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I think we have to face a very grim and uncomfortable fact. A lot of people could be permanently affected by Covid-19, in terms or both physical and mental health. Given the huge numbers infected, lifelong impacts could affect a substantial part of the population.
I haven't seen much thinking yet about the implications: the massive amount of support that will be needed, and the horrendous loss of wellbeing. Nor have I seen this threat penetrating the consciousness of those who argue for minimal action to stop the spread of the disease.
It's classic short-termism: to avoid a short period of pain (lockdowns and other restrictions), we will condemn people to a lifetime of suffering.
The parallels with our failure to take timely environmental action are obvious and powerful. To avoid even minor inconvenience now, we will inflict massive potential suffering on future generations.
Those who have suffered for years from ME/CFS, and have been ignored, neglected and even stigmatised know how long term conditions (often triggered by viruses) are overlooked by governments. Following C-19, hundreds of thousands could suffer. We must take this seriously.
