Why we must all adhere to unpopular measures

IN THE ensuing weeks and months, we’re all going to be asked to do things which we baulk at.

As the panic unfolds, the reproductive rate (speed of spread) in different parts of the world will differ according to the policies put in place – and, most importantly, to the public’s willingness to follow them.

Few countries will be able to impose controls as strict as China’s. The South Korean government has given itself the power to forcibly close schools, airports and even military bases.

We’re not a nation that responds to such draconian measures but we have to go as far as possible down that road.

It comes down to this – the number of deaths we have in this country depends on how closely we comply with Government strategies to contain the virus.

Data scientists are busy modelling the course of the epidemic as it unfolds and such modelling will inform public health choices.

Certain measures will undoubtedly be unpopular here but if we wish to control and contain this epidemic we’d be wise to comply.

Q&A

QUESTION My child is meant to be going on a school trip to Spain but I’m worried. Should I let them go?

ANSWER My answer would be no. My family is in virtual lockdown. My husband and I have cancelled two trips and the reasons for our cancellations are the same as why I’d be against your child going to Spain.

Airports are dangerous places. Planes are crowded. There’s a great mixture of people in those places coming from various parts of the world. I wouldn’t want to expose myself or your child to the hazard of picking up an infection.

Yes, children don’t seem to be badly affected by this virus but they can carry it. In other words, they can unintentionally carry it back to their own and other families.