We’re all in this together

MASSIVE changes are coming to our daily lives at a breakneck pace. And for some that’s understandably daunting.

That our authorities are taking the threat of coronavirus seriously and actively putting in place measures designed to help stop the spread and flatten the demand curve burden on our health service should give us some hope.

It might not feel like it now, but Australia is in a relatively fortunate position.

We have the benefit of learning lessons from China, the United States and Europe.

We have the opportunity to act faster to ensure that damage is minimised.

In Tasmania we would hope to be a few days behind the mainland.

In the case of COVID-19, the best kind of reaction will be an over-reaction.

That is to say if self-isolation measures are taken and adhered to, when this storm has passed — and it will pass — those who are fortunate enough to look back and criticise government, authorities or businesses for going too far should probably be thankful that the powers that be protected them from a much worse outcome.

In Italy, the death toll soared by 368 in a day, skyrocketing towards China’s deadly figure.

Spain saw fatalities hit 288 — almost doubling in a day — which forced it to call in the army.

The Spanish government has declared a state of emergency and locked down the country’s 47 million people for 15 days. Spanish police have threatened people with $50,000 fines for breaking a lockdown as Europe’s infection rates spiral out of control.

At home health authorities have warned there will be an “exponential increase” in coronavirus cases in the next few weeks after a spike of new cases yesterday.

Both Victoria and the ACT declared a state of emergency in a bid to curb the pandemic.

Meanwhile, at least two Tasmanian schools announced closure plans with the University of Tasmania ramping up its plans to allow students to study via distance.

It’s likely more schools will follow suit this week, which has huge flow-on effects for working parents but may be a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Events are being cancelled every hour and the government is this week likely to introduce further recommendations around gatherings.

From yesterday, it recommended gatherings with more than 500 people be cancelled, but it’s highly likely weddings, conferences and other smaller events will have to be reconsidered.

Tasmanian Anzac ceremonies were also cancelled yesterday and any sporting events that do still run are likely to be played behind closed doors.

As the world as we know it starts to move into a new phase, it’s important for us all to think beyond how we are personally impacted or inconvenienced.

Anzac Day services may be cancelled but we should never forget that Anzac spirit.

Think of hospitality workers or event staff who are paid per job and have suddenly lost their only income.

Think of your elderly neighbour who may be isolated and scared, or the doctors, nurses and teachers who now find themselves at high risk of contracting the virus.

The biggest thing we can do right now is to think about others and play a part — however small — in ensuring we all get through this together.

Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by the Editor, Jenna Cairney, Level 1, 2 Salamanca Square, Hobart, TAS, 7000