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Bofferbrauer2 said:
What else could politicians say? "We're not prepared, you can panic now?" Certainly not. Remembers me to about 10 years ago, when it was snowing so much and the governments were saying that they might run low on salt to clear the streets. Result of that remark: The people panicked and bought salt en masse to not run out, and because of that ran out, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Saying that the country would not be prepared would result in a rush to the pharmacies, and if they ran dry on medicine, potentially even a raid if people don't believe the apothecary staff members. They are already starting doing so for the face masks, so imagine what will happen with actual medicine. |
That's what happens when you keep treating your people like children. Hiding the true facts because people can't handle it is what leads to panic, distrust, sensationalism by the media etc. Of course saying the country is not prepared is not going to help, explaining the steps that are taken and telling people what they can do themselves to help is what should be done. Instead it's, we're fully prepared, risk is very low, we have the best people on it, just live on as usual. The emphasis should be on explaining ways to identify the illness, stay home when you have a cough, always cough in your sleeve if you have no other option and change clothes as often as possible. Simple things like don't share water bottles (Sadly that earlier video proves people are still that stupid). No unnecessary travel, cancel travel plans. Self quarantine when you arrive back from Europe or other places with the virus. Developing faster tests would help (I read it's 2 days to wait for test results), perhaps sacrificing some accuracy (false positives) as a form of 'triage' to determine who needs the more accurate slower tests.
Screening at airports is that back yet? I remember with Sars they had scanners to look for body temperature anomalies, check for fever hot spots. They have all those fancy full body scanners for terrorist attacks, yet this is potentially millions of times more deadly.
My kid just got back from a sleepover party. I picked him up today and hear one of the kids left early (last night) sick. He got it from his sister who recently came back from Cuba. That's how easy things can spread! Luckily no cough, stomach bug. Hopefully my kid doesn't get it but at least it's not the virus. But yeah, I would like to know from the government when to start telling him he can't go to birthday parties anymore, perhaps now already is the time. It's less than 100km away in Toronto. (My wife has chronic respiratory problems, she's at high risk, just recovering from double pneumonia she has had for months)
Response is still lagging behind. American airlines is now suspending flights to Italy (citing reduced demand...), however it's already spreading through the rest of Europe. Italy is now on the high threat list, too late, too little.
The media and the politicians themselves continue to give the public mixed messages without any clear instructions what can and should be done. Any panic is up to the politicians themselves. It's been coming since Januari, there was plenty time to start preparing people. It's just human nature, if no imminent danger right at the door step, ignore it, carry on as usual.
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