If you ask me:
1. Most masks won't do anything so don't waste time / money on them just get disinfectants / bleach, hand wash, soap etc and just clean after contact.
2. I don't agree with the it's like flu and that kills more people, that's fine we understand the flu and can somewhat protect against that - with this people are still learning, there is a vaccine in the works but its going to be ready July I think I saw (not confirmed, still has to be mass produced) the problem with this thing if you ask me is the infection rate IF you look at recent cases outside of China you can see how much they held back info when you compare growth etc..
The way it infects and knocks you back - it's not just killing ill or elderly other people have died from it. It's when and IF that starts to take an impact if it got to the point hospitals can't cope what happens with every day emergencies how do they treat them? OR if people can't get to work to make sure fuel can get to petrol stations etc (extreme I know) BUT that's what could happen, unlike anything in the past we are more interconnected now than ever and that for me what makes this virus so interesting to watch and see the spread and what effect it has.
Yes other virus are in the world and don't get as much traction as this thing, but as I said advice is changing, It was only last month saying your fine after 14 days now symptoms may not show for 27 days... It's still early days will see I don't think its a global extinction event or anything like that - I'm just prepared.
3. Do you own research. There are 3 camps of info:
- We will all die and I will outlive you due to my 10yr + supply of food, this is what I been prepping for my whole life.
- Ignore it, I get worse shits and the flu is the worst
- False info, jumping on facts and twisting it with some plot twists from B rated movies.
All 3 camps have some kind of info but take it all with a grain of salt, do your own research look into things your self and make up your own mind.
4. There is no harm in stocking up some extra food, toilet roll, basic meds etc if nothing happens you got some extras in you dont need to buy next month - but look at any sale, seasonal shopping and how mad people go - look at Italy recently shelves cleared out. The UK you only need 1 snow flake for people to buy 100ltrs of Milk and all the Bread. Best not to dick around trying to get stuff or rely on other people if you have to self isolate. IT might seem daft and silly till it happens to you...
5. As always whatever the government tells you to do, do the opposite.