From where I’m sitting, what I’m reading and what I’m hearing, things are spiraling out of control.
In a contest of Fear Vs Common Sense, Fear wins hands down. IMO that’s a lot of what causing the panic buying. People are not thinking sensibly or rationally, which in turn is feeding the fear, and making things worse.
Yes, it is OK to be afraid and scared. Most of us are, but thinking first and a little bit of planning provides better results than heading headfirst into disaster, though it is mind boggling to see in the media the carnage in some supermarkets.
Those who aren’t afraid are either better informed than the rest of us and have fully equipped bunkers at their disposal or are not fully aware of the situation. There are several people here in denial, thinking it’s silly and that it can’t happen to them.
Well, it can, but hopefully won’t. However, we cannot control the actions of other people and some we come in contact with may be infectious even if they show no symptoms.
Now many are being confined to their homes due to health issues or age. Some are choosing to do that anyway, regardless. This adds to pressure, concerns and fear, especially for those who are not computer savvy, mobile, or live alone.
We aren’t going out unless we have to. Currently, we still walk the dog and pass other dog walkers. We each give the other space, but acknowledge each other, so still having contact but at a distance.
Most of us have the internet, email, Skype, our blogs, and a bunch of other social communications without physical contact or presence. We do not have to be alone.
Supermarkets have now imposed restrictions on basic products in order to keep stocks available. Hopefully people will now begin to take what they need, not raid everything in sight. We are all different, have different needs and preferences. So if you don’t like bran cereal or peanut butter, and don’t need specialty foods, LEAVE IT FOR SOMEONE WHO DOES.
If we just take a moment to stop and think, maybe everyone will calm down sufficiently to make things a little easier for us all.
I’ll get off my box now. Keep safe everyone.
pensitivity101 
I’d hoped panic shopping would have died down by now, but alas, it has not. I hope our food stores start imposing limits too or else we are really going to be in trouble.
I think the panic buying is making the situation worse.
There is no question that it is Di. It really is ridiculous!!
I totally agree with you on that too.
I’m one that could be classified as ‘in denial.’ It’s not true though, I have a healthy respect for what that virus can do and will do, if given the proverbial yard. I am just REFUSING, wholesale, to giving into the fear that it WILL happen. The idiocy I see happening daily (latest in America, in Utah anyway) is to “stay 6 feet away” from any other person. 😮 WHAT? Up here where I live there are ZERO cases. My town is tiny and sleepy and we don’t get much, if any, international tourists nor even travelers in our own country. Sure people still have to work and some of them (a family member of mine as it happens) have to travel to do their jobs. I still refuse to be scared. To live in fear is not to live in my opinion. Sorry. I guess I had a little soap box of my very own.
And given my personality ‘type’ (introvert level hermit) these restrictions are things I already do.
Thank you for spreading some positive and informative news and thanks for the well wishes. Those are the best ‘cure’.
I don’t consider you ‘in denial’ Melanie as you are aware of the situation and are to be applauded for refusing to give into fear.
We don’t have any cases in our town (as far as I know, as if they would actually tell us), BUT we are a holiday resort plus we have a high population of elderly pensioners and sadly we can’t control what visitors may bring in. The virus is certainly not to be laughed at or ignored.
You take care of you and your fur babies.
There is a link that shares data of cases in areas where the virus is. It gets updated each day. Something I have been looking at, which I learnt nearest places to me are Bilsthorpe and Nottingham.
I read earlier this evening that there was a case in Hucknall,so unless I missed it, this should be added to the site.
We have 4 in Lincolnshire and 1 in North Lincolnshire (though yesterday it was 2 in the North) according to the data report which was updated today. I consider that very lucky and reassuring where we are. Our main anxiety is the coming Easter holiday break and if we will still get the visitors and whatever they bring with them.
I know from reading, we are not supposed to travel unless it’s essential. I was going to have a day in Southwell this Saturday originally, but I will follow the advice and leave until next month. Depending on what the situation is then.
I know coach holidays I would use for trips and holidays are still sending advertisements for their holidays, so I assume it’s business as usual. So whether you find folk, time will tell.
I have discovered in my local area this Saturday, that there is litter picking happening at my local nature reserve, that I helped with last year for the first time. So I plan to help with that. That’s of course if it isn’t cancelled. I will check on that a little later, or email the person directly to see.
I volunteered at my usual place today, but whether I will in a fortnight, I don’t know. They will keep me informed.
Keep safe Liz. 🙂
You too. 🙂
Common sense is desperately needed. People need to logically think – and evaluate where they are, their lifestyle, and, then, the risk.
You are in a lucky spot.
Fear, inconsistent information, and media fanning frenzy is as big a problem as the virus.
Yes, stay calm and carry on (if I can borrow applicable phrase)
You are so right! Panic is more contagious than any virus. And just as deadly.
Yep.
Hope for the best and plan for the worst. With a little common sense and consideration for others!
exactly
I do not like the new