Coronavirus, what do we know?

What do we really know about the Coronavirus? We roughly know what the symptoms are; similar to flu, high temperature, sore throat, cough, respiratory difficulties mainly affecting the elderly but not solely  targeting them. Apparently because it is a new illness, health authorities do not know how the virus spreads from person to person, but it is known similar viruses are spread by coughing. You only have to be near a group of people to realise this is true. Very rarely these days do you see people covering their mouths or using handkerchiefs and tissues when coughing or sneezing, in fact spitting has become more prevalent too. So when you hear complaints about the UK becoming more of a nanny state sometimes it needs to be. Imagine reaching the state when you are having to tell the public to wash their hands regularly and use tissues when coughing to realise re-education is needed on some occasions even if we do not like to hear it.

One of the consequences of the virus is how it is affecting people from travelling to different countries. Containment seems to be the common practices being authorised at the present time. This in turn will have massive financial implications to countries around the world. In fact the Stock Markets globally are on a downward trend already. Tourism will be badly affected and countries who rely heavily on tourist income will be hardest hit. 

From a personal point I had already booked our annual holiday to Italy last June. Believe it or not we were due to go Milan for 7 days in the first two weeks of May 2020. We took the decision to cancel it this week, which although we’ve financially lost out on it, it seemed the wisest thing to do in the circumstances. It seems the cost of the plane flight is non-recoverable too, because it does not come under the reasons acceptable for reimbursement? I mean how often are you likely to be affected by a Coronavirus, which prevents you from travelling? 

I wonder how many people out there are in a similar position to us and what they intend to do about it. I welcome any advice or examples anybody might have. Thanks for taking the time to read this.