The fallacious idea being that if a large majority could be infected with the virus the herd resistance built up could limit the spread of the contagion. Simply, but it bears restating, through contact with that other 80 per cent who are infected but will suffer relatively little adverse effect. Preventing coronavirus from spreading to that vulnerable group must start with preventing its spread to those who will act as its transmission mechanism. That they should see themselves solely as potential victims rather than as agents of infection is deeply complacent and dangerous. But protecting the most vulnerable is not simply about isolating the old and infirm.

Source: The Irish Times March 17, 2020 18:11 UTC