IT IS NOT unusual to read of attacks on
newspapers, both physical and by governments as the freedom of the press is
under regular attack although the latest banning of newspapers is quite
unusual.
Jordan has banned the printing of newspapers as they apparently help to spread
the coronavirus. Although I have more medical knowledge than can be found on
Google, I think this is silly.
In times of difficulty we need access to information and for many this is by
newspapers. There is already so much panic and so much misinformation that
getting the real story out there must continue.
This is not a “Stop the Presses” moment but rather “Print the Paper” time.
***
Keep calm and mindful
Several newspapers have announced that France
has shut down all public places “non-essential” to public life including
restaurants and cafes, although allowing tobacconists to stay open.
Surely, they should know that restaurants are essential for the French as are coffee shops for the Italians and sports grounds for Australians.
Obviously, it is vital to try to stop the spread of the virus by reducing contact between people, but the anomalies are puzzling. Most schools are still open, public transport is still running and overcrowded and even governments are meeting and still functioning, well at least as well as they usually do.
Everyone is doing a great job to protect the physical health of the people, but we shouldn’t forget the mental health as well. If everyone is “effectively” isolated, it will be hard for many to cope with the isolation.
Let’s bunker down for a while and hope all is well and remember to stay calm as best as we can.
***
It’s too late to shut the gate
The Italian team from Ferrari will be at the Australian Grand Prix races this despite Italy being a closed country due to the coronavirus. Apparently, they received a special exemption from the Italian government.
The Australian Football Association has decided that if there is an equivalent need for isolation here the football matches will be played in empty stadiums. With about 50 players there and a similar number of team officials, about ten umpires and several TV crews there should be enough to spread it about if any of the players catch the virus.
Is there something that stops young fit sports people and old unfit team officials from getting the virus and spreading it? The younger ones will probably survive it better if they are infected.
Is there a possibility that cancelling these sports or teams may have a negative financial cost or be bad publicity or will they just be lucky? (dfitzger@melbpc.org.au/PN)
