Oh and some of the scientists that seem to know what they are chatting about have also mentioned that the thing about it living on surfaces hasn't actually been proven outside of clinical testing or labs.
That’s not news, that’s the nature of a novel virus. Until there is definitive evidence it’s wise to assume that clinical results apply outside as well, until proven either way.
It has since been found that the virus doesn’t survive long in direct sunlight. As time goes by there’ll be more research that informs protocol.
Until recently they were working blind with a virus that appeared to be killing 1-3% of people infected, hospitalised 20% because their symptoms were so severe, badly affected many more.
With time they now know that the death rate is below 1%, but there are still otherwise healthy people younger than 50 being treated in ICU, and there still isn’t enough research to adequately explain what’s going on to cause some to have it so severely (there is research going on about cytokine storms). There is still the fact that some people (with no underlying issues) are having debilitating symptoms for over 4 weeks - there are best guesses about why this is, but as yet no facts.
There are people left with lung damage - C19 is particularly vicious on some people’s lungs - but it’s too early to see for sure if this will remain as a chronic condition, can be treated effectively or will recover in time.
There are emerging cases of Kawasaki in children.
It’s too early to confidently say all is well, crack on.
There is anecdotal evidence and emerging research that shows that masks are effective alongside other measures. Ongoing research will tell us more. Like other guidelines that have been made on best information at the time, I suspect that mask wearing will become mandatory at some point, unless voluntary take up happens.
The mini skirt analogy is ridiculous and has no equivalence at all in this scenario.
Comparisons to other global crises are pointless - this is a new virus, ignoring it would be more economically damaging, and be a massive problem for public health long term.
The insinuation that taking the situation seriously makes us hysterical, that the sky is falling and we’re all going to die is frankly pathetic and insulting.
There are two routes we can use, as people at home watching it all unfold.
New virus, emerging information on the course it takes, how it’s treated, how it will affect people.
1.We can either throw caution in the wind and carry on with our lives as normal until there are solid facts.
Or 2. we use measures to slow down infection rates whilst research into the disease, treatments, and preventions is carried out.
Both have ramifications on public health and the economy. I suspect option 1 would be far worse overall.
I would choose option 2 and part of that for me is using a mask when I go into a shop (safely of course, there are information videos all over how to use them properly), because the research and evidence there is points to them being helpful.
No one is being told to never breathe fresh air again. The hyperbole in this thread is astounding.