@Danoff I'm seeing an increasing number of posts and comments along the lines of 'why didn't we stop this when we had the chance?'... not only do I not believe that was possible, but it also leaves open the question of what comes next.
You are right to say that there isn't a clear message or even a clear goal - and I think you are right about what we should be aiming for... but even then, it is difficult to say such things without somebody pouncing on your comments and denouncing you as a Nazi or a terrible human being for even thinking that part of the solution involves people getting the virus.
To be clear, it is not the 'aim' to get people infected... but, if the same number of people are ultimately going to be infected in the long run, then the best approach is to spread those infections out over time but, crucially, not stopping it altogether. This is the bit some people don't get or disagree with it - that "crushing the virus" (i.e. bringing the virus back into containment) has the paradoxical effect of seeing not enough people getting infected, thus leaving the population defenceless against future waves - given that there could be 3-4 waves prior to any vaccine or treatment being available, the 'crushing' strategy may end up not only not working, but actually making things worse.
That said, there is currently sketchy evidence that having had the virus confers protection and, more disturbingly, that there are several strains of the virus already, with many more possibly on the way. If the herd immunity strategy doesn't work, and vaccines are only partially effective, then it may come down to treatment. And if that isn't forthcoming, then the crushing strategy may be the only way forward - with dire consequences for the economy, civil liberties etc. I personally think that treatments and vaccines will be available and effective, but not for at least a year. In the meantime, we can only hope that our natural defences (i.e. herd immunity) starts to play a part too.
I want to find out about the experiences of some of you on this forum. So to that end, I've put together this list of questions, and answered it for myself.
Social Distancing
Questionnaire
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How long has it been since you've:
- Had someone who doesn't live in your home inside your home. -
5 weeks
- Spoken in-person to someone who doesn't live inside your home. -
1 day
- Spoken in-person to someone who doesn't live inside your home within 6 feet with no PPE -
1 week (grocery store)
- Entered a public facing commercial building (such as a grocery store or bank) -
1 day (local grocery store with social distancing)
- Entered any building other than your home -
1 day (grocery store/surgery)
- Shaken someone's hand -
1.5 months
- Driven a car -
N/A
- Gotten takeout -
2 months
- How many people live in your house -
2