Coronavirus poses a very real threat and we mustn’t take any chances

FOR the last few weeks the Coronavirus – or Corvid 19 to give the disease its proper title – has dominated the news in a way few issues have in recent memory.

While some, mainly on social media, have accused the media of fuelling unnecessary public hysteria, the threat of the virus is very real and should not be played down by anyone.

In the midst of a crisis a degree of gallows humour is also to be expected – the Coronavirus has been no exception – and numerous online jokes were inevitable but people shouldn’t let themselves be lulled into a false sense of security.

The World Health Organisation and governments across the world are treating the Coronavirus as a clear and present danger to societies and economies worldwide.

The drastic steps taken to stem the spread of the virus have not been taken lightly and should provide even the greatest of sceptics with proof of how dangerous the situation is.

Scientists and experts are still studying the nature of the virus but we already know that it can spread extremely fast compared to similar viruses and that it is at least 10 times deadlier than a typical seasonal flu.

Precisely how its spreads is still unclear and that is making the fight against it even harder.

Most younger people who contract it will survive but the sick and the elderly are at serious risk should they succumb to infection.

Imposing and obeying quarantine rules and preventing or avoiding travel to known virus hotspots is vital if the virus is to be beaten. Even the slightest slip up could have catastrophic and fatal consequences.

Imagine the dreadful scenario if, for example, the virus was to find its way into a care-home for the seriously sick or the elderly. The consequences don’t bear thinking about.

While protecting lives, particularly those of society’s most vulnerable, is obviously the most important thing, the global economy is also in serious danger.

Already the stock markets are in a state of panic; supply chains are breaking down and economists say they fear a global recession as damaging as that of 2008. Millions of livelihoods are at risk as we stare down the barrel of another devastating recession. Rarely has so much been at stake.

Thankfully, people do seem to be paying attention. Across the world, governments – including our own – have proved dedicated and efficient in their efforts to contain the virus.

The vast majority of patients who have contracted the virus, or who suspect they may have it, seem to have behaved highly responsibly and followed instructions on what to do.

The public in quarantine zones also seem willing to put up with extreme disruption to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe.

It looks as though we have a long way to go before the threat is over but, so far, the measures being taken seem to be working. We can only hope that continues.