Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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I don’t always do blogs on the topics of the day, especially one where what we know changes every single day. What is obvious to me though is that short of everybody in the world staying inside their house at the same time for 6 weeks or whatever it takes, there is no way to stop the spreading. The Governor of California has already said that he expects 25 million Californians to have this disease within 8 weeks. That is a State that is vastly more sophisticated and educated than South Africa and I don’t see that there is anything that anybody in South Africa can do to stop the spreading to those types of numbers. I also don’t see the governments of the world all getting together and organising that everybody goes into a complete and utter lockdown for 6 weeks, so I think there is going to be a limited success. In other words, I think that what will happen now is that they will definitely slow the spread of diseases but not stop it. People will have to go to work or the entire middle class will be devastated for years. You cannot have people indefinitely sitting at home and 21 days isn’t going to stop it spreading or make it “safe” after the 21 days!
I don’t know what the future holds, but I do think though in many ways society will change permanently. Let’s be honest, shaking hands is just really something that does not make sense. I understand we need human intimacy, but how many times is the person shaking hands with you a con artist trying to do the whole lean over with a big white teeth smile and a handshake to get somebody’s confidence. Its just a routine, an act meant to inspire confidence or create an impression of friendship when often it is nothing of the sort. It is a routine that has obvious health risks, not only now, but with flu and all the other infections that we will no doubt see in the years ahead. It is not the first coronavirus and it will not be the last, particularly if people continue to eat and interact with wild animals and all sorts of creatures that human beings should really be leaving absolutely alone. I guess in that regard, yes, I am talking about China to a large extent. I think people will learn to do a bit more gym and exercise at home and of course, with human beings, there will be bigger worries and concerns that we don’t know about yet that we will come up with in future years.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Thursday 26-Mar-20
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Comments
patrick said:
on Thursday 07-May-20 09:44 AM
I agree that lock down will not stop the virus from spreading but am quite sure it will flatten the curve. One is praying that the virus does not Africa because if it does we will not be able to control it. We have seen it with Ebola.
Henrietta said:
on Wednesday 08-Apr-20 12:47 PM
I have to agree, i don't see lockdown as stopping the virus. Quiet frankly i also thing our positive cases are wrong and that the lockdown might slow down the infections but not stop it. I have read on the news a possible extension to this 21 day lockdown, not confirming just talking about it in general and President Ramaphosa saying it's too early to decide on extending the lockdown time. I honestly don't know how our country and a lot of businesses are going to survive if we have this lockdown for longer. I also agree that the society will change, although people are creatures of habits, so lets see how long it takes for the handshake to fall away completely.
Tamaryn said:
on Wednesday 08-Apr-20 11:08 AM
If anything, the pandemic is going to change the way we do a lot of things. I too am hoping that hand shakes will be a thing of the past. For SA, who has been a bit behind the first world countries with doing most things online and using technology in business, We'll be seeing a lot more online ordering for goods and services. There will be a great deal more conferencing and meetings via video and online platforms. Its a good wake up for SA to move into the new age. Just as well the Competition Tribunal took on the networks regarding their data charges.
Brenda Strydom said:
on Friday 03-Apr-20 09:18 AM
I must say the world was not ready for this Covid-19.It's so scary how quickly this virus spreads all over the world.I personal think that this is going to go on for very long time still and that we are going to be on lock down for more then 21 Days
Melissa said:
on Friday 03-Apr-20 07:42 AM
I think this Covid-19 is a wake up call for everyone, to live more healthier and to enjoy every moment of life and to not take it for granted. It's so scary how quickly this virus spreads, and we always thought that this sort or pandemic will never get to our country and look now.
patrick said:
on Thursday 02-Apr-20 10:04 AM
The world was not ready for a problem as large as the corona virus. China has once more again proved that no matter what you through at them, they will raise again. They have managed to contain the virus and bring down death toll more than any countries. The question is how did they get it right. Clearly what ever they are doing is working wonders and the world must just copy it.
Tersia said:
on Thursday 02-Apr-20 08:35 AM
I also think this will definitely change things from now on - we will perhaps appreciate each other more, not take things for granted. I also agree that this cannot be stopped, it will spread all over and at the end of the day perhaps all of us are going to have it at some point or another. I think this is a virus that will stay for years to come and with the years to follow it will start to settle down and be more like the normal flu we all get once or twice a year. But until a vaccine is made, this will cause panic - as it something new and people should take it serious!
Sinead said:
on Wednesday 01-Apr-20 08:22 AM
Never in my wildest imagination, did I think I would live through something like this. In years to come, schools will be learning about the pandemic that hit Earth.
I must say, that our president is handling this very well! Although sad to say, there are a few (thousand) South Africans that still do not abide by the rules of the lock down. And the lock down is the only thing that will help slow the spread of this virus. It might need more than 21 days, but at least it's a start.
Nthanda said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 08:30 PM
I think that while we do need to take COVID-19 seriously, I do not think we need to worry too much about South Africa. The infection rate is proven to be slower in warm climates, such as the one we have in South Africa. I do not think that people need to quarantine at home, but taking additional steps such as limiting the influx of people into the country, washing your hands more regularly, not touching your face, etc. should still be implemented. While the coronavirus will spread more slowly in South Africa, that doesn't mean that there is no chance you cannot get it!
Cornelie said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 05:42 PM
This Covid -19 virus is a big wake up call for the world to be more cleaner not to be so comfortable with each other to much in others faces. It is so scary that a virus can be so deadly.
Bronwyn said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 05:14 PM
following the news everyday about the Coivid-19 virus and it scares me to see how fast the virus is spreading and yet South African's still see this as a joke,since this lock down people in my community see this as a holiday,.
Kathryn said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 04:55 PM
I agree with Jolene, South Africans are not appreciating the severity of the virus nor are they respecting the need for a stringent lockdown. As an individual I have no control over how every other South African practices social distancing, but I can appreciate being safe, clean and healthy at home.
Jolene said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 01:32 PM
I am really worried about South Africa, we are not taking this lockdown seriously. It feels like this 21 days of lockdown will be useless when I see videos on social media of people disobeying the rules.
Daniella said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 12:56 PM
We are all currently living in a history lesson, its insane how quickly everything happened not only here but overseas- I am very impressed as to how Cyril Ramaphosa has been handling everything.
Angelique said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 10:48 AM
Definitely interesting times that we are living in. I think people would complain if the president didn't have a lockdown because then we are not taking it serious enough. I can imagine what a huge decision it was for the president to make and he would have been criticized either way. There are so many conspiracies regarding this disease, almost impossible to keep up. I do agree though people need to stop eating animals they have no business in eating!
Michelle D said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 10:40 AM
South Africa is still in the early days of this virus. We can't even begin to presume how bad it will get, we must just do everything in our power to try and slow it.
Mathilda Du Preez said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 10:35 AM
People took this virus to lightly from the beginning and never thought that it will affect all of us one way or another.
The world will never be the same after this and I'm actually happy about that, so many people will realize what really matters and what is really important.
The earth also needed this "detox" as we humans were busy destroying it, you can already see the positive changes and how the earth is healing.
More people will be forced to start living healthier and being more active and I’m totally here for it as I have been an advocate for healthy living and also trying to encourage people to do the same.
Dune said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 10:30 AM
I read a very interesting piece this morning about Nostradamus, he wrote in the 1500's "that there will be a twin year (implicating 2020) from which will arise a queen (corona) who will come from the east (china) and who will spread a plague (virus) in the darkness of night, on a country with 7 hills (Italy) and will transform the twilight of men into dust (death) to destroy and ruin the world. It will be the end of the world economy"
Shristi said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 10:13 AM
The lockdown is going to aid the slowing down the spread of the disease however I do think that the worst is yet to come. The President made a good call by implementing the shut down. I think as much as people are concerned about the virus they are also concerned with the all the uncertainty around job cuts etc. The next couple months are going to be really crucial and it is going to be very interesting to see what happens...
Dasanya said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 09:58 AM
I agree that being in lockdown will not stop this disease, it will slow down the spread but definitely not stop it. With large communities living in townships with poor hygiene, lack of proper healthcare and basic necessities such as water and sanitation, we can only expect the worst if Covid19 spreads further than 1 or 2 reported cases in Khayelitsha and Alexandra. It is terrifying to think that there is a possibility that you or a family member could die of this disease yet there is nothing you can do to prevent it other than to stay at home. South Africa cannot afford a lockdown or to lose their incomes. This is such an unfortunate mess that we're in.
Zandelee said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 09:46 AM
I think that the President made a very wise and courageous decision to put South Africa on a lockdown. I do believe that this decision will save a lot of peoples lives. However the impact it will have on South Africa's economy for the next few years is very uncertain. A big portion of South Africa's population already live in poverty and these people will be effected the most by the lockdown which is very sad.
Kendall said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 09:41 AM
It is very concerning as to what is going to happen in South Africa in the next few weeks and months. It is of particular concern that cases of persons infected in the townships of Khayelitsha and Alexandra have already started emerging. This is going to be disastrous as these people are unable practice good hygiene as many do not even have access to running water. They cannot practice social distancing either as most of them are living in overcrowded spaces! This is going rapidly increase the spread of the disease!
Sarah said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 09:41 AM
A lot of mistakes are going to be made now during this time of disaster but it is important to work together and support each other. Now you can do the things you are always moaning about. Never having time to o anything work on your house or spend time with your family. Just stay safe and healthy . I am very scared being pregnant and giving birth soon
Prishani said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 09:34 AM
This is a very uncertain time we live in where we face lots of uncertainties! It is also a time that we should all stick together and support our country by taking the extra precautions and just being responsible knowing our actions can impact others.
Lourien said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 09:17 AM
I did not expect a disease to affect all countries in such a short time to the extend that we would have to self quarantine, we are living in 2020 arent we?. South Africa has been through so many diseases and life threatening viruses that I honestly did not believe that something could affect us so quick and thinking about it still comes as a surprise.
I also think that people forget we are all human and our bodies are actually so sensitive and fragile that we should be taking better care of them. The world is so over populated that this was bound to happen.
Shanelle said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 09:02 AM
I think our president implemented proper measures, and it is great to have these types of conversations it creates awareness. The norms such as shaking hands do spread germs and social distancing is forcing us to use other more hygienic methods which is great too
Ashleigh said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 07:49 AM
I cannot believe how lightly South Africans are taking this virus. We should be more concerned then any other country especially with our health services not being on top par. I find that South Africans are being self centered and not worrying about their fellow South African. I also do have little faith on the COVID-19 statistics which makes it more worrying.
Brumilde Cronje said:
on Tuesday 31-Mar-20 07:46 AM
I think our President made the right choice, the disease has now hit 2 townships, i think i is going to spread like wildfire. Allot of people here ignored or are ignoring the lockdown. This is either because they are just plain ignorant or not well enough informed about the dangers this holds
Zindy said:
on Monday 30-Mar-20 06:22 AM
We are currently on day 4 of The Lockdown and honestly here in South Africa a lot of people are thinking its a joke so far as i'm aware there are 1280 cases confirmed. Yet around the area you still see people driving around at what hours of the night blaring music coming back from braais and socializing as normal and this is in one a small town, people walking around in groups. If its happening here can be sure it is likewise in other towns. The quicker people adhere to the rules the quicker we can together attempt to stop the spread of this disease. Lets see what happens and hope its enough.
Victoria said:
on Friday 27-Mar-20 11:42 AM
This virus is affecting so many people and I think it will just carry on affecting many more. Yes the 21 days will help slow the spread of it but when we all come out of lock-down the spread will increase again. I agree that this virus is changing society and everyone is going to think about where they touch or who they interact with differently now. Which i think is a good thing and everyone should keep up with washing their hands etc.
Megan said:
on Friday 27-Mar-20 10:18 AM
I am extremely concerned about our safety when going out to buy food etc, let's not forget cases of people being hijacked, kidnapped, raped and abused. Our president had to advice the reinforcement that this is not a time for criminal acts such as violence towards individuals, the fact that the President had to make it a public announcement just reiterates how dangerous going to buy your basic necessities could be! Where is the humanity in these desperate times? I hope these authorities do the human thing in the way they handle individuals when they are traveling and stopping at shops.
Nicolene said:
on Friday 27-Mar-20 08:58 AM
Let's see what will happen in the 21 days lock-down. I am sure this will definitely help to not spread the virus, but I don't think that it will disappear completely. China had a lock-down and there was no new cases reported so I'll be positive on this one. It is so sad as this will influence our economy and I am sure that a lot of people will be unemployed because of this lock-down. I never expected this to happen.
Kayla said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 04:56 PM
On worldometers this morning the total corona virus cases was 471 000, now it is at a total of 486 000, how many countries are already in lock-down but yet the numbers keep climbing and death toll keeps rising. Its so sereal the situation that we are all in. Its a nightmare everyone wishes that would just end. There is so many devastation arising just from this one virus.
fikile said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 04:48 PM
This virus has became a big scare for most people and is going to be worse in winter. i don't think that this lock down is going to help us or prevent it from spreading. How sure are we sure that the lock down is going to help us with this problem, how many people are confirmed clear but still have the virus. The virus can hide it's self so that it cannot be found.
Alexis said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 04:43 PM
I have a feeling that people may change their perspective with regards to how one is living their lives. The world as we know it now is stressful and people are having far more ailments than how it was back in the day of the more simplistic life that was led.
This will not be the first pandemic that we will face. If we are able to try and limit the amount of exposure, that is certainly a good thing. One can only hope that after that, it can be a little more controllable. We can only wait and see.
Nicolle said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 04:19 PM
What is interesting is how this "pandemic" puts things into perspective. Life "things". Suddenly, those closest to you mean so much more. You're less likely to "sweat the small stuff." And general hygiene will just become better. This is thrilling.
thembi said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 04:05 PM
I do not know why people will eat animals that they do not know. People will gym or become lazy in this period but there will be bigger worries to come than corona.
sandra said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 04:04 PM
I think President Ramaphosa took proper measures, considering we are a little bit behind than the other countries being hit first, however, this will definitely impact the economy and will take months, if not years, to recover from the financial debt that we already have had.
Chante said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 03:56 PM
The lock down will slow it down. But our country definitely has not seen the worst of it yet. There are too many people living in informal settlements without the proper sanitation requirements, etc. so the virus won't just disappear.
Claudia B said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 03:54 PM
The virus is spreading really fast and it is scary to think you could maybe have it next. we will all need to stay at home for the 21 days, try to not go out and do anything, everything will go back to normal.
Ziyanda said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 01:14 PM
This virus really scares me and the uncertainty makes it even worse. I hope that in the near future we get the cure for it.
Natasha said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 12:50 PM
I agree, but we do not know what is going to happen after this 21 days its nerve wrecking not knowing what is going to happen next. The fact that we are in Lock Down is definitely not going to stop the speading of this virus might slow it down but not stop it. Who would have thought in 2019 that in 2020 we will be in a nationwide Lock Down. We will have to wait and see what happens
Melissa van Tellingen said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 09:23 AM
This virus is spreading rapidly. The 231 day shut down will only slow it down. I do believe that the shut down will help but with so many townships and households without running clean water and the living basically in top of each other it will become impossible to control once it hits the informal settlements. I pray that God keeps everyone safe and healthy during this tough times. I pray for all business owners and employees during this uncertain time.
Melandre' said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 08:45 AM
I absolutely agree.
This 21 day lock down is going to slow the rate of infection to a large capacity but I highly doubt it is going to extinguish it permanently. We will need to conform to a new manner of socialism as well as adapt to social restraint considering going forward after the 21 day lock down. I do however foresee our economy diving into the dumps. Honestly thinking about it, this lock down could continue for a month plus who knows what adverse affects that will carry in its totality.
If the UN maybe dictated some guideline maybe governments would follow, should it not be a necessity to get the governments of the world to "sit down" and discuss the issue we are facing globally. However, a total lock down across the world would also not be ideal if even possible, considering GDP, our economy, livestock, and all major facilities and faculties keeping us alive. All we can do is contribute by refraining from any type of social interaction whether business related or not and let this virus die down slowly but surely.
Courtney said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 08:13 AM
This is shocking! 709 Cases and loads more to come. I pray for everyone, people that's homeless, family, friends, work colleagues. Our office discussed this yesterday, maybe today will be the last day that we will see one another. Be positive, i guess but lets be real, this is mind blowing, No one knows what to expect. All I can say is I hope everyone will survive this and take care!!!
I know the economy is going to take a hit but health is so much more important. Have you ever seen a successful country with ill people, neither have I.
Roxanne said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 08:13 AM
The corona virus is another strain of SARS. All the viruses are just evolving so the virus will never end it will just be stronger.
Nikita said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 08:10 AM
A 21 day lock down will only slow it down. Unfortunately in our country we have not yet seen the worst of it. With so many people living in informal settlements with limited access to food and water and the impossibility of social distancing the numbers are still going to sky rocket.
Clare Tissen said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 08:08 AM
This Virus is really bad and i hope that we can try and control really fast, now is the time to sort out yourself and make sure to wash your hands well making all these life choices to fix what you are doing wrong in life. I am very proud of our President i think he is really doing the best he can her in South Africa.
Karien said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 07:55 AM
I agree.
Self-quarantine is a temporary solution to control the influx of infected patients to hospitals.
First world countries are struggling to keep their heads above water. Only time will tell how 3rd world countries will manage this pandemic.
When South Africans go on with their lives "as normal" after the 21 days (which I personally think will be extended when looking at other countries) the infection rate will spike once again.
We will have to change our lives and the way we interact and how business operates forever.
What a learning curve this will be.
Michelle Smillie said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 07:29 AM
This is unfortunately a time of extreme uncertainty, and your mindset in this time will determine how you get out of it. I,however, do appreciate our government's attempts in trying to save its citizens, as opposed to worrying more about the economy or what he personally believes about the virus as is the case in some other countries.
The attitude of the citizens will also make a big difference and I hope that South African value their and others' health enough to stick to strict protocols that make it safer for everyone, not just now but in future as well, just like you said even with the common flu. It really should be everyday practice to wash your hands often and be especially careful around others if you have a cough. Hopefully, in the very least, people will leave this period with better health awareness and safety measures implemented in their everyday lives.
Jessica said:
on Thursday 26-Mar-20 07:05 AM
This is very worrying. This whole coronavirus has just been one worry after another after another. I do hope with our South African weather that it will help in the 21days to kill most of the spread and possibly eliminate it. However that I guess is wishful thinking. This is going to have a huge impact on an already struggling economy. I pray everyday for the safety of everyone I know. So I have hope that we will all be okay.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
