shouldn’t not be underestimated.

Exactly