That Pesky Coronavirus

As the dreaded Coronavirus sweeps the world, you can't help but become tuned in to your local news station, waiting with bated breath (pardon the pun) for the next update.

Based in Scotland, the mass outbreak in China was, of course, worrying to a wee Scottish lass, but not something that was to worry about...until it was.

Scotland reported its first positive test for the virus on Sunday evening, which turned out to be in my very region. Sh*t just got real!

A sense of 'othering' took place. A psychological trait that millions the world over, unknowingly do to ease their fears. Disassociating 'our' group with 'theirs'. They are the others. It worked for a while. The world is looking on as this virus has ravaged China. Isn't it sad? Poor them.

It was very easy to 'other' the virus when it was happening what feels a million miles away, but right here on our door?

Suddenly things become scary.

We're told that the Government is ready. They are prepared. Our fantastic (and FREE) National Health Service has 'got this', but it still leaves a bitter taste in one's mouth. Yes, we've been told what our nations action plan is and to prepare that some may die (yes, our Government has said this), but we are at the early stages, and we should work hard to prevent the spread of the virus.

Suddenly, now, everyone I see is a potential carrier. The lady behind me in the store while I'm doing my weekly shop - great that you covered your mouth while coughing, but to then touch products along the conveyor belt and squeeze past me to get a carrier bag instead of waiting two seconds for your turn, does not help my paranoia. Or the spread of the Coronavirus (or even the common cold).

Some great advice was delivered by our Prime Minister, at the weekend, who dressed like Lala from the Teletubbies, told us to wash our hands with hot soapy water while singing happy birthday twice. This would help us prevent the spread. This was not a joke. Boris Johnson (or Bawjaws - Scottish for testicle mouth) as I typically call him (I'm not a fan) does not instil a great deal of confidence. I was almost expecting him to suggest that we hop on one leg while sacrificing our firstborn, just to complete the ritual and banish those evil germs to hell. Maybe if I'd heard the advice from a well-respected health professional, it would have appeared less comical.

One thing that I have noticed over the last few days is what appears to be natural selection in motion. From hearing stories of people licking (yes licking) potentially virus-ridden shrines in Iran to a cult in South Korea that withheld names of its members as they didn't want them to be discriminated against. Now over 4,000 of their members have tested positive and moved freely all around the country, infecting others as they go. I have news. Death does not discriminate. Tell the truth and to those licking shrines at the height of your countries plight. Please. Stop.

I guess I use my humour to try and see the light of the situation, but deep down, I know it's a mask. I am worried. My grandad is in his 80s and has a lot of health issues. He takes so many pills that I swear he rattles as he walks(all free, again, thanks to our wonderful NHS). He is in the bracket of most vulnerable. And what do I do? What if I'm the carrier? What if I pop in to visit as I regularly do and give him this? A death sentence. What if I am responsible for passing this to him? What if he dies? It's not so humourous any more. I'm sure it hasn't been for the friends and family of the 3,000 plus people who have already lost their fight, but now it's right at my door, it suddenly becomes not 'them' but 'us'.

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