Chinese virus

[Mr D]

The biggest global threat over this virus is Trump. Did you see that complete numpty doing his press brief today? He just doesn’t have a clue about anything, he’s either on drugs or from a different planet.

I'm given to understand those Americans that didn't move abroad when he was elected instead take the opposite of what he says. Helps them sleep safe at night knowing plenty of adults will think like them.

 

[Mr D]

Meanwhile in France, the number of infections has doubled in the last three days, to 4500. Of the 300 in ICU, half of the patients are UNDER 60.

Worryingly, France is only testing for Covid19 if the patient needs urgent hospital care, so the number of the infected could be much higher. According to a friend, calls have been jammed to the French version of 111 for the last couple of days.
It would appear they are being totally swamped by this virus.

Not sure why there is a much higher younger demographic in France, possibly because they still smoke a lot?

France has a different old people problem than Italy, which apparently was 2nd in the world after Japan.

Haven't heard anything about our 111 service recently beyond they were putting more people on it - hopefully recruited in October or so!
Not going to tie up their lines simply to test - has anyone heard anything?
Used for plenty of other problems besides this virus.

 

[tony84]

I would do, but I haven’t had a verruca in ages

I think you are confusing it with bazooka

 

[MBE2017]

France has a different old people problem than Italy, which apparently was 2nd in the world after Japan.

Haven't heard anything about our 111 service recently beyond they were putting more people on it - hopefully recruited in October or so!
Not going to tie up their lines simply to test - has anyone heard anything?
Used for plenty of other problems besides this virus.

Do you actually read the posts you reply too?

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

Isn’t the UK governments approach to this whole drama just readjusting a health crisis into a bigger economic crisis?

I understand that delaying the whole thing and drawing it out over the summer will mean less pressure on the NHS, but a prolonged state of limbo is going to destroy thousands of businesses, bankrupt a lot of individuals, and if the schools close for 14 weeks as Arlene Foster is suggesting for over there, working parents are going to be struggling as well.

Am I missing something? There isn’t a different death rate being predicted as a result as far as I can see, so it couldn’t be argued that saving lives is more important than economics...

 

[MikeJ]

He represents the majority of Americans.

Who gives a fack?

Pedantic, but 46.1% isn't a majority.

 

[Mr D]

Do you actually read the posts you reply too?

Yes.

 

[Mr D]

Pedantic, but 46.1% isn't a majority.

US presidents aren't chosen by majority of Americans. They are chosen by vote of the electoral college - which is a few hundred individuals.
No presidential candidate has run a campaign based on getting majority vote - their system simply doesn't bother with it.

 

[MOIC]

The more the government are seen to be mismanaging the control of this virus, the more I can see this will bring them down.

Tom Hancock will be first to go . . . . .

Boris will not be far behind.

 

[MOIC]

I had considered moving to China but I’m sick of their food.

I know some good restaurants.

The first meal is on me!

 

[MOIC]

Tom Hancock will be first to go . . . . .

You know I meant Matt!

 

[Gordon - Commercial Finance]

You know I meant Matt!

John Hancock will be close behind those two

 

[MOIC]

We have yet to see the 'model' the UK government have based their strategy on.

It will be interesting to see if one of the factors is that the NHS is ill prepared and does not have sufficient testing kits, beds, protective suits, ICU ventilators etc etc.

When the model they are following is there for all to see (and scrutinise), then we will all have a better idea and to share with their strategy. Global scientists will also be able to see where perhaps they are going wrong.

Until then, we are left In the dark, with very poor communication and very little transparency.

Meanwhile the virus continues to be spread with larger number of infections.

Any figures coming out now from the UK government should probably be taken with a pinch of salt.

 

[Mr D]

elderly and immune-compromised people will be put into quarantine for 4 months according to the news, while the rest of the UK gets infected, so what about immune compromised/elderly teachers are they expendable or will they be quarantined too?

This whole herd immunity strategy is pretty awful and is going to be very hard to do effectively, and it's made this whole thing far more terrifying.

So far no one has suggested who is paying for this quarantine?
4 months of a £691 reduction in income a month. £2,765 reduction in 4 months.
With no way to make the money up afterwards. Bills won't be paid.

There will be people with upwards of £5k net reduction in income in 4 months.

And absolutely no guarantee that the virus won't be brought into the house anyway.

 

[Mr D]

We have yet to see the 'model' the UK government have based their strategy on.

It will be interesting to see if one of the factors is that the NHS is ill prepared and does not have sufficient testing kits, beds, protective suits, ICU ventilators etc etc.

When the model they are following is there for all to see (and scrutinise), then we will all have a better idea and to share with their strategy. Global scientists will also be able to see where perhaps they are going wrong.

Until then, we are left In the dark, with very poor communication and very little transparency.

Meanwhile the virus continues to be spread with larger number of infections.

Any figures coming out now from the UK government should probably be taken with a pinch of salt.

Can probably get access to the model in 25 years. Be a bit academic by then except in the press.

 

[DontAsk]

This whole herd immunity strategy is pretty awful and is going to be very hard to do effectively, and it's made this whole thing far more terrifying.

If you don't get it this time around you will get it next time. May as well take the hit now.

 

[OMGVape]

Today’s figures not yet released. Normally it’s done at 2pm each day. I think it’s going to be a bad one.
Unless the virus doesn’t work sundays.

 

[Mr D]

If you don't get it this time around you will get it next time. May as well take the hit now.

Perhaps next time it will be weaker. Or we'll have some vaccine available before it starts.

May end up being some who get it this time and next time. Not every illness allows for a strong immune response for a long period.

We get the flu in this country every year. Having it one year doesn't mean it can't affect you the following year.
Anyone had Norovirus more than once?

 

[CVRO]

If you don't get it this time around you will get it next time. May as well take the hit now.

How about people who are getting it more than once?
Obviously, it could be down to a false negative test the first time around they thought the person had beaten the virus.

 

[DontAsk]

Today’s figures not yet released. Normally it’s done at 2pm each day. I think it’s going to be a bad one.
Unless the virus doesn’t work sundays.

14 more and, to be fair, they did announce the figuyres would be released "later". Just a bit slower collating the figures.

No panic, no conspiracy.

 

[DontAsk]

How about people who are getting it more than once?
Obviously, it could be down to a false negative test the first time around they thought the person had beaten the virus.

Or a false positive the second time.

How many? Very few.

 

[MBE2017]

Coronavirus Germany: Merkel to close borders with France, Austria and Switzerland

As of 9am on 15 March, a total of 40,279 have been tested in the UK:

38,907 negative

1,372 positive
Across the UK, 35 patients who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have sadly died.

 

[simon field]

Tom Hancock will be first to go . . . . .
.

I think you mean Matt Hancock - he should’ve been sacked on the spot for his bare faced lie last week.

 

[momon121]

I know some good restaurants.

The first meal is on me!

Why is the UK government taking a different stance to rest of its euro counterparts?
Surely the evidence is there and for the government to strategise a clinical and efficient way of managing the delay if the containment is no longer optional

 

[MBE2017]

Italy reports 368 deaths in one day, total deaths at 1809. This is a higher daily figure than China ever recorded in a single day.

 

[thetiger2015]

As of 9am on 15 March, a total of 40,279 have been tested in the UK:

38,907 negative

1,372 positive
Across the UK, 35 patients who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have sadly died.

presume those numbers of tested are of people who believe they have it? Show symptoms?

I’ve seen lots of people on social media demanding that everyone gets tested. Completely pointless ofcourse, if the vast majority have not been exposed to the virus yet. You’ll get lots of negative results that would be positive if you waited a week or two. Maybe they just want a piece of paper to wave in people’s faces as they head to the airport and demand a flight to Spain because they ‘aven’t got it!

The panic buying is getting ridiculous though. I assumed it was all media hype but they were going crazy at the tills earlier, people filling their cars with all kinds of stuff in bulk. Again, rather pointless because this could go on for weeks or even months yet and people are not going to be able to sit at home, twiddling their thumbs. So, if they’ve just spent their wages on all that...next month...they’re going to struggle!

 

[thetiger2015]

Italy reports 368 deaths in one day, total deaths at 1809. This is a higher daily figure than China ever recorded in a single day.

I think the Italian health service has almost completely collapsed now. It was over run quite early and they just don’t have the beds or nurses. I think China are sending some medics to try and help.

 

[thetiger2015]

Why is the UK government taking a different stance to rest of its euro counterparts?
Surely the evidence is there and for the government to strategise a clinical and efficient way of managing the delay if the containment is no longer optional

They saw the Italian health system collapsing. The NHS would completely break if we tried to do what Italy has done and we don’t have the capacity. The government knew containment would fail, they just wanted to push things back a few weeks to get more beds ready and open up some wards. They also wanted more time to research methods of recovery, learning from what other countries are doing. Flatten the curve as they’re calling it on social media. Lots of little bumps and not one huge bump that breaks everything.

 

[Newchodge]

Why is the UK government taking a different stance to rest of its euro counterparts?
Surely the evidence is there and for the government to strategise a clinical and efficient way of managing the delay if the containment is no longer optional

The problem may be that the evidence is not there. Why should we do what Italy, or even China did, when their mortality rates are horrendous. There is little evidence or knowledge about what 'works'. We can't even define what 'works' looks like. Can anyone explain the rationale for closing schools?

 

[MBE2017]

The problem may be that the evidence is not there. Why should we do what Italy, or even China did, when their mortality rates are horrendous. There is little evidence or knowledge about what 'works'. We can't even define what 'works' looks like. Can anyone explain the rationale for closing schools?

This might explain the theory.

 

[Gordon L]

There is much nonsense and hysteria on this thread, not least from the likes of My Office in China, who thinks that he knows how to handle this epidemic better than the best the UK has to offer. A UK which has successfully tackled foot and mouth and ebola, has played a leading role in wiping out polio and contributing hugely to the advancement of improved health outcomes across the world, including China.

My suggestion is to listen to what the civil service are saying, try to contribute to the common good, and work out a plan for severe business disruption lasting for at least 6 months. If you have cash, try to keep it. If you have enough, look towards the other side of this crisis to see where you want to be (IE, do you/can you invest, or can you pivot?). If things are looking really ropey, can you hunker right down and get a job, whether home based or not?

Overall, do not panic and do avoid the hysteria. We're in trouble but there will be a way out, however gruesome this may be.

 

[momon121]

There is much nonsense and hysteria on this thread, not least from the likes of My Office in China, who thinks that he knows how to handle this epidemic better than the best the UK has to offer. A UK which has successfully tackled foot and mouth and ebola, has played a leading role in wiping out polio and contributing hugely to the advancement of improved health outcomes across the world, including China.

My suggestion is to listen to what the civil service are saying, try to contribute to the common good, and work out a plan for severe business disruption lasting for at least 6 months. If you have cash, try to keep it. If you have enough, look towards the other side of this crisis to see where you want to be (IE, do you/can you invest, or can you pivot?). If things are looking really ropey, can you hunker right down and get a job, whether home based or not?

Overall, do not panic and do avoid the hysteria. We're in trouble but there will be a way out, however gruesome this may be.

I don’t think for one second My Office In China made that claim. If it’s a matter of an opinion then it should be left there - even scientists are in disagreements with each other on this matter.

 

[DontAsk]

The panic buying is getting ridiculous though. I assumed it was all media hype but they were going crazy at the tills earlier, people filling their cars with all kinds of stuff in bulk. Again, rather pointless because this could go on for weeks or even months yet and people are not going to be able to sit at home, twiddling their thumbs. So, if they’ve just spent their wages on all that...next month...they’re going to struggle!

They can cry into all that toilet roll they bought when the realization hits them of what arsewipes they have been.

 

[Gordon L]

@momom121 My point is that there is hysteria on these pages - and with it a lot of rubbish about the UK response. In my view it helps breed panic. At the very least mistrust of people who have spent decades studying this subject matter.

It is of course my opinion - founded on some experience in the matter of operational response to outbreaks of viruses. So I shall leave it there.

 

[ecommerce84]

Total current reported cases per million population:

Italy: 409
Switzerland: 256
Norway: 227
Spain: 166
Denmark: 149
Estonia: 128
Sweden: 101
Austria: 95
Belgium: 76
Germany: 69
France: 69
Netherlands: 66
Finland: 44
Ireland: 34
Greece: 31
Portugal: 24
Czechia: 23
UK: 20
Slovakia: 9.9
Romania: 7.2
Poland: 3.2

Maybe a different plan of attack isn’t a bad idea.

 

[Mr D]

presume those numbers of tested are of people who believe they have it? Show symptoms?

I’ve seen lots of people on social media demanding that everyone gets tested. Completely pointless ofcourse, if the vast majority have not been exposed to the virus yet. You’ll get lots of negative results that would be positive if you waited a week or two. Maybe they just want a piece of paper to wave in people’s faces as they head to the airport and demand a flight to Spain because they ‘aven’t got it!

The panic buying is getting ridiculous though. I assumed it was all media hype but they were going crazy at the tills earlier, people filling their cars with all kinds of stuff in bulk. Again, rather pointless because this could go on for weeks or even months yet and people are not going to be able to sit at home, twiddling their thumbs. So, if they’ve just spent their wages on all that...next month...they’re going to struggle!

OK get told to self isolate for 2 weeks.
Then partway through you do develop symptoms. You get told to stay at home, family all stay at home too.

Now, how much stuff do you need for say 6 weeks of not going shopping again for you and everyone living in your house?

Sure, may - and it is may - be able to get some stuff delivered in a few weeks by ordering on the internet. But won't necessarily be what you would have chosen yourself and you won't be paying the price at the supermarket tills for it all.

 

[Gordon L]

They can cry into all that toilet roll they bought when the realization hits them of what arsewipes they have been.

There is a strong and rational argument for stocking up on such items, which is that if you have stocked up now, and stay at home more (ie 'move less') during the epidemic, you are doing yourself - and society - a favour because you are contributing to reducing the risk of spread.

If, in taking such precautions that will actually benefit society (I have about 4 weeks of supplies (which I could push to 6 weeks), 2 -3 weeks more than normal) I cannot see why the term 'arse wipe' can reasonably be applied.

 

[Deleted member 59730]

I think you mean Matt Hancock

Not Tony Hancock?

 

[MOIC]

There is much nonsense and hysteria on this thread, not least from the likes of My Office in China, who thinks that he knows how to handle this epidemic better than the best the UK has to offer. A UK which has successfully tackled foot and mouth and ebola, has played a leading role in wiping out polio and contributing hugely to the advancement of improved health outcomes across the world, including China.

Not sure where I've said I know how to handle the epidemic better . . . . . .more selective interpretation on your part.

What I have said is this:

1. It was irresponsible for the UK government to continue to allow flights in from ALL infected areas. This just contributed to the amount with infections being allowed into the UK and spread the virus.

2. The NHS is completely ill prepared, with a lack of testing equipment, protective clothing, ICU ventilators and even basic masks.

3. There has been no transparency showing the 'model' which is being followed. This should be shown to the public to instill confidence. Not to, just leaves questions that will eventually need to be answered.

4. There should be daily bulletins telling the country what is happening. The lack of communication with the public does not give confidence to the people who's welfare you have been charged with keeping safe.

5. Countries, some much smaller than the UK, have managed to control the spread of the virus by good testing methods and isolating infected areas. look at Singapore, S Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Israel who are all prepared for this epidemic. UK are not prepared.

6. 111 is completely overwhelmed and giving conflicting messages, even with an additional 2000 telephone staff recruited.

7. GP's have not been prepared and do not have sufficient protective equipment, even basic masks.

8. There are no isolation units for people to be treated. They cannot go to A&E, they cannot go to their GP. Where are they supposed to go?

9. There has been widespread dissatisfaction globally on the UK's methods and strategy and this may come back to bite them when all this is over.

10. China was the first to have and combat this virus. not to learn from some of their methods and according to W.H.O should be followed, albeit tweaked due to each country's social movements.

What I am saying (in a nutshell) is this: UK are ill prepared and the Health Minister is responsible and should go.

 

[dan19900]

Philippines pretty much on lockdown now, everything except takeaway restaurants and supermarkets closed in Metro Manila for a month and a lot of provinces starting to impose restrictions.
Strange how it spiked in Europe before South East Asia when there's a lot more Chinese tourists who visit Thailand etc.