Hello friends, I hope this letter finds you fit and well?

So, COVID-19 - Coronavirus - is wreaking havoc across the globe. Here in the United Kingdom, little seems to be happening to limit the spread of the virus. Compared to other countries around the world, many of which are going into full-on lockdown mode, our government is trying to do something completely different. In essence, our approach, use ‘herd immunity’ to curtail pressure on our National Health Service.

Many of the best epidemiologists and professors of infectious diseases in the world have criticised this approach! It would seem then that Great Britain is part of a vast experiment, and we are the Guinea Pigs.

We are on the verge of a catastrophe. Our schools remain open, and older citizens are not in isolation. The people are panic buying toilet paper and pasta (FFS), stocking up on paracetamol and hand sanitiser; there are alternatives, like ordinary soap and using cloths and towels and water to keep yourself clean. A sack of potatoes will last a lot longer than a couple of kilos of dried pasta shells. Anyhoo, I don’t want to get into that. Instead, I have compiled links to some of the best advice and news reports that I have found; all are worth reading and watching.

I’m an epidemiologist. When I heard about Britain’s ‘herd immunity’ coronavirus plan, I thought it was satire

Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now

Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and “how to flatten the curve.”

Coronavirus map: Tracking cases Worldwide.

I hope that we can get through this without losing too many people, the reality is that we will lose a lot. Do what you can to self-isolate, even if you’re not sick. If you can work from home, do it. Be prepared for schools and businesses to close for months, not just a few weeks.

Make informed decisions and do the research. Don’t get caught up with crazy conspiracy theories. Keep a close eye on what your government is telling you and if it doesn’t sit well with you, find a science-backed source that you trust and see what it tells you.

Be kind to each other, show a little altruism when you are shopping for essentials, and most of all, take care of your vulnerable loved ones. Look out for your neighbours.

Remember, “DON’T PANIC!”

Good luck.