Star date: 11th March 2020

TO PANIC OR NOT TO PANIC – OVER SIXTIES SPEAK OUT!

Given that the coronavirus seems to affect those over sixty more than others, how worried is this age group in Salford about catching it, what measures are they putting in place to curb it, and, on a scale of 1 to 10, how concerned are they about a virus spread in the city? The Salford Star asked a small sample of residents and councillors all about it, as the World Health Organisation declares a pandemic.

Full response here...

This afternoon, the World Health Organisation has declared a coronavirus pandemic, and in England confirmed cases continue to rise. The virus appears to affect the over sixties population more than other age groups, so we asked a small sample of elderly Salford residents what they thought.

How worried are they about catching the virus? What measures have they put in place to try to avoid the virus? Have they stopped going out or visiting people or shopping? Are they stockpiling food or goods in case of isolation? On a scale of 1-10 how concerned are they about the virus spread in Salford or beyond?

Here's the response from those who responded...

1) Given that the virus seems to affect those over 60 more than others, how worried are you about the likelihood of you catching it?

Dot, age 73: "I'm not! If I do I do."
Tom Nolan, age 72: "I'm concerned because I have asbestos related lung disease".
Roy, age 67: "Very worried due to immune system suppression medication."
Val, age 79 (Secretary of Boddan Lodge Over 60s Club): "Not too worried."
John Defo: "l think hysteria aside, that we the over 60s should always take extra care in the flu season to ensure we minimise our chances of suffering from contagious virus diseases."
David, age 72: "Not very worried, I say my prayers."
Councillor John Warmisham: "There's every possibility that I may catch it, but I'm taking every precaution as recommended by public health."
Ali Cassim, age 64: "Not bothered at all."

2) What measures have you put in place to try to avoid the virus? Have you stopped going out/visiting people/shopping?

Roy: "No not stopped. But cut it down a lot..."
Tom: "Trying to keep away as far as possible from others when shopping. Plus disinfecting my home more, plus the door and lift on my floor, buttons etc. Salix said just follow Government guidelines..."

John: "l have always used hand sanitiser when out and about, sometimes l may have omitted its use but since the coronavirus scare l am using it a lot more than before, plus l have started to make my own sanitiser..."
Val: "I have not stopped going out socialising or shopping."
David: "No"
Dot: "No, because I don't think you can. They are pointless measures aren't they?"
Councillor Warmisham: "Again I'm following public health guidelines and living life as normal until I'm told differently. Indeed I'm going to a benefit gig in Manchester tonight and will continue to watch live football, shop and go for a pint!"
Ali: "Carrying on as normal, only precaution is I carry a small bacterial spray in my backpack that I use when needed such as getting off the bus, after shopping and after using the toilet in my local pub 'cos they don't have hot water. Common sense, I think."

3) Are you stockpiling any food/goods in case of isolation?

Tom: "Yep, even bought small chest freezer. And am contacting my doctor for meds I need in advance..."
Roy: "No, not stockpiling, even if I need to go into isolation."
John: "l have always had a good stock when l see bargain prices of kitchen wipes and toilet rolls. Other than that l don't stockpile. l have however noticed that the price of such paper goods has increased even in the Pound type shops."
Val: "I have not been stockpiling, I always have a lot of most things. I live alone and have two fridges and two freezers. My sons would tell you I am a hoarder."
Dot: "No, it's not necessary."
Councillor Warmisham: "No I am not stockpiling and think those that do have been scared into it by certain media. If you do run out of loo paper there's always the Sun and the Daily Mail!"
David: "No"
Ali: "No"

4) On a scale of 1-10 how concerned are you about the virus spread in Salford or beyond?

Ali: "Not too concerned, it is what it is. I'd say 3/10."
Tom: "High possibility...Not seen them but high footfall places like precincts and supermarkets should have hand sanitiser stations same as hospitals. Also on public transport. Not worrying just for me, it's all the other older, less fit than me who could catch it."
Roy: "10"
Dot: "5 - It will come into Salford as it is already in the surrounding area."
David:  "4 - We had worse cases than this with all the slums in Salford with TB, Polio and smokers cough (smog in the 50s). I was more worried about getting Polio. Why should I worry about it? Boris Johnson isn't, it seems to me. Other countries have stopped football matches and gatherings, we don't seem to be doing anything."
Val: "Perhaps 5."
Councillor Warmisham: "Nobody knows for sure if it will spread across certain parts of the UK, there is every likelihood though, so I'd probably say 7/10."
John: "On a scale of 1-10 l am concerned about the coronavirus in Salford and around the UK and then the world by a ratio of about 6..."

5)  Anything else you would like to add?

Roy: "You just need to do whatever you can to avoid it."

Val: "I would like to have people washing their hands as they enter Boddan Lodge, but know I would be told I am too fussy..."

John: "l think that there are a number of issues that can and are being buried as a result of the so-called epidemic...We have seen it before when the economy has started to slide that we have some kind of crisis; war, terrorist act etc. We have also to consider the effects of Brexit which can and has caused all kinds of panic..."

Dot: "What can I do about it? Just be sensible."

David: "I hope it gets eradicated, I don't worry about getting it."

Ali: "I think the lifestyle that people lead makes them more susceptible to contracting the virus. I have a pretty routine lifestyle that I adhere to on a daily basis and would think that the chances of me catching COVID-19 are very limited indeed. It doesn't mean to say that I am blasè and irresponsible as to the dangers of contacting it, I just consider myself to be realistic and level-headed, and will leave all the hysterical, over-the-top reactions to others."

Councillor Warmisham: "People should continue to go about their daily lives as normal. Follow the advice of public health and listen/read/watch reputable media to get the latest information."

Tom: "What's alarming is how many older folks are dying...it's like, no-one gives a toss if gramps kicks the bucket..."

Please feel free to put your own thoughts in the comments box...

This is Part 2 of a two part article – read Part 1 – No Salford Leadership On Coronavirus – click here