Thread by @calebcluff

I have been reluctant to weigh into this, but so many frankly dangerous and ignorant posts force your mind, so: #coronavirusaustralia #covid19australia

Right now, I’m sitting in a local hospital in regional Victoria... /1

On Saturday night my partner, who had suffered from flu-like symptoms the week previous, was admitted with severe pneumonia. /2

She is not the first pneumonia admission locally, and I am hearing (ANECDOTALLY) of higher numbers of regional admissions for pneumonia/3

Of course we all take precautions immediately, masks, gowns, hand sprays.../4

Not knowing this is about to become a week-long introduction to the #coronavirusaustralia treatment process /4

I am stating CATEGORICALLY at this stage two things: (a)the medical treatment has been absolutely first class - compassionate, cheerful, understated, comprehensive. Public health services in Australia are a blessing; (b) she is still undiagnosed. /6

So: diagnosis takes SOME TIME. We are at the beginning of this outbreak; our treatment is being considered first. It still takes time. In the meantime my partner has been isolated since admission. People need to understand this has its own challenges and be prepare for that /8

(Sorry my page breaks are all out of whack) /8

This pandemic is going to be hard work. But we need to be in it together. Panic buying defeats social cohesion. /9

We are going to need a COMPREHENSIVE testing regime, because there are vulnerable people who will suffer as it spreads /10

Please do not panic, but at the same time behave responsibly: don’t overreact to media reports, be considered and measured. Look after other people and yourself, physically, socially, mentally /12

Isolation is not ostracism. This needs repetition. Isolation is NOT ostracism /12

Coronavirus is not a stalking horse for social engineering from either end or anywhere in between the political spectrum. It’s a public health issue, and Australia’s long history of publicly supporting and funding hospitals and healthcare needs to be defended and extended

My take out from this experience so far is pretty straightforward. If you are unwell, follow the public health directives issued; don’t behave irresponsibly, be a damn adult. /14

And BE KIND TO EACH OTHER. I know selfishness is all the rage now. Try to think of others. /14

She is clear of the virus. Thanks for all the kind tweets. It’s been a long week; longer for @TiffanyTitshall and many others.

There is still pneumonia to overcome. I’m curious to hear if others have seen a local spike in cases, and if we can find an official statement.