Public need to be presented with a proper assessment of risk
The public discourse should be framed within a proper appreciation of the risks. The risk to most people (ie those not in vulnerable groups) is very small, see eg the work of Prof Spiegelhalter etc - more or less the same risk as everyone has of dying within the next year anyway from other causes. The reason that we have lockdown for those lower risk people is not for their own personal safety, but so as to limit the virus spread so that those who *are* vulnerable are less likely to catch it and so that the health service can cope.
If there is a widespread but misleading perception that everyone is at great risk from the virus (eg First Minister saying "we will not put your children at risk"), then the wrong decisions may be taken. Reopening schools may well be the wrong decision, but that would be because it might cause a general increase in infection rates, not because it would be inherently risky for the children themselves. Similarly with other measures that are being considered.
Why the contribution is important
A simple message has great advantages when actions ("stay at home") are simple. However, as lockdown measures are changed or relaxed, it is far more important that the reasons for doing things are properly understood. If people perceive the risks correctly, they are more likely to understand what is being done and why. And very importantly, they are less likely to be subject to needless anxiety about infection, which will lead to fewer mental health impacts and a quicker economic recovery.
by Broderickbutton on May 05, 2020 at 05:04PM
Posted by lindyloo May 05, 2020 at 18:33
Report this Comment (Requires Log In)
Posted by Bannerman May 08, 2020 at 20:42
Report this Comment (Requires Log In)