Article courtesy of Scone Advocate.
THERE is need for caution, but no need for panic; that is the message being spread by GP Dr Richard Abbott.
Speaking on a Covid-19 panel during the Scone Literary Festival, he revealed that residents have remained calm so far, and that staying sanitary and listening to proper medical advice is the best way to deal with the outbreak.
While there have only been five reported cases of the novel coronavirus in the Hunter-New England health district, he said it is still having an affect on people’s mentality locally.
This was supported by comments fellow panellist Alexandra Joel, an author and psychologist, who said one of the major impacts she has seen in Scone so far is an increase in ‘loss arousal’.
The term refers to people’s desire for things they do not have, and in the context of the outbreak, it is causing mass hoarding of certain household items, or as she put it – trophies.
However, Dr Abbott said the local health system is yet to be flooded and that people are remaining relatively controlled in their response thus far, but it’s important to remain vigilant.
Read the full story here: https://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/story/6680383/local-gp-calls-for-calmness/?cs=1533
Image Caption: CREATING CLARITY: Covid-19 panel: David Dale, Janie Jordan, Alexandra Joel, Richard Abbott and Kerry O’Brien.
