I hear that the government seem to be modifying the advice today and suggesting that the over 70s won't need to "stay indoors" but to be sensible and avoid close contact with others. Which makes perfect sense. With warmer weather around the corner and knowing that fresh air and exercise will keep you healthy going for a walk must be good for you, and no danger to others, so long as you keep the recommended 2 metres distance. My dogs will be happy to know this too!

Building up "herd immunity" also seems sensible. If those young and fit enough to survive this get it, and then develop immunity, the numbers able to spread it reduce proportionately and so will the number infected at any one time. Thus the NHS can handle it over a longer time frame. If they get overwhelmed by a huge peak then the death rate will be higher. Unless I am missing something!

I am wondering if China will see a resurgence once they fully release the brakes because there is no "herd immunity" there and no vaccine yet.

I also wonder whether the global lockdowns we are seeing actually makes much sense. It's beginning to feel like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. If your country already has infections what's the point of stopping travel from another that has them, at the same or a similar level? Surely it's the internal systems to slow the spread and manage the way your health systems cope that really counts. I realise that many people won't want to travel at the moment unless they have to but blanket bans seem to be window dressing rather than of any practical effect.

The idea that globalisation has any responsibility for this, as made by another poster, is really quite ludicrous. Unless every country completely and permanently closed their borders such things as this virus are bound to spread. They might spread faster these days, but spread they always have. Knowing who is here won't stop that.

Mile High bender.