As sophisticated as modern government is, as evinced by crowd behaviour at the supermarket, in the end it's every man for himself.

Dan

Well, yes: epidemics are nothing new, and I suppose the numbskulls with no knowledge of history need to be told this (whether they will listen is a moot point), but the knowledge is not much use in the here and now. And the 200 years of 'struggle and panic' in Australia is a bit of an exaggeration.

The reality is that no living Australia has been confronted with anything like the China virus, which has invaded our borders, thanks to an unprecedented movement of people. Our island advantage has been blown, by the stupidity of globalisation, and economic over reliance on a country, China, whose people and practices are not equal to ours.

And HIV/AIDS should not be mentioned in the same breath as something that can strike any normal person down.

This article is of no use or comfort to anyone. We have a chief medical officer for the Commonwealth, and one for each state. They are the people we should be listening to; not every Tom, Dick and Harry putting his oar in and stirring up media panic merchants like Tracy Grimshaw and others who are doing a lot of harm.

It is clear that some folk just don't give a toss, given they'll be alright! Others think it's the sort of thing that comes with liquid dysentery and have consequently bought five-year worth of toilet tissue?

I watched the Sunday footy as did a few local die-hard supporters and to a man crammed in like sardines in every advantageous viewing spot. Social distancing!? No attempt, not even arms lenth!

It's like we have two societies, one that gives a dam, like old school Australians/Anacs.

And a new cohort who are ride-sharing just don't. Agree already n the road with holiday caravans in tow. To spread this highly contagious infection as far and wide as possible against a mostly trusting and defenceless population

And that OK, give we flatten the curve, acquire herd immunity?

Laugh and cackle madly about another's personal misfortune or demise, are thinking about Gran's inheritance rather than Gran, think that they are personally bulletproof, it won't happen to them as we've seen in all conflicts.

And are content that the 20% of fatalities will be in the older cohort, you know those old foggies eking out a miserable existence on the public purse and eating into/competing with the negative gearing budget etc.

It's the economy stupid.
Alan B.

The travel junkies & mass tourism are the single biggest factor in the spread of any virus.
They all but killed off the Great Barrier Reef & now we're copping it !
Haven't heard of any more refugee boats anywhere, have they stopped ?
Instead of masks we should all wear a burkha now !

Individual: I'd add a set of goggles and rubber gloves to the suggested dress code for almost complete protection!

Go into any infectious ward to see almost the exact same. Except it'll usually be all white.

Take care and stay safe.
Alan B.

tbbn, well said, and needed to be sayed.

As my Granny used to say (born 1899 generation). If you can say anything useful, or good say nothing. T

There are too many armchair spoofers, publishing opinions and flooding the airwaves, particularly the ABC and Dr Norman Swan (Grrrr!) Who does he think he is, to flaunt his own opinion over that of the Chief Medical Officer and the Government, just because he and the left-wing socialists of the ABC commune hate SCOMO etal. They nearly managed to crucify him over the bushfires, now they are hounding after him//Frydenberg 24/7.

And what makes it worse the keep spruiking that is "Your ABC", what hypocrites.