Why are people still so fearful of the SARS-CoV-2 virus?

[Skimpot flyer]

the government and the MSM have driven that fear
The government ads with the 'Stay home, Stay safe, control the virus' in a creepy voice would put the fear of god into many people.
and they repeated it every ad break.
Thats why people are behaving irrationally.
Unwinding that will be very hard

In some places, the subliminal messaging is not only lit up in lights, it’s still of the ‘Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives’ variety.
This was taken in Western Road, Brighton on Tuesday night, this week.

One has to wonder why, when government set up the contracts with Clear Channel for these digital campaigns, they haven’t checked that the current advice is being displayed? Or did the contract specify displaying that particular message for a specific number of months? If so, why?
Even the scrolling messages on the Thameslink and Southern trains I’ve used lately have been updated to something like ‘always follow the latest government advice’

 

[talldave]

Yes I read the virus in the same way I read anything that is very likely to kill me. I cannot transfer the risk, I can only avoid it by isolation. Until the risk is eliminated by vaccination or a cure my actions will remain the same.

That's an intelligent, reasoned approach. I'm sure your approach didn't suddenly change at midnight on 23rd July!

 

[birchesgreen]

The worst posters have been the ones which tells people to stay at home otherwise people will die. Erdington station only took their one down this week.

 

[Huntergreed]

People aren’t scared of the virus, people are scared of the “big deadly virus that 100% will kill you” that the government have been portraying it as. A large dash of realism is needed. It makes me so angry when places get locked down with no hospitalisations or deaths just to “get cases down”. I think it’s pretty obvious this virus isn’t as dangerous as we initially feared and our response has been disgracefully out of proportion.

The government and media are entirely to blame, when they use messaging such as “stay at home, save lives” and, for the Preston local lockdown “Stay at Home, Don’t Kill Granny” (this was the official message used (https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp....ith-bans-on-households-mixing-due-to-covid-19))

I must admit at the start of this, I accepted the restrictions as I saw them as “for the greater good” in order to prevent the overwhelming of the NHS. Now, I profoundly disagree with just how restrictive the measures are and I do actually find it had quite a negative effect on my mental health to have my freedoms and life restricted in such a way for, as far as I can see, little to no benefit

 

[adc82140]

the common cold is a corona virus. they have been looking for a vaccine for that for decades. I think you could have a long wait for an effective vaccine.

I think they will find ways to treat COVID over time to reduce its death risk. Maybe Hydroxychloroquine, maybe something else

but it will be here for ever, along side SARS, Ebola and flu. You can hide at home, or take life by the balls....

Point of order: the common cold is a rhinovirus, not a coronavirus.

 

[DB]

Point of order: the common cold is a rhinovirus, not a coronavirus.

There are several viruses which cause common colds, some rhinoviruses and some coronaviruses.

 

[Essan]

Because if we get it we have to self isolate for 2 weeks, seriously impacting on our business. In my case it would also mean a separate business, who shares the same building as me, employing 8 staff, would also have to close down.

As for the actual effects of the virus

The long-term health effects of COVID-19

Even mild symptoms from the new coronavirus can last for weeks, or disappear only to rebound with renewed intensity, so what long-term effects does the disease have on our health?

www.gavi.org

 

[Essan]

Initially we acted to protect the NHS

I think it worked

Now we have to act to protect our liberty

I have no confidence that will happen because it is quite clear that no-one cares about anyone but themselves And if we do not curtail the spread of the virus, the results are obvious.

 

[DB]

And if we do not curtail the spread of the virus, the results are obvious.

What are the results?

 

[Killingworth]

Why are people still so fearful of the virus?

Maybe because our leaders, both nationally and internationally, hadn't paid enough attention to the pandemic contingency plans they will have had. Just one of those jobs somebody got allocated and did fairly well, but nobody in real authority read, understood, resourced, and was ready to implement in good time I'd guess.

I'm aware of a major plc that did have such plans and they were well implemented. I'd suggest without them our electricity, gas, water supply, sewage, post, food and fuel supply, hospitals, internet and telecommunications would have failed. In the main (although some might disagree about details) all continued to function well enough for us all to be fed and spend as long as we like contributing to a forum like this.

Howewer, the performance of too many national and international leaders hasn't helped to calm fears - our own inexperienced cabinet as much as any, trumped of course by the US.

When large numbers in and around government were falling ill it wasn't reassuring, especially with daily scary updates. Even now we still aren't being presented with sufficiently detailed and up to date data to show how low risks are in most areas - but high in very narrow locations that need to be watched. We're starting to get there.

A neighbour was already a recluse leaving the house at dead of night to put out the bins and picking up Sainsbury's deliveries after being left at the door. She only ever speaks by phone but is even more petrified now!

It's right that those at highest risk should be taking extra care. Male and over 70 concentates the mind. I avoid all shops, even with a mask (nothing new there though). I've been on carefully selected almost empty trains, and had drinks outside a well spaced restaurant - and even been inside once. I take long country walks every week.

Aaprt from not protecting their old folks in care homes the Swedes may have been doing it right.

Anyway, I gather Barnard Castle trade is on the up! We lived only 20 minutes away for 3 years but never went. Must look in sometime this year.

 

[Essan]

What are the results?

More lockdowns ....

 

[DB]

More lockdowns ....

That's not really the effect of the virus though - more of the over-reaction to it!

 

[AndyY]

From the title "Why are people still so fearful of the virus?", are you saying that there is nothing to fear of the virus?
In 3 months, it has killed >40,000 people, with a lockdown to minimise its spread. Some people, despite being young and no comorbidities, are left with long term effects, which may or may not be permanent.
Yes, I am fearful of catching the virus, and I will take my precautions.

Anyone who is not fearful, who want to catch it and "get on with their lives", are perfectly welcome to spend >15 minutes in a covid ward, and then isolate for the next 10 days after symptoms appear. Your local hospital may even be happy to provide light refreshments for your covid party, but please do not call them and add to the load of NHS should the symptoms turn nasty.

>> Aaprt from not protecting their old folks in care homes the Swedes may have been doing it right.
Please name one country/region which has been able to protect their old folks in care homes, in a backdrop of widespread community transmission.
Do bear in mind that workers in care homes are often low paid and in insecure employment (hence may be unable to afford to self isolate if ill, may be agents working in multiple care homes, thus increasing risk, etc.).

 

[Richard Scott]

People aren’t scared of the virus, people are scared of the “big deadly virus that 100% will kill you” that the government have been portraying it as. A large dash of realism is needed. It makes me so angry when places get locked down with no hospitalisations or deaths just to “get cases down”. I think it’s pretty obvious this virus isn’t as dangerous as we initially feared and our response has been disgracefully out of proportion.

The government and media are entirely to blame, when they use messaging such as “stay at home, save lives” and, for the Preston local lockdown “Stay at Home, Don’t Kill Granny” (this was the official message used (https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp....ith-bans-on-households-mixing-due-to-covid-19))

I must admit at the start of this, I accepted the restrictions as I saw them as “for the greater good” in order to prevent the overwhelming of the NHS. Now, I profoundly disagree with just how restrictive the measures are and I do actually find it had quite a negative effect on my mental health to have my freedoms and life restricted in such a way for, as far as I can see, little to no benefit

Totally agree with you.

 

[DB]

From the title "Why are people still so fearful of the virus?", are you saying that there is nothing to fear of the virus?
In 3 months, it has killed >40,000 people, with a lockdown to minimise its spread. Some people, despite being young and no comorbidities, are left with long term effects, which may or may not be permanent.
Yes, I am fearful of catching the virus, and I will take my precautions.

Anyone who is not fearful, who want to catch it and "get on with their lives", are perfectly welcome to spend >15 minutes in a covid ward, and then isolate for the next 10 days after symptoms appear. Your local hospital may even be happy to provide light refreshments for your covid party, but please do not call them and add to the load of NHS should the symptoms turn nasty.

This is a good illustration of the problem.

Nobody is claiming that no risks exist - the point is that they are being greatly exaggerated, as you demonstrate well.

 

[Ken H]

From the title "Why are people still so fearful of the virus?", are you saying that there is nothing to fear of the virus?
In 3 months, it has killed >40,000 people, with a lockdown to minimise its spread. Some people, despite being young and no comorbidities, are left with long term effects, which may or may not be permanent.
Yes, I am fearful of catching the virus, and I will take my precautions.

Anyone who is not fearful, who want to catch it and "get on with their lives", are perfectly welcome to spend >15 minutes in a covid ward, and then isolate for the next 10 days after symptoms appear. Your local hospital may even be happy to provide light refreshments for your covid party, but please do not call them and add to the load of NHS should the symptoms turn nasty.

it was starting to recede before lockdown. deaths started to drop less than 14 days after lockdown. The weather was improving, which always helos with epidemics.
we only locked down to save the NHS. once it was clear the NHS had spare capacity in intensive care and acute wards, then lockdown should have been relaxing. It was kept on for far too long. and now the deaths are very very low, we should go back to normal.

 

[Richard Scott]

From the title "Why are people still so fearful of the virus?", are you saying that there is nothing to fear of the virus?
In 3 months, it has killed >40,000 people, with a lockdown to minimise its spread. Some people, despite being young and no comorbidities, are left with long term effects, which may or may not be permanent.
Yes, I am fearful of catching the virus, and I will take my precautions.

Anyone who is not fearful, who want to catch it and "get on with their lives", are perfectly welcome to spend >15 minutes in a covid ward, and then isolate for the next 10 days after symptoms appear. Your local hospital may even be happy to provide light refreshments for your covid party, but please do not call them and add to the load of NHS should the symptoms turn nasty.

So it's killed about 0.06% of the population, almost all of whom were over 80, obese or had underlying health conditions. Flu can kill you too but we don't have a meltdown every time it comes around. Almost all who have this SARS-CoV-2 recover with no issues. Any viral infections can have lasting issues, a sense of proportion needed. I was told today there are likely to be around 300,000 people with undiagnosed cancers who are not having treatment. I'll take my chances with the virus, thanks, if we can get back to normal and start concerning ourselves with issues like that.

 

[yorksrob]

When large numbers in and around government were falling ill it wasn't reassuring, especially with daily scary updates. Even now we still aren't being presented with sufficiently detailed and up to date data to show how low risks are in most areas - but high in very narrow locations that need to be watched. We're starting to get there.

Indeed. There still doesn't seem to be much information available on how cases are occurring. It would be less worrying knowing that your area has had thirty new cases if there was some explaination of how those cases have come about. Occasionally you'll hear of a factory that's had an outbreak, however that's quite rare.

 

[AndyY]

You did not address my point. If there is really nothing to be fearful of, why is the government not proposing that every single healthy person in the country have a gathering in the covid ward? As long as this is scheduled at a rate which does not overwhelm the NHS (some of them may still get seriously ill and need hospital treatment), we will have herd immunity in record time! Does not need Sherlock Holmes to work that one out.

 

[greyman42]

It would be more sensible if you read all of that post. The fourth reason for being fearful of COVID-19 was: "d) I don't want to spread it to other people, whatever their level of risk." You see, it's not all about 'self' with everybody. It goes on: " it's what makes me practice good hand hygiene and wear a facecovering when out and about." Rather that make all sorts of justification why they don't need to wear a face covering, the poster just get's on with it as part of their respect for others.

Regarding d) you can only spread it if you already have it, and when i walk down the street i don't see someone wearing a mask and think "that person respects me".

 

[Yew]

From the title "Why are people still so fearful of the virus?", are you saying that there is nothing to fear of the virus?
In 3 months, it has killed >40,000 people, with a lockdown to minimise its spread. Some people, despite being young and no comorbidities, are left with long term effects, which may or may not be permanent.
Yes, I am fearful of catching the virus, and I will take my precautions.

Anyone who is not fearful, who want to catch it and "get on with their lives", are perfectly welcome to spend >15 minutes in a covid ward, and then isolate for the next 10 days after symptoms appear. Your local hospital may even be happy to provide light refreshments for your covid party, but please do not call them and add to the load of NHS should the symptoms turn nasty.

>> Aaprt from not protecting their old folks in care homes the Swedes may have been doing it right.
Please name one country/region which has been able to protect their old folks in care homes, in a backdrop of widespread community transmission.
Do bear in mind that workers in care homes are often low paid and in insecure employment (hence may be unable to afford to self isolate if ill, may be agents working in multiple care homes, thus increasing risk, etc.).

Covid ward?

Lots of hospitals don't have any patients in their Covid wards anymore.

 

[AM9]

Regarding d) you can only spread it if you already have it, and when i walk down the street i don't see someone wearing a mask and think "that person respects me".

Well,
1) one can be infected and not know it, either because the symptoms are not yet present, or because they have an asymptomatic case of COVID-19
2) what has your opinion about somebody respecting you got to do with somebody who wears a face covering because they respect others health by doing what they can to prevent insfection. I's not all about you by the way.

 

[Domh245]

You did not address my point. If there is really nothing to be fearful of, why is the government not proposing that every single healthy person in the country have a gathering in the covid ward? As long as this is scheduled at a rate which does not overwhelm the NHS (some of them may still get seriously ill and need hospital treatment), we will have herd immunity in record time! Does not need Sherlock Holmes to work that one out.

Because it's bad optics, which is about the only thing this 'government' cares about. Like you note, the risk for healthy people, whilst very very small isn't zero, and all it takes is one otherwise quite healthy person developing complications for the media to latch on to before they start getting a lot of flack for it. Of course, if said healthy person had caught it whilst out and about rather than at a government mandated party it wouldn't have the same level of pushback. And that's even before considering the facebook crowd who think that this is airborne super-ebola and would kill them if they come within 2m of somebody with it, regardless of what the facts say

 

[greyman42]

1) one can be infected and not know it, either because the symptoms are not yet present, or because they have an asymptomatic case of COVID-19

This argument gets made so often that i get the impression that some people think that a large proportion of the population fall into this category.

 

[farleigh]

The vast majority of people I know just want to get back to normal and that includes many teachers.

 

[packermac]

it was starting to recede before lockdown. deaths started to drop less than 14 days after lockdown. The weather was improving, which always helos with epidemics.
we only locked down to save the NHS. once it was clear the NHS had spare capacity in intensive care and acute wards, then lockdown should have been relaxing. It was kept on for far too long. and now the deaths are very very low, we should go back to normal.

So 14 days after lockdown was March 30, these are the UK death figures for the next 14 days, I do not think they were dropping.

1228​

1408​

1789​

2352​

2921​

3605​

4313​

4934​

5373​

6159​

7097​

7978​

8958​

9875​

10612​

11329​

12107​

 

[talldave]

@packermac you're re-writing history!

 

[Crossover]

So 14 days after lockdown was March 30, these are the UK death figures for the next 14 days, I do not think they were dropping.

1228​

1408​

1789​

2352​

2921​

3605​

4313​

4934​

5373​

6159​

7097​

7978​

8958​

9875​

10612​

11329​

12107​

That looks to be the cumulative total!

 

[Killingworth]

The vast majority of people I know just want to get back to normal and that includes many teachers.

I'd say everyone wants to get back to normal, however the way the world has reacted to all this means the normal we knew in January isn't coming back.

Trends already existing in society have been accentuated and changes brought forward. Working from home. Shopping online. Avoiding city centre shops. Scrapping older aircraft. Flying and cruising less. Maybe a rethink on so many going away to universities far from home to do expensive courses of 3 years for qualifications they don't really need for work. We can all think of examples.

As far as this forum is concerned, giving up on much public rail and bus transport. Restoring Beeching cuts may become retaining what Beeching left!

Some of these changes will prove to be beneficial, but that remains to be seen in 10-20 years time.

Spanish flu post WW1 was probably more deadly, but may prove to have had far less economic effect.

The people didn't publicise it: that started from mixed government actions causing confusion and panic across the globe.

 

[farleigh]

I'd say everyone wants to get back to normal, however the way the world has reacted to all this means the normal we knew in January isn't coming back.

Trends already existing in society have been accentuated and changes brought forward. Working from home. Shopping online. Avoiding city centre shops. Scrapping older aircraft. Flying and cruising less. Maybe a rethink on so many going away to universities far from home to do expensive courses of 3 years for qualifications they don't really need for work. We can all think of examples.

As far as this forum is concerned, giving up on much public rail and bus transport. Restoring Beeching cuts may become retaining what Beeching left!

Some of these changes will prove to be beneficial, but that remains to be seen in 10-20 years time.

Spanish flu post WW1 was probably more deadly, but may prove to have had far less economic effect.

The people didn't publicise it: that started from mixed government actions causing confusion and panic across the globe.

Maybe but I think that when furlough ends and schools are back then the vocal minority will become less vocal, and certainly less listened to.