Slabs of beer are a very common animal downunder. Well it is here in the coal mining area historically populated by Welsh miners, but I think all Aussie males consume - or at least know what about - a slab of beer.

There has been excellent media coverage in Australia by the national ABC News - that's Australian ABC, not American.

One of the key points being emphasised is that the people who have died from COVID19 had prior health issues. This was the same with the SARS virus.

I have seen no panic buying here, and I have heard nothing about it in the media. I have seen no face masks here in Newcastle, although they may be being used in capital cities, and probably at airports etc.

Our first death was reported yesterday. It was a man who had been on the Diamond Princess cruise which was quarantined in Japan last month.

John Donne:

"Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind;
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

Coincidentally, I just finished reading a book by Major Edward Dames and in one chapter he was writing about biological warfare allegedly conducted by Russia. He stated his opinion that if Russia wanted to start a war against China it would have more chance with biological warfare than by simply sending in armies. Interesting that both SARS and COVID19 started in China. (Please note, I took a lot of what Major Dames said with a good dose of healthy analytical and balanced scepticism.)