Thread by @PeteUK7

I was talking to a friend recently.
He said I know Covid is important to you but I live life normally, I travel, eat out, go on buses and it haven't caught it. My dad had it 3 times and it knocked him down for a few days each time but he's recovered well.
"I just carry on".
1/🧵

I've been thinking about this a while. He's a good guy and he cares. If he goes to hospital, he masks - but he doesn't do this in day to day life.
He doesn't feel highly vulnerable.
That's his experience.
His adult kids have had it & recovered.
He isn't ignorant of the threat.
2/

He's up to date with all the vaccines shots he was eligible for and believes their protection is high.
But he doesn't quite see the threat as I do.
I understand his position.
To him, people like me are seen as on the fringe & not an authority. I'm respected by him though.
3/

So what I know and understand about the virus, long covid & other more hidden medium / long term effects are not what he hears elsewhere.
If there was ever to be a swing to people changing behaviour, he'd be a person I know would be willing to. I think there are lots like him.
4/

It reaffirms to me that until there is truthful information from Governments, Public Health & news orgs that is accurate, accessible & heavily publicised; most people will not see a reason to change - even if they'd actually be willing to. Even if they acknowledge some threat.
5/

This is one of the issues with the 'appearance' of normal.
The lived experience of not feeling heavily affected...YET.
To me that is the crux. Not feeling affected so far.
Many don't think beyond now or the near future & so the thought of repeated infections indefinitely..
6/

..doesn't really change their opinion or behaviour now.
If a new variant which seemed scarier or even a new virus came along, it's that uncertainty & new threat that would temporarily change people like my friend.
He's become comfortable with the currently circulating disease.
7/

I don't dislike my friend despite our differing views. I don't tell him he's got it wrong but I do tell him what I know & strongly believe. I think it's important to have the conversations though and try to understand each other's position.
It is clear where the failings are.
8/

I do think there are many people that cannot be reached no matter what transpires but I know there are lots like my friend who are kind of waiting on a higher authority than me to direct them.
Most would support simple measures that are not too restrictive or onerous.
9/

So we must keep trying to apply pressure to those with the power to change things.
We must continue to offer-up info, push for clean air measures, model mask wearing & try to lead by example wherever possible.
Clean air will get support.
Folk just need to know.
I fight on.
10/🔚