Viewpoint: Coronavirus and common sense

Just to get some reality into the situation, Ireland is NOT in 'lockdown', despite newspaper headlines, writes Brian Byrne. People are NOT going around wearing masks much, despite photos in news outlets of which some have been caught as setups. There are NOT many people or families in 'self-isolation', although from the activity on Facebook one would think that half the population of Kilcullen can't leave their homes.

Which is not to gainsay all the goodwill that is being exhibited on the same Facebook streams. But let's pull back the level of frantic a little. Maybe even a little more.

Yes, the Covid-19 situation IS very serious. And the limitations announced during the week are a correct move by the state. Maybe also we will have to have even further restrictions in the near or further future. Without doubt, there will be a significant escalation in the reported numbers of positive diagnoses, now that testing protocols have been expanded. Some of us may well get ill. Maybe quite a number of us. Hopefully, as with any illness, most of us will get over it.

There are already serious implications for business and economic activity, at both national and local levels, and for individual workers. It is right, and reassuring, that some swift measures have already been brought forward to help us all deal with these. More may be required as this progresses, and we can be sure that more will be provided as is found necessary. It seems that normal politicking has been left to one side for the moment, and we should hope that this will remain the case.

Food and normal household needs are NOT in short supply, and will not be unless the whole population invests in ten-year future stockpiles of toilet rolls and soap. Some people have already done so, it seems. They're going to have to spend an awful lot of time on the throne to regain the space in their sheds or attics now full of Cushelle.

The truth is, the local businesses that we are used to supporting are all open. The food shops, the restaurants and cafes, the pubs, the bookshop, ladies shop, the pharmacies, saddlers and more. All upping their already fine game in terms of hygiene, to protect both themselves and their customers. Until told otherwise, they will remain supplying our daily needs for goods, recreation, and social contact.

It’s all common-sense stuff. Like the level of personal hygiene we are all encouraged to practise now. It is common sense that will get all of us through this situation and out the other side.

The faces of our public health service are familiar now. They will become more so before this is over. They exude common sense and do not hype the situation, and yet they do get across how serious it is, and how it could be.

Our local doctors and pharmacies have outlined their own sensible precautions and procedures to deal with the situation. We can take it as a given that they have the interests of their patients, and the community, at the forefront of their minds. Let's take their advice, not that of so many 'instant experts' at their keyboards.

Community and sports organisations have reacted properly to the escalation of attempts to curtail the spread of the virus. No large crowds at shows or gigs, check. No close-contact training, check. No games that gather large numbers of supporters, check. And the postponement or cancelling of card games, table quizzes, whatever, check.

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't go out and get the fresh air and exercise that we need anyhow. Nor stop meeting friends, while keeping to the appropriate current non-contact protocols. Nor cease to do our normal shopping and support of our local businesses. This thing is not in the air, not in the water, not in the food. If we keep things clean, and be sensible, we'll get over it.

Maybe one good extra thing to do would be to pull back on the compulsive Coronavirus news cycle. All programming seems to have been infected by it. Even light entertainment — there are only so many times I can watch demonstrations of how to wash hands, and I reached that limit some time ago.

As for social media, practice a little truth hygiene. Just because somebody reposts that 'advice' from 'a doctor in China at the centre of the crisis' or wherever else, doesn't mean it's real, or true. All it does is increase the infection of anxiety. So, like you now refrain from handshakes, DON'T TOUCH THAT 'LIKE' OR 'SHARE' BUTTON without a little careful thought.

Be well. Look out for each other, and be kind.

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