[stetrain]

The point is that young people are more likely to think "Oh this won't affect me, I'll continue as normal" because the severity and mortality of this illness is statistically higher for older people.

I don't see it as blaming young people, just pointing out that even if you aren't in the statistically "at risk" part of the age curve, you can still play a part in the spread and effects of this epidemic.

[antonzabirko]

The article should've shed light on what govts can do better, not what individuals can. That's where the blame lies.

[lostcolony]

Who is more likely to read and listen to a Newsweek article, an arbitrary individual reading the article making a decision for themselves, or a governmental policy maker when deciding what to tell the country?

[antonzabirko]

You can choose to be a part of this, but it's the same logic as blaming the poor for societal issues or Muslims for terrorism.

[stetrain]

If not being poor was as simple as washing your hands and avoiding necessary travel then that might have more merit.

It's quite possible for both "the systemic response is inadequate" and "we should not take personal actions that cause unnecessary risk for others when possible" to both be true and fit in one's head at the same time. One does not negate the other.

[antonzabirko]

Agree, BUT the media only has so much attention. Use it for chastising the govt.

[jshevek]

Let's try to reduce the damage on all levels, by all people? There's no need to choose between one or the other, government action and personal responsibility.

[JohnFen]

Ideally, sure, but I don't think that that federal government is really going to do better in the near-to-medium term no matter how many such articles are written.

Individual (and state government) action is mostly what we have, so that's more important than ever.

[antonzabirko]

This may sound extreme, but it is scapegoating/systemic apolgia.

[JohnFen]

I'm not sure I understand your comment, so if my reply is off the mark, that's why.

I am not engaging in apologia. I'm looking at what we can practically expect right now.

[tasuki]

Really? Individuals can't do things? Only governments can?

It's so easy to just blame the government...

[toss1]

Exactly!

This scenario is playing out today in a family member's office on the East Coast.

A 30-something in the office, despite the fact that Washington state is a major COVID-19 hotspot with community spread and multiple deaths, nevertheless decided to book tickets to see a grunge band concert in Seattle, along with multiple parties.

Returning last night sent emails from the plane marveling at how empty it was. Clearly missed the memo or DGAF.

Moreover, in the office where he works, the senior partners are over 70, so in a major risk group.

This is now a big issue of how long to keep the guy home.

So, yes, everyone (young and old) needs to get smart, take precautions, and stop risking killing people.

You're 30 and want to take the risk? Fine. Just stay the F away from everyone else who didn't sign up for your risks.

And to the GP's point, no one is being 'ageist' about this.