Agree with all that.Little John wrote:It's out now. All efforts to contain it will become progressively more pointless. At what point that becomes acknowledged as a fact on the ground is not yet clear. but, it will be pretty soon I reckon.
The next question for individuals is what are they going to do to protect themselves from getting it or, indeed, if there is any point in trying to do so. If, as seems to be the case, this virus is more or less the same as the common cold in term of virulence, then it seems to me that it is, as mentioned, impossible to contain and it is likely to be circulating for years. So, I am wondering if there is much point worrying about contracting it. Instead, an individual's best option might be to make sure they are stocked up on essential foods in case of food supply chains being interrupted due to a lot of people being ill at one. Also, have a supply of anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) and oxygen on hand in case you need it when you get ill.
Other than that, get on with living.
I guess PowerSwitchers generally are the types who are the keenest to anticipate and mitigate aggro from whatever cause. Like fuel shortages.
Quietly planning and stockpiling where possible.
Last year, for me, it was the prospect of Hard Brexit. (Which has just resurfaced). And now this. The degree and fine-tuning of preps are driven by one's own vulnerability (Me and Mrs Mustard are both diabetic) and freedom to prepare.
Got the ibuprofen and paracetamol. Surface and hand wioes, kleenex, bleach. And a digital thermometer, face masks (albeit the builder's type) and other than that, restored the provisions to where they stood for Hard Brexit shortages. So that's maybe £100 spent, but not wasted - it'll all get used.
What we're all essentially trying to do now is monitor the spread and severity to justify further progressive responses. Sensible hygiene measures. Avoiding big crowds, doing brief supply runs while possible, then avoiding non-essential public and finally, family gatherings. Coping with lock-downs. And planning particular care for high risk environments like GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals. As each wave passes, reassess the situation.
And then get on with living - because your foresight meant you avoided the panic rush.