Chinese virus

[Deleted member 59730]

So what is point of general public wearing them if they wont stop a virus?

But they will prevent the spread. You wear one as a favour to your fellow citizens.

 

[Mr D]

But they will prevent the spread. You wear one as a favour to your fellow citizens.

As they won't stop a virus coming it they won't stop a virus going out.
Try a respirator suitable for that virus size and fitted to your face.

 

[ComPropSolicitor]

finally confirmed that this is a pandemic by WHO

 

[Jass T]

They will know much, much more than you do about it.

Of coarse they will and I wouldn't expect anything else.
But when I said the frontline, I meant the places around the world where the virus has taken hold. I have yet to see from all the reports and tv footage of those people walking about without face mask protection.
Let's see when we start getting big numbers here, will your local A & E staff still be without face masks.

 

[JpeeL]

N95 masks and respirators with proper filters DO stop the virus coming in. You have to make sure it’s properly sealed however and you can still get it by rubbing your eyes.

 

[MBE2017]

N95 masks and respirators with proper filters DO stop the virus coming in. You have to make sure it’s properly sealed however and you can still get it by rubbing your eyes.

Correct, most people will struggle to wear them for very long, half an hour is fairly lengthy time, hard to breathe with them. I would estimate 85% of peo0le cannot fit them correctly either. Still, if it makes them happy.

 

[MBE2017]

Italy has had another 2313 infections confirmed, with an additional 196 deaths in the last 24hrs, 827 deaths in total. Spain is beginning to see high numbers starting now as well.

 

[paulears]

I've got friends working in the two arena touring productions in mainland Europe of Holiday on Ice. They both came home 4 weeks early - tour scrapped this afternoon officially.

 

[MBE2017]

I hear the Germans have renaged on medical supply orders to other EU states, seems they have decided they want the face masks etc themselves. So much for EU unity.

The Chinese are donating huge amounts of supplies to Italy, and also offering to sell ventilators now they feel they are on top of their outbreak.

 

[tony84]

2 in the UK today... I know it is "only" 2, but thats the first time it has been more than 1 in a day.
The numbers are going in the wrong direction.

 

[DontAsk]

The numbers are

Too small to draw any such conclusion.

going in the wrong direction.

 

[Mr D]

I hear the Germans have renaged on medical supply orders to other EU states, seems they have decided they want the face masks etc themselves. So much for EU unity.

The Chinese are donating huge amounts of supplies to Italy, and also offering to sell ventilators now they feel they are on top of their outbreak.

Whatever could the Germans be using the face masks for?
They are presumably not believers that face masks are useless?

 

[Mr D]

2 in the UK today... I know it is "only" 2, but thats the first time it has been more than 1 in a day.
The numbers are going in the wrong direction.

The numbers are going in the expected direction. Up.

Merkel in Germany suggests 70% of their country could be infected. Supposing similar here, that's in excess of 40 million people.

We are still in 3 digits for infected. Give it a few weeks and may be in 6 or more.

I notice Italy has 196 dead today. Couple of weeks we could be in 3 digits for deaths each day too.

Hey, anyone know if NHS outsources its supply of oxygen bottles and the refilling of bottles?

 

[Mr D]

Coronavirus Conference Gets Canceled Because of Coronavirus

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...nference-gets-canceled-because-of-coronavirus

The mind boggles.

These days could someone set up remote meeting networks and provide equipment? Just thinking a conference even 30 years ago could take place over the phone - surely we have better equipment to do conferences now involving no meeting in person?

 

[CVRO]

Regarding masks... It is not as clear cut as it does not work at all and it seems like it does make sense for health care professionals:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/dis...9/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

 

[OMGVape]

Why is everyone banging on about football? It’s only a game. There are surely more pressing issues because of Coronavirus? Am I more concerned about over rated prats kicking a ball around for a million quid a week, or the likelihood of my grandchildren catching a potential deadly infection simply be going to school, as my government seems to think is the best thing to do?

Incidentally, Is it spooky that when I type ‘coro’ on my phone, the top predictive word is ‘Coronavirus’? I’m sure three months ago it would have come up with ‘coronation street’

 

[simon field]

Why is everyone banging on about football? It’s only a game. There are surely more pressing issues because of Coronavirus? Am I more concerned about over rated prats kicking a ball around for a million quid a week, or the likelihood of my grandchildren catching a potential deadly infection simply be going to school, as my government seems to think is the best thing to do?

Incidentally, Is it spooky that when I type ‘coro’ on my phone, the top predictive word is ‘Coronavirus’? I’m sure three months ago it would have come up with ‘coronation street’

it’s because thousands of people gather together to watch football.

And your grandchildren are fine, the vast majority of deaths are the elderly and/or ill.

 

[paulears]

One of my Chinese suppliers has been interrogating me on the virus situation here.
Have you got Masks?: No we've been told they're unnecessary
Maybe not needed because of cancelled events?: No - we still have football
You mean nobody takes precautions?: No
Even doctors and nurses in hospital?:No
What advice do your government give?

At this point I started to realise explaining about happy birthday and feet pumping did actually sound rather pathetic.

 

[Deleted member 59730]

it’s because thousands of people gather together to watch football.

The official line is that it is more dangerous to gather in a crowded pub to watch the game.

Finding a pub around here with a single drinker would be the hard part. Most are empty.

 

[Mr D]

The official line is that it is more dangerous to gather in a crowded pub to watch the game.

Finding a pub around here with a single drinker would be the hard part. Most are empty.

Meanwhile in other parts of the country people still use pubs enough for them to remain open.

 

[MBE2017]

Hey, anyone know if NHS outsources its supply of oxygen bottles and the refilling of bottles?

I think it is a lack of ventilators that is the major problem, hence why they are trying to slow it down as much as possible. Really feel for the Italians, good quality healthcare totally swamped.

I think the NHS staff are magnificent, but they will struggle to cope, and like the Italians will have to start deciding who gets onto a ventilator and who doesn’t. Care homes will suffer terribly, if the virus gets a hold.

 

[DontAsk]

the likelihood of my grandchildren catching a potential deadly infection simply be going to school,

...is very low, just like normal 'flu. Children are far less susceptible. They are more likely to be carriers and infect their grandparents.

 

[DazRave]

apparently school's might be closing today.

Oh really? Any source?

 

[Mr D]

I think it is a lack of ventilators that is the major problem, hence why they are trying to slow it down as much as possible. Really feel for the Italians, good quality healthcare totally swamped.

I think the NHS staff are magnificent, but they will struggle to cope, and like the Italians will have to start deciding who gets onto a ventilator and who doesn’t. Care homes will suffer terribly, if the virus gets a hold.

Worst comes to the worst the NHS may simply ask for some patients to be cared for at home.
Non invasive help, such as oxygen mask, as opposed to ventilation which would need person to be treated in a suitable care environment.

Triage - those less likely to survive will not get the same help when resources scarce.
As Italy is already having to do.

 

[alan1302]

Regarding masks... It is not as clear cut as it does not work at all and it seems like it does make sense for health care professionals:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/dis...9/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

Oh really? Any source?

Just read the news. Cobra meeting today and expected to move to closing schools, stopping large gatherings and encouraging home working

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

Just read the news. Cobra meeting today and expected to move to closing schools, stopping large gatherings and encouraging home working

What news did you read that in? BBC is saying closing schools and stopping large gatherings isn't likely...

 

[DazRave]

Just read the news. Cobra meeting today and expected to move to closing schools, stopping large gatherings and encouraging home working

Again.. source where you've read that specifically?

Even if it is discussed in a Cobra meeting today, it's likely they'll choose a date for it to happen rather then send everyone home as soon as they leave the meeting!

 

[STDFR33]

The supermarkets near me have been sold out of 'essentials for days'.

Panic is definitely setting in, and I don't blame anyone. I am now genuinely very worried.

 

[The Byre]

Europe (and beyond) Update -

The Czech Republic introduces controls at its borders with Germany and Austria.

Crossing the border beyond official border crossings is also prohibited, as Interior Minister Jan Hamacek said. According to a report by the CTK news agency, controls will start on Friday. The Czech Republic is one of the states of the Schengen Agreement, with which the abolition of internal border controls of the participating countries was agreed.

According to the Ministry of Health, 302 people in Austria have now tested positive for the coronavirus. That is 57 more people than on Wednesday. Most infected people are in the capital Vienna with 58 cases and in Lower Austria with 51 cases. But all other federal states are also affected. Four people have already recovered.

Denmark restrictions

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced drastic steps in the fight against the virus on Thursday night: all schools and universities are closed, officials are sent home, events over 100 people are prohibited. All hospitals that are not essential for life are suspended. "An unprecedented state of emergency since World War II," comments the Politiken newspaper. This was preceded by a tenfold increase in the number of cases in just 2 days - the fastest increase in Europe.

First death in Greece

In Greece, according to the Ministry of Health, a person died for the first time from the consequences of coronavirus infection. It was a 66-year-old with previous illnesses who had been on a trip to Israel and Egypt in February. A total of 99 infections have been recorded in Greece so far. The ministry also said that ferry passengers were quarantined as a precaution after a crew member complained of discomfort. According to agency reports, the ferry is anchored in a port on the island of Limnos.

Travel stops also in Saudi Arabia and El Salvador

Saudi Arabia has banned all trips to and from the European Union. El Salvador has banned all foreigners from entering the country due to the coronavirus. No foreign citizen should come to the Central American country for 30 days to prevent the virus from spreading there, President Nayib Bukele said. So far, there has been no confirmed case of the coronavirus in El Salvador. Bukele said that all private and public schools will also be closed for 21 days. Neighboring Guatemala had previously announced that it would not allow Europeans, Chinese, Iranians, and North and South Koreans to enter the country. So far, there has not been a single coronavirus case in Guatemala.

Swiss canton declares emergency

The Swiss canton of Ticino bordering Italy has declared an emergency. With 128 documented cases, the region is by far the most affected nationwide. This is associated with measures that restrict public life and should initially apply until the end of March. In addition to the closure of nine smaller border crossings with Italy, schools and training facilities that go beyond compulsory schooling will also be closed. Primary schools remain open for the time being. Cinemas, clubs and ski areas will also be closed. Numerous Swiss politicians have called for the borders to be closed completely. Only urgently needed personnel should be able to enter Italy. The authorities have so far refused.

Hungary proclaims a national state of crisis.

Entries from Italy, South Korea, Iran and China are forbidden until further notice, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, announced. Universities would be closed and public gatherings banned. The effects of the epidemic would last for months rather than weeks.

Passenger train traffic between Italy and Austria stopped

Passenger trains to and from Italy across the Austrian border have ceased. "We follow the instructions of the authorities," said a spokesman for the Austrian Federal Railways. Freight traffic is not affected. Car traffic controls on the Italian border are also due to start today. Almost no one from Italy is allowed to travel to destinations in Austria for professional or private reasons. For tourists who are still in Italy, the following applies: transit through Austria is possible - but without a stop. Travel is otherwise only possible with a medical certificate, said Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. The return of Austrian citizens will be organised in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, said Kurz. After arrival, however, everyone would have to be in domestic isolation for two weeks.

The measures initially apply until April 3. In addition, the government banned indoor events with more than 100 participants until early April. Outdoor events would be prohibited if the number of participants exceeded 500.

Byre Towers announces strict measures

Staff at Byre Towers are no longer allowed to lick customers. The septic tank was emptied and the small caused Mrs.M in accounts to shut the windows and lock her door. "And when do I get my new filing cabinets?" she demanded from behind a locked door.

 

[DazRave]

The first F1 race is doubtful.. positive result in the McLaren garage means they've just released a press statement saying they are pulling out of the race. I assume other teams will follow suit.

 

[OMGVape]

Again.. source where you've read that specifically?

Even if it is discussed in a Cobra meeting today, it's likely they'll choose a date for it to happen rather then send everyone home as soon as they leave the meeting!

Friend who works in a power station says schools will likely close from Monday. (apparently they get more detailed info from government because they are a 'vital' occupation)

 

[Stedurham]

2 schools is Stockton on tees closing

 

[Nord20]

And this is where second hand information can be less useful than no information.

I'm friends with a senior micro-biologist who helped develop the models in use now to predict the likely path the virus would take.

In her opinion, the next step the Government will take will be to instruct anyone with pretty much any symptoms to self-isolate. With a bit of luck, that would be it, at least for the time being. No school closures, as that can exacerbate the problems from an economic point of view (kids at home means parents at home too), whilst providing little help in delaying the virus spread.

Obviously schools that have a confirmed case have to be closed and cleaned top to bottom.

But then she may be completely wrong.....

 

[tony84]

No school closures, as that can exacerbate the problems from an economic point of view (kids at home means parents at home too), whilst providing little help in delaying the virus spread.

The alternative being the kids at school with other kids who then also spread it to parents anyway?

 

[Newchodge]

The alternative being the kids at school with other kids who then also spread it to parents anyway?

If schools close kids will be playing with other kids who then also spread it to parents anyway.

 

[Nord20]

The alternative being the kids at school with other kids who then also spread it to parents anyway?

It's not as black and white as that. There will come a threshold point where the virus is spread enough that you can expect that to be the situation in a significant percentage of schools.

Until then, the benefits of closing schools are outweighs by the costs/risks. Essentially, at the moment anyway, the official advice is that it should be handled on a case by case basis.

Here is the advice being given to schools:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...idance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

We've all probably got it already anyway - surely the best possible course of action is to put the vulnerable people into isolation rather than kids?

 

[Nord20]

If schools close kids will be playing with other kids who then also spread it to parents anyway.

Apparently this is exactly what's happening in Rome - no adults in the streets, but hundreds of kids roaming around having a fantastic time!

 

[alan1302]

Again.. source where you've read that specifically?

Even if it is discussed in a Cobra meeting today, it's likely they'll choose a date for it to happen rather then send everyone home as soon as they leave the meeting!

BBC news/Sky News/The Guardian - of course they would set a date and not make it immediate!!

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

Out my window in the office I can see on to the A9 just south of Perth (main route between north and south Scotland). I just saw 4 military personnel transport vehicles in convoy heading south. Unrelated? Or are the military moving people around to get ready for supporting in some way.