COVID-19 Pandemic

[northwestsnow]

1 minute ago, Mr Frost said:

Good read this - guy in his 50’s who travelled back to Scotland from Italy tested positive for Coronavirus. 

Nothing more than a bad cold for him - said he wanted to tell his story to reassure the public that the vast majority make a full recovery. 

What does it feel like to have coronavirus?

What does it feel like to have coronavirus?

WWW.BBC.CO.UK

---

One of Scotland's first Covid-19 cases describes what it is like to contract and recover from the infection.

I honestly think if you don’t have any underlying health issues you have absolutely nothing to worry about with regards to contracting the virus. 

The people currently with the underlying health issues should be the ones in quarantine - how do you go about that though? (Some will go about their daily lives as normal and you can’t really blame them)

Great if you don't have underlying conditions but a LOT of people do!!

[Stabilo19]

Quite shocking scenes on BBC news now demonstrating the reality of covid-19 with patients treated in warehouses and tents. 

[emax]

Just a thought about testing, personally I think the testing should change (which it has), but we need a test soon to find out who has already had it.

There'll be thousands of thousands of people who have a mild illness, and wont know if they have had it or not. These are the people that would need testing, as if they have already had it, and now fully recovered, they're the ones that can go back to work, and help others out if needed. Its just a fantasy theory though, as testing thousands of people would take months and months, but it would be nice if it was in any way doable.

[Guest Delete Me]

Whilst some people may be praising China for the way in which they contained the outbreak, let's not forget how this started and how badly citizens were treated during lockdown.

This videos shows authorities literally shoveling what looks like cabbage out of a truck to trapped residents

Good news is that the south China food market in Hankoi, Wuhan is having all of its contents removed and will be destroyed although I'm sure there are hundreds of other markets that will continue the sale of wild and domestic animals for consumption.

[swebby]

38 minutes ago, BornFromTheVoid said:

Italy now has 40% of the total deaths China accumulated, but with only 22% on the confirmed cases so far.

The number of global cases linked to Italy suggest their case numbers are probably way off.  There were cases popping up all over the globe when they were around the 2000 mark, so either those 2000 were incredibly socially promiscuous, or they had a lot more than 200 cases.

[kold weather]

2 minutes ago, Stabilo19 said:

Quite shocking scenes on BBC news now demonstrating the reality of covid-19 with patients treated in warehouses and tents. 

May look shocking now, but that will 100% have to happen in the UK under the current plan even on the best case scenario, as I said earlier, my estimates are a 200,000 bed shortfall, based on a much lower than average rate of hospitalization based on a 20% infection of population around the 4 weeks in the peak period.

Better get used to seeing that, many other countries will be joining them as well.

[nick sussex]

Anyone seen that spat developing between China and the USA.

Apparently a Chinese politician is blaming the USA military for bringing the virus to Wuhan .

[kold weather]

1 minute ago, swebby said:

The number of global cases linked to Italy suggest their case numbers are probably way off.  There were cases popping up all over the globe when they were around the 2000 mark, so either those 2000 were incredibly socially promiscuous, or they had a lot more than 200 cases.

There are three main strains of this virus, and 270 substrains which have been identified upto a week ago (there was a great 'family tree' which showed the different variations and where they were found)

So the likelyhood is the other two strains have also been doing the rounds at the same time as the Italy variation has been. The first strain was mainly found in Asia and parts of USA, the 2nd and 3rd mainly Europe with other various locations where they have been imported into. 

Wish I'd saved it now, it made for some interesting reading, especially as we had the same strain Italy has now got.

[swebby]

16 minutes ago, Bristle boy said:

Unis acting unilaterally is fraught with danger.

Suddenly they're letting out 000s of students from a relatively contained environ, and local to that locale, into an early-back-home environ which is scattered all over the UK.

"Ooh, Tristan is coming home early, do you all (grandparents, brother, sister, young nieces and nephews) want to come around for Sunday lunch. Yes, we'll be crammed into the dining room, but we can all enjoy each other's company early"...."so excited!"

Universities are businesses, they can act as they wish.

[Daniel*]

39 minutes ago, Stabilo19 said:

Higher # of infected means higher # of hospital admissions means higher # of deaths! Your idea doesn't work out at all i'm afraid. 

 

Wrong it is all about who is getting infected. The vulnerable groups isolate from main population while transmission is most rampant and we will require herd immunity. 

One measure I see being implemented no over 70s allowed to leave their homes.

[Tamara]

 

I have tried to adopt a positive attitude to the government approach in this country to Coronavirus, and do understand the stated rationale behind it, at least to a point anyway. I think I said as much the other day in a previous post.

But things are moving on way too fast and out of control than one might have been trying, at least, to envisage and this post is very, very different in its overall tone and expression of concern

Based on the past form of the very selective approaches of this government according to whichever policy it pigeon-holes as idealistic or realistic, its not without reason to support the view that a more pro-active approach should now be implemented that ensures that the disciplines apparently entrusted on the public to self isolate appropriately etc, as outlined by the government yesterday, are followed through in reality to give more confidence and much needed reassurance that this not just part of a behavioural ideology test.

I very much sympathise with the concerns and palpable anxiety expressed from some on this thread that there is a feeling of being part of some kind of 'tough love' experiment in terms of sacrificing numbers of our own to the impact risks of the virus  - so as to allegedly claim a future immunological gain in the future and which, in relative terms, is supposed to ease extremely intense pressure on the NHS and gives the most vulnerable better chance of more concentrated protection. Like I say, the rationale is understandable to a point - but the very possible range of realities and dangerous risks is quite another matter

It adds weight to those in this thread who are criticised for calling out the government for not doing enough, when too much is being perceived to be weighted on an ideological basis that feels like a socio-medical experiment trial. Trials should be expedited through pushing the vital progress being made with anti viral medicines and vaccines - not by playing roulette with public welfare and lives,

The continuing uncertainties, relating to a new  virus at large across the globe that has no preventative safety valve against it, and based on some of the very distressing precedents being set in the leading affecting countries it has taken such toll on, merit full attempts by government and supporting health experts (of all expertise persuasion) to be seen to strike a path that is strict enough in ensuring the virus doesn't run riot, at the same time as  their preferred approach of 'short term pain, long term gain'. 

Its a very hard balance to strike, and an unenviable one, but I do support the view that more could be done to lessen the increasing considerable anxiety over this short term pain policy - and the growing feeling of impending doom that accompanies it, of being sentenced to be some kind of survival of the fittest situation where we all hope to see as many of us as possible 'on the other side'. I found the approach and tone of delivery of yesterdays conference deeply disturbing and unsettling in this particular respect.

I always try to be one who keeps perspective and prefers not to overreact where possible - whether its to do with weather patterns or any other subject. However I freely admit that my own personal anxiety levels are now very high, and this spectre of an experimental approach vs so many lack of precedents and unknowns worries me considerably individually and in terms of those close to me, let alone as part of any discussion debate -, and just trusting the methodologies as provided through the interpretation of this government, is no longer enough.

More pro-active measures are needed in terms of protection, separation and ensuring limited gatherings of people and if this, by way of formal policy issue,  means restricting numbers at public events much more strictly than at present, looking at school provisions and public services much more tightly, being officially scrupulous from the top with visits to care homes and associated places of vulnerability, rather than leaving such homes, hospitals etc to fend for and decide for themselves what is best for them, than so be it. The list of possible suggestions is not exhaustive - so those mentioned are merely examples.

There is palpable evidence in the 24 hrs since yesterdays official guidance update, that more and more of the public, increasing numbers of business and sporting institutions are making their own decisions some way beyond that of the government. Frankly this is inevitable as it is sensible and vital - the official data is the tip of the iceberg in terms of the stats.  I personally welcome these self initiatives to act independently in respect of safety first .    We all do have a responsibility to play our part, irrespective of government advice and implemented steps,.and would further hope this this trend keeps growing and growing in the absence of the government not stepping up more than they are. 

I do get the idea of not imposing draconian measures too soon for all the reasons given in terms of firing all the bullets in one go, so to speak- but it seems obvious to me that this concept has been and gone in terms of any window of opportunity - this thing has a momentum of its own that has already outdated yesterdays advice simply even just by the number of well known people from all walks of life who are coming forward as tested positive.   I know that the government advisors suggested they are many more than the official figures, but the approach they are adopting vastly underestimates and under anticipates the pace of change and acceleration, and what inevitably les ahead. There are far too many flashing red warning signals  - and surely rapid climb-downs must be coming. Much, much better and more reassuring that they were not forced, but anticipated ahead of time

The government is acting, or tying to act, to slow/delay a juggernaut that has already passed its point of no return of control of speed. They need to be more pro-active with this - they are not going to earn the trust of the public in terms of self discipline, if rapidly increasing numbers feel as though they are unwilling victims of what could end up as tantamount to a eugenics exercise.

For some more perspective , this will not be popular on these pages and I acknowledge  the inevitable brickbats that will come - but it has to be said frankly because it is, and will only become, an ever bigger foreboding backdrop to a year that is not yet 3 months old and is falling apart at the seams more than anyone could have conjectured : 

The government is fully confident, as stated just today, that it can implement a system-level trade deal by the end of this year and tackle the spiralling crisis of this pandemic at the same time -and continues to rule out easing pressure on the transitional period timetable to do things rationally and properly. This is, so it goes, apparently possible when no-one can be sure that any event, however small, will be going ahead tomorrow because of Coronavirus and when no-one, literally no-one, has the remotest clue what  effects it might high impact on the country as a whole (as well as across the world) on both a social/welfare and economic level by the summer let alone by December !

I apologise, it might not be de rigueur these days, and it wasn't long back that experts were seen but not heard - but accountability for actions and decisions matters at all times and most of all in national and global crisis. As based on a humanity crisis that began, metaphorically speaking, as the tiniest ripple over the other side of the world on the last day of 2019 ….but has seismically exploded into a globally monstrous tsunami within 3 months. But while life with Coronavirus is a national and global emergency and shroud of desperate uncertainty with rapidly destabilising hysteria bubbling just below it like a high category tornado supercell about to breach the atmospheric cap  - it remains 'business as usual' and utter certainly of clarity months and months ahead when it comes to the sacredness of idealist populism.

I did say it wouldn't be popular - but it is a valid and wholly credible perspective of the crisis ahead.

 

 

 

[swebby]

1 minute ago, kold weather said:

There are three main strains of this virus, and 270 substrains which have been identified upto a week ago (there was a great 'family tree' which showed the different variations and where they were found)

So the likelyhood is the other two strains have also been doing the rounds at the same time as the Italy variation has been. The first strain was mainly found in Asia and parts of USA, the 2nd and 3rd mainly Europe with other various locations where they have been imported into. 

Wish I'd saved it now, it made for some interesting reading, especially as we had the same strain Italy has now got.

Aye, but the cases i'm referring to had travel links with Italy.  

[Ryukai]

6 minutes ago, Paul Faulkner said:

Whilst some people may be praising China for the way in which they contained the outbreak, let's not forget how this started and how badly citizens were treated during lockdown.

This videos shows authorities literally shoveling what looks like cabbage out of a truck to trapped residents

Good news is that the south China food market in Hankoi, Wuhan is having all of its contents removed and will be destroyed although I'm sure there are hundreds of other markets that will continue the sale of wild and domestic animals for consumption.

 

The holes in that 'fence' are more than big enough for a full sized adult to get through with absolutely no problem, wouldn't exactly call that 'trapped' tbh

[Puddy Galore]

5 minutes ago, Paul Faulkner said:

Whilst some people may be praising China for the way in which they contained the outbreak, let's not forget how this started and how badly citizens were treated during lockdown.

This videos shows authorities literally shoveling what looks like cabbage out of a truck to trapped residents

Good news is that the south China food market in Hankoi, Wuhan is having all of its contents removed and will be destroyed although I'm sure there are hundreds of other markets that will continue the sale of wild and domestic animals for consumption.

well, one would hope the WHO and other world leaders, once the world has got through this catastrophe and undertaken some sort of root cause analysis, should be having some very serious conversations with China and how the regime there intends to ensure these markets are ALL closed and never re-open.  I would go so far as to say the international community needs a task force to monitor compliance as well.  

[Mark Bayley]

BBC news reporting that Denmark is closing its borders.

[The PIT]

1 minute ago, Daniel* said:

Wrong it is all about who is getting infected. The vulnerable groups isolate from main population while transmission is most rampant and we will require herd immunity. 

One measure I see being implemented no over 70s allowed to leave their homes.

And what you're going to do if they leave the house to get a bit of shopping from the local shop shoot them? Or they have dementia and go wandering at night. Shoot them ?

The vulnerable groups should be advised to stay home as should their carers. This hopefully will reduce the strain on the hospitals. That should have been announced yesterday then at least the government would have been doing something.

[Zak M]

Cristiano Ronaldo posted this on his Instagram

[Snowyowl9]

No Toliet paper left.

[The PIT]

The other thing about not testing is being a mistake. If you test you get a good idea of who's got it, how the disease is spreading and the likely numbers the hospital may face and whether the virus changing and becoming more mild or more aggressive.

Also if they are not testing their computer model is getting the necessary data.

Edited March 13, 2020 by The PIT

[snefnug]

Don’t know what’s changed re reporting data but the John Hopkins University  ‘arcgis’ site has uk now with 3 infections, no deaths and one recovery in Gibraltar.  

[matt111]

7 minutes ago, Mark Bayley said:

BBC news reporting that Denmark is closing its borders.

Yes just seen only returning Danish citizens being let in once they close them 

Edited March 13, 2020 by matt111

[Spikecollie]

800 more cases in France and now 79 deaths...another "not a good day"

[Snipper]

18 minutes ago, kold weather said:

May look shocking now, but that will 100% have to happen in the UK under the current plan even on the best case scenario, as I said earlier, my estimates are a 200,000 bed shortfall, based on a much lower than average rate of hospitalization based on a 20% infection of population around the 4 weeks in the peak period.

Better get used to seeing that, many other countries will be joining them as well.

If it works what is the problem?

[MATTWOLVES 3]

Just a little heads up for those of you who suffer with asthma, apperantly as long as you are using your meds as stated there does not seem to be anymore added Complications of the virus. 

[nick sussex]

Thanks to Tamara for a quite brilliant post . 

Please post in here more often .