Like many people across the world, I am worried about the effects of this new form of coronavirus. Unfortunately, until there is a vaccine, it cannot be stopped. But for now, what more can be done? Is there a way to slow down Covid-19?
The World is in Crisis
Covid-19 is a new virus. And I understand that nobody really knows what to do. But this is a crisis situation throughout the world and during a crisis we expect our governments to do the best they can for us. We expect the best advice from them. We expect them to learn from other countries.
Apart from giving sensible advice about handwashing, coughing etiquette and self-isolation if necessary, it feels as though the UK government has been doing very little.
A few days ago, the UK Prime Minister suggested that one way of tackling Covid-19 would be to “take it on the chin” and let the masses be infected by it. At the time, he wasn’t actually advocating that’s what should happen. But I can’t help but wonder if that actually is the plan.
Covid-19 Herd Immunity
This week, the government told us that they expect 80% of the UK population to contract Covid-19 and that many of our loved ones will die before their time. It felt as though they were giving us a harsh and brutal reality check.
The advice was given to keep washing hands, don’t go on cruises and self-isolate if you have symptoms. All good advice, but apart from that, it was more or less business as usual.
On Friday, the government’s scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said that we need 60% of the population to contract Covid-19 so that we get herd immunity. He said that herd immunity will help to prevent others from contracting it.
What is Herd Immunity?
Herd immunity can normally protect vulnerable people who are unable to be vaccinated because there is less chance of a disease spreading.
However, in order to get herd immunity, at least 90 – 95% of the population need to be VACCINATED. We have no vaccine as yet.
Source: Vaccine Knowledge Project – University of Oxford
60% of the population contracting Covid-19 will not offer herd immunity.
60% of the Population…
In reality, if that were to happen, the other 40% will probably get it too. Very few people will escape it.
But what would it mean if 60% of the population were to get this new form of coronavirus?
In the UK, the current population is just under 68 million.
If 60% of the UK’s population were to contract Covid-19, it would affect well over 40 million people. Many might get mild symptoms. But many will not.
It feels as though the government is playing with lives.
Elderly and Vulnerable
Of course, as they keep reminding us, Covid-19 might only have a severe effect on the vulnerable members of society such as the elderly and those with serious pre-existing health conditions. Well, that’s okay then, isn’t it?
Stop. Please. Stop.
Are those lives not just as important as younger and healthier lives?
Those could be people in my family. People in your family. It could be me. It could be you.
How can We Slow Down Covid-19?
In the UK, we are in the delay phase of the virus, but are we delaying it enough?
If it spreads too fast, our NHS will not be able to cope. We’ve seen what’s happened in Italy. The same will happen here. The NHS is barely coping at present because it has been starved of funding for years.
Somehow, we need to try to slow down Covid-19. It’s the only way that the NHS will cope.
Lockdown
WHO’s Director General said “WHO has been in full response mode since we were notified of the first cases. And we have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action. We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear.”
Other countries have gone into lockdown to try to slow down Covid-19.
Across the world, other countries and their governments have been looking at the UK in astonishment. Scientists and other politicians here have been saying that the government is not doing enough or it’s being too slow to react.
Organisations and sporting bodies have taken it upon themselves to act. Major sporting events have been cancelled. Some universities have closed as a precaution. Concerts and other events have been cancelled to try to slow down the spread of Covid-19. I hope it works.
Thankfully, it’s been announced today that the government has done a U-turn and will be banning mass events from next week. Perhaps they’ve actually listened to other experts.
Be Responsible and Help Each Other
We all have a responsibility to help each other. This means doing our utmost to not pass this virus on to other people.
Healthy people might only get mild symptoms, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay for healthy people to get it. Yes, they might get mild symptoms, but we need to remember that healthy people may be medical staff, carers or have family and friends who are vulnerable.
Consider the people who work in public services. Think especially about those medical staff and carers. Put them at as little risk as possible. And be extremely grateful to them because they are trying to help us.
We all need to be responsible.
We must follow the advice for washing hands and coughing and sneezing hygiene. That’s crucial.
We shouldn’t share food (including buffets and carveries), glasses, cups, plates or utensils.
We need to be honest if we feel as though we could have symptoms.
If we need to self-isolate because we have symptoms, then we MUST do that. Going out, whether to a restaurant, supermarket or bank, simply can’t happen. It’s stupid to do otherwise. Actually, it’s criminal to do otherwise.
All employers need to play their part in this and allow people to self-isolate if necessary. And the government needs to help pay for this because some businesses will struggle.
Be Responsible and Try to Stay Calm
This is obviously a worrying situation, but we also need to try to stay calm. There’s no need to buy 400 toilet rolls and 50 tins of baked beans. Though if you do buy those beans, you will need those toilet rolls. But seriously, panic buying won’t help anyone. Buy enough to see you through in case you do need to self-isolate. Try to remember that if you buy everything in Tesco, other people are going without. And spare a thought for food banks. They’ll be needed more than ever by people who are struggling financially.
Appreciate the NHS
This virus will have far-reaching consequences for all of us, especially within the NHS. The NHS will have to close clinics and non-emergency surgeries will be cancelled. People will have to accept and understand that. We cannot get angry about it.
We can support and help them as much as possible by listening to them and doing what they are suggesting. Take their advice regarding visiting inpatients. Don’t go to the doctor or hospital with non-urgent problems. And don’t steal hand sanitiser from them. (Yes, this is happening)
Stay Safe and Help Others Stay Safe
We all need a common-sense approach and do whatever we can to delay the spread of this virus. We all need to look out for each other.
That might mean missing out on a lot of things. But, personally, I’d rather miss out on things than people.
Please stay safe. And help others to stay safe.
Useful Links About Covid-19
Advice from the NHS about Covid-19
World Health Organisation information about Covid-19
World Health Organisation questions and answers about Covid-19
very good post, thank you.
Thank you, Wendi
Worrying times. I’m in Spain and we’re in full lockdown since Saturday evening.
It’s very worrying. I hope you’re ok.
I hesrd a government spokewoman say on radio 4 this morning this is not a government u turn .
They still do.not in fact think banning mass gatherings will help to slow the spread very much .
However it will free up emergency services used at these events .
The government science advisors had previously said that the virus would be spread more quickly if people were unable to go to matches and so gathered inside in pubs instead .
I think it was public pressure thst caused the u turn ..people looking at other countries. thinking by comparison our goverment was not protecting us.
Now the Premier League and other sporting bodies are cancelling events …at huge fiananial cost ,the goverment is going to prohibit mass gatherings.
They now look complete fools .
Boris put on his compassionate serious face took a breath and warned us more of our loved ones would die ….so stay home for 7 days if you feel like you have a cold …then if better go back to work if not then call 111.
Oh and of course ….wash your hands .
I agree, public pressure made them change their minds. I think they are making so many mistakes, then changing plans down to public pressure.
Very well said, on all of it. I was so, so angry yesterday. Have been for a while now. Today the government, or Hancock at least (Boris won’t go out of his way to do such a thing) has tried to reassure people that something is being done, but by that they mean ‘in a few weeks’ (when this thing has tripled in reach) they’ll ask all over 70s and those with chronic illness to self-isolate for 12 weeks. I went to the stores today (four, because I was getting so miffed!) and the shelves were bare. Antibacterial gel has been nowhere to be found for a few weeks now since this panic buying started. I live with my parents, who are in their 70s, so I know we all need to be cautious anyway but I worry, not for myself, because I know there’s a good chance I wouldn’t survive it given my lung damage, but for my parents. I know so many must be worrying for their families more than themselves, too. It’s about getting the balance right with not overdoing the worry and anxiety, and not being so laid back that you’re part of the problem with spreading the virus.
I don’t see how things are going to get any better any time soon and I’m still seeing and hearing the ‘fit and young and healthy’ saying nonsense like ‘nah, I’m not bothered, still going to live life, innit’ (my ex, in his 30s, also said something similar) – total disregard for others who they could be passing it along to, others who may not be as fortunate to come out of this unscathed. I’m starting to feel really twisted up about all of this, the selfishness and the lacklustre approach of our government, all of it. Every life matters, and this is when we need to come together to care for each other. It’s just so sad. Rant over. Fantastic post, Liz.
And now – after that awful ranty comment – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIZ!!!! ? ♥?
Caz xxxx
Oh Caz, I feel so angry and frustrated at the government and at the selfishness and stupidity of the panic buyers. I was out with my husband for the first time yesterday and really was taken aback which sounds ridiculous because I’d seen plenty of photos of empty shelves. No soap of any kind, bars or liquid. Toilet roll or kitchen roll, but not both.. It’s unbelievable.
I totally understand the worrying. My mother-in-law and father-in-law are both 80ish with health problems. But my Dad is almost 87 and is on kidney dialysis. He can’t self-isolate to protect himself. It’s extremely worrying.
You take care, Caz. Look after yourself.
Great post! Such good advice here.
Thank you, Kate
Liz, great post, I am just so sad, watching our buffoon of a PM yesterday you can see he is trying to protect the NHS but only because he’s destroyed he is also trying to protect high finance companies, i.e. his donors by not instructing the closure of the hospitality industry, I have to keep stepping away from it as it’s just making me numb xx
I think we have to try to step away every so often. It gets too much, doesn’t it?
So in the US we have had all sporting events cancelled, concerts. In New York State where I live, bars and restaurants are closed with the exception of food take out and delivery. Schools are closed until April 1st right now and that may be longer in the end. They are suggesting that people do not gather in groups of more than 10 now. People need to take this seriously and stop going out if you don’t have to. You won’t catch it if you don’t leave the house. And was your hands. Great article.
Thanks Scott. Yesterday, the government asked us to avoid pubs, restaurants, cinemas etc and to only make essential journeys.
“Asked” – they didn’t tell us we must do that and they didn’t shut places down. And the schools are still open.
Covid-19 is such a scary virus and I’m staying home as much as I can to avoid getting it. I really wish people would stop hoarding groceries and essential supplies.
The main problem with COVID19 is that nobody really knows what to do to stop it, as its a very new virus. We have to responsible and try to remain in our home as much as possible. Unless we don’t become responsible and stay away from mass this virus will not slow down.
I think the worst part are people who do not believe in the virus and don’t really care to take responsibility. the world and economics are in crisis, we have to work together to make it stop the soonest!
If they are working for herd immunity, it may not work. I just saw something yesterday indicating that you may not become immune if you catch it. That is, you can catch it again. Hopefully not. This is still so new that we don’t know a lot about it. But the fact that it took so long for your government to take it seriously is really worrisome. It’s the same to the south of me (that is, the US). They’re finally taking seriously, but it took so long that they may end up to be another Italy. Thankfully, the borders are closed now. Please stay safe!
You are right in that we really do need to consider how our carelessness could affect the medical community who are trying to help us. I feel that even though my community has enforced a so-called lockdown in that schools are closed, business have closed and restaurants and bars as well as events, there are still people who aren’t taking this seriously. But we need to. Because even if we do not contract the virus we could be a carrier of it to someone more vulnerable than we. It is serious and I’m glad that our country is taking it that way. I hope we don’t have the same kinds of problems as Italy because we are being proactive.
We aren’t in full lock down here, however, things are slowly but surely being shut down and cancelled. The government has been imposing mandatory closures step by step, starting with the schools, then the recreational gatherings (casinos and dine in restaurants). The big thing that still draws crowds is the shopping, but I know that they can’t shut down the essentials (grocery stores), so we’ll have to see where it goes from here.
Unfortunately, I feel like a lot of people still aren’t taking it seriously. Just look at the videos of people out drinking and hanging out for St Patrick’s Day. Around here, I see parents posting on local Facebook groups about playdates with their kids… They just aren’t getting it.
I completely agree with you that herd immunity is a wild thought and not the way to go about handling this crisis. Each life is important and complete lockdown for weeks probably is the way to keep it under control so that healthcare infrastructure does not get stressed.Each of us have tremendous responsibility to do our bit.
As someone who is healthy, my number one priority is to not spread it. So I am staying home as much as possible