Tonight I am seriously disappointed. Travel plans are suspended and being re-scheduled because of a little flu virus that is doing the rounds and has caused an absolute and total disruption to everything. Its mortality rates are lower than the usual influenza strains and yet we have absolute panic – closed borders, so many dying (sad, yes I know but let’s be serous about the statistics and ages and look at the comparatives) and the buying of toilet paper, pasta, milk, etc.

We have cancelled our travel plans for now. We will spend our 4 week break closer to home, either in this country or in this country and in NZ, we have not yet decided. We will recover some financial outlays and at this stage, I really do not care about the rest. What concerns me is the impact on small business who are in forced shut down, non-essential service, in places like Italy where they will probably not be able to finance their way through the downturn. The impact upon business generally, for what I ask you, will be significant.

The impact upon surgery and dental work, due to the short supply of masks is significant. Non-essential services are cut and dentists are restricted on the number of masks they can get. There has been racist behaviour of refusing to get in an Uber with an Asian driver. Why? Because he is Asian? Or, refusing to go to sushi because it is Asian. People, look at yourselves.

We have seen some pretty appalling behaviour through recent weeks with the panic buying that has gone on. The good deeds and goodwill of the recent fire season has been lost by absolute and wanton stupidity. Yes these are strong words but I implore you to really look at the reporting that has taken place, what you have taken for granted and assumed correct and what is really correct and then consider the financial impact upon every economy on this planet.

I have a spot of heart disease and high blood pressure, although I am under 50. This still puts me in the risk factor section of the statistics, however, 0.04%. Read that again, 0.04%, not even half a percent risk. So, what is the fuss about, I ask. I do not understand why this has become such a “problem”, causing schools and universities and borders to be closed when it is just a flu. Is it control by fear and panic? Cynically, it could be a practice run, just saying.

For now, I shall end my observations. They are rarely this strong. I thank you for the time you spent reading my observations/rant, take it as you will, and wish you a good safe evening, day and travels as we will travel, whether locally or overseas, again this year and next. Cheers