I understand that, but what we don’t realize is that it is the same for a flu. Some people pass away with that, and vaccines are not a 100% secure option. And people that is feeling well but has a flu, still go to work and conferences and so on. I still believe that we only help to increase the fear. If we ask for participants to bring a test to be able to participate, then I agree, but not this way (read my previous email about the “Italian closure”). I think you are missing the point. And I can say that because as late as a couple of weeks ago, I was missing the point too.
As more and more countries are entering the tunnel of fear caused by Covid-19, one pattern that is emerging is the exponential growth of affected people. So 3 days ago you might have been in a country with very few cases, and then it all blows out of proportion at an alarming rate. The root reason of this, is that it appears that healthy segments of the population might feel very light unease, like having light flu-like symptoms, a slight headache, a persistent cough, nothing to worry about really. Many people who got tested positive went around their business for a number of days because they did not really feel ill. And indeed the overwhelming number of people catching this virus will sail through it in a few days with no lasting effects whatsoever.. But they will act as carriers, vectors for spreading the virus further and this is where there is a big problem: a certain segment of the population appears to be particularly affected, particularly senior citizens and those with an already existing pathology, however mild that might be.
The question we should be asking ourselves is: do we want to be vectors for transmitting the virus and pass it on to some people who might end up in critical condition from it?
Through the cancellation of now 5 meetings that I was supposed to attend in March and April, I have already personally lost a lot of money. I hate it. Some hotels and airlines are now only starting to be ready to give me (partial) refunds under conditions, or change the dates of travel, but my losses for the time being are still real. My business is also suffering as I consciously know that we are heading for drastic confinement measures like that which were needed in countries that were affected so far - and watch as the week goes by how quickly things are happening. There is now mass cancellation of large gatherings and whilst I laughed about it and was quite upset about cancellations a couple of weeks ago, I now think it's the right thing. The sooner we stop the spread of Covid-19 the sooner we can go back to business. Whatever it takes.
Kindest regards,
Olivier On 10/03/2020 20:57, JORDI PALET MARTINEZ wrote: Exactly! With this decision we just spread fear. A total no-sense unless really Canada ban the meetings (and that will allow those that pre-paid NON-REFUNDABLE rates for hotels and flights, get it refunded). I think he stated his point very clearly - there is a broad range of risk perceptions about COVID-19. I was all for hopping on a plane and going to Vancouver.. Actually, if I was gonna get sick, Vancouver is probably a much better place with better healthcare than the US. The worry and fear is just increasing people risks of getting sick on the off chance they are exposed. Stress suppresses immune function. Of course, cookies and sodas do that as well.
> Agreed. I can also understand why the decision took until
now. Different people's risk perceptions differ so I'm
sure others will quite reasonably disagree with me on
this, but with all the behind-the-scenes stuff that had
to be considered, in addition to the ongoing (and many
v. recent) changes people's travel plans, I do totally
get why it took 'till today to make the call.
Good. Share it with the rest of us.
**********************************************
IPv4 is over
Are you ready for the new Internet ?
http://www.theipv6company.com
The IPv6 Company
This electronic message contains information which may be privileged or confidential. The information is intended to be for the exclusive use of the individual(s) named above and further non-explicilty authorized disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information, even if partially, including attached files, is strictly prohibited and will be considered a criminal offense. If you are not the intended recipient be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information, even if partially, including attached files, is strictly prohibited, will be considered a criminal offense, so you must reply to the original sender to inform about this communication and delete it.
**********************************************
IPv4 is over
Are you ready for the new Internet ?
http://www.theipv6company.com
The IPv6 Company
This electronic message contains information which may be privileged or confidential. The information is intended to be for the exclusive use of the individual(s) named above and further non-explicilty authorized disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information, even if partially, including attached files, is strictly prohibited and will be considered a criminal offense. If you are not the intended recipient be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information, even if partially, including attached files, is strictly prohibited, will be considered a criminal offense, so you must reply to the original sender to inform about this communication and delete it.
|
