machel posted:Amythist posted:I think that the spread of fear in the way the media covers this causes anxiety and panic which only helps the virus spread as fear lowers immunity
Having said that my son is working in South Korea for a year and they have a high rate of infection. The schools are shut and everyone is wears a mask Where he lives the bridge is closed so travel is minimised.They get texts from the government health agency frequently with advice and information. I try not to worry or get into conversations where people unleash their anxiety as it really doesn't help.
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South Korea are obviously well prepared unfortunately that is not replicated elsewhere. I am glad for the media coverage (although I am relying on BBC news as opposed to tabloids) whilst the actions of this government are deafening in their silence. Am I panicking? no, am I concerned? yes, I am in the “vulnerable” group where the implications are more serious
I'm considered "vulnerable" too, due to those pesky "underlying health conditions". 
And yes: while I accept there has been some utter nonsense in the far corners of the "media", I appreciate the reporting of the likes of the BBC too. After watching a BBC report on a doctor in China struggling to deal with the emergency - and losing 5 patients in one day - I can't help feeling that there hasn't been enough concern in some quarters...