Coronavirus

[SJN-Fox]

Everyone in a high risk group should. People with asthma, diabetes, heart and lung conditions,, and the elderly.

What is “the elderly”? When I was a kid anyone over 60 was a pensioner to me. However. I know plenty of fit and healthy people over 70 who will be horrified at having to be confined for the next 3 to 4 months.

I am in my early 60s. Am I elderly?

Either way, I will be going to work tomorrow in a secondary school that has 1700 pupils and over 200 staff. For everyone there it will be business as usual. Me included.

 

[Real Sharapova]

229 Scientists, all experts in their field, all with an abundance of qualifications and years of experience say that we should take more drastic action immediately.

A straw headed buffoon who calls Muslim women letterboxes and who’s only real concern seems to be breaking the world record for the amount of children with different women he can produce says we don’t need to do anything drastic, just wait for the old ones to die, sing the national anthem whilst washing your hands and we’ll be fine.

I really don’t know who to listen to. I am genuinely baffled by anyone who thinks Johnson’s response is acceptable. Pearson is bang on the money.

How about 229 scientists? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-51892402

If you had read the article none are specialists in spread of diseases. Half are not even qualified they are PhD students. Most are maths or stats people, one is an astronomer. Forgive me if I listen to the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor. And before you ask they are members of the Civil Service and non political appointments. Their CV’s suggest they might know more than some keyboard warriors.

 

[H T B]

If you had read the article none are specialists in spread of diseases. Half are not even qualified they are PhD students. Most are maths or stats people, one is an astronomer. Forgive me if I listen to the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor. And before you ask they are members of the Civil Service and non political appointments. Their CV’s suggest they might know more than some keyboard warriors.

Reminds of the BT advert from the 70’s.
“You’ve got an ‘ology, that makes you a scientist”
(Or words to that effect)

 

[fitz]

Reminds of the BT advert from the 70’s.
“You’ve got an ‘ology, that makes you a scientist”
(Or words to that effect)

Not totally related but that reminds me of my mates ma talking for a good hour to a local golf club vet about her cats irritable bowel issue. Lolz

 

[Brown Nose]

If you had read the article none are specialists in spread of diseases. Half are not even qualified they are PhD students. Most are maths or stats people, one is an astronomer. Forgive me if I listen to the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor. And before you ask they are members of the Civil Service and non political appointments. Their CV’s suggest they might know more than some keyboard warriors.

I couldn't care less which party is in power and I don't doubt the independence of the Chief Medical Officer or Scientific Officer. It's nothing to do with that.

I've chosen to read various views on this from experts across the world. What our Chief Medical Officer and Scientific Office are saying is different to the vast majority of these other experts. Of course, this doesn't mean our experts are wrong and I've listened to their explanation and I think I understand it.

My assessment is that the UK approach is the wrong one. My assessment of the evidence is that you do everything possible to prevent this thing as quickly and dramatically as possible. You over-react. You put safety first every time. Pretty much every expert on every type of pandemic says this.

I understand the schools issue. I understand the isolation fatigue issue. I understand the 'herd immunity' issue. And I still think we should be being far more proactive now. And the only reason not to is based on wider considerations than keeping as many people alive as possible.

I think the 'keep calm and carry on' ethic is dangerous bollocks.

 

[Volpone]

I couldn't care less which party is in power and I don't doubt the independence of the Chief Medical Officer or Scientific Officer. It's nothing to do with that.

I've chosen to read various views on this from experts across the world. What our Chief Medical Officer and Scientific Office are saying is different to the vast majority of these other experts. Of course, this doesn't mean our experts are wrong and I've listened to their explanation and I think I understand it.

My assessment is that the UK approach is the wrong one. My assessment of the evidence is that you do everything possible to prevent this thing as quickly and dramatically as possible. You over-react. You put safety first every time. Pretty much every expert on every type of pandemic says this.

I understand the schools issue. I understand the isolation fatigue issue. I understand the 'herd immunity' issue. And I still think we should be being far more proactive now. And the only reason not to is based on wider considerations than keeping as many people alive as possible.

I think the 'keep calm and carry on' ethic is dangerous bollocks.

I have done exactly the same as you but reached a different conclusion.

There is no doubt that before very long, possibly sometime this week, things will start to shut down as they have in some other countries.

To have done that one or two or three weeks ago without having put any necessary preparations in place would have been very wrong in my opinion.

I am prepared to be guided by people who know the facts and the statistical models.

Time will tell. Meanwhile, I am not going to be influenced by the likes of Wayne Rooney.

 

[camberwell fox]

I have done exactly the same as you but reached a different conclusion.

There is no doubt that before very long, possibly sometime this week, things will start to shut down as they have in some other countries.

To have done that one or two or three weeks ago without having put any necessary preparations in place would have been very wrong in my opinion.

I am prepared to be guided by people who know the facts and the statistical models.

Time will tell. Meanwhile, I am not going to be influenced by the likes of Wayne Rooney.

And of course Barack Obama FFS.

 

[ThaiSweetChilli]

It's difficult as so many over 70s will have excellent health. Healthy organs, active etc.

Today's report has, as Boc suggested, said that all of the 14 people to have died on the last 24 hours have been between 59-94 AND with underlying issues.

Perhaps that's where the line needs to be drawn. Self-isolation for those between certain ages AND with respiratory issues, diabetes etc.

There is no actual way of checking on this though. People will do as they wish. Unless we go Italy-style and lock everyone down.

The chances of fatality are very low until 59, 0.4% I believe. So it's literally the case of keeping those more vulnerable, safe.

 

[ThaiSweetChilli]

What is “the elderly”? When I was a kid anyone over 60 was a pensioner to me. However. I know plenty of fit and healthy people over 70 who will be horrified at having to be confined for the next 3 to 4 months.

I am in my early 60s. Am I elderly?

Either way, I will be going to work tomorrow in a secondary school that has 1700 pupils and over 200 staff. For everyone there it will be business as usual. Me included.

Early 60s? Young man. Seriously. When I hear elderly I think 75/80+

 

[fitz]

It's difficult as so many over 70s will have excellent health. Healthy organs, active etc.

Today's report has, as Boc suggested, said that all of the 14 people to have died on the last 24 hours have been between 59-94 AND with underlying issues.

Perhaps that's where the line needs to be drawn. Self-isolation for those between certain ages AND with respiratory issues, diabetes etc.

There is no actual way of checking on this though. People will do as they wish. Unless we go Italy-style and lock everyone down.

The chances of fatality are very low until 59, 0.4% I believe. So it's literally the case of keeping those more vulnerable, safe.

It's not clear anyhoo as unlike many illnesses you're meant to just ride it out on your own and not seek help unless it's bad. Tis the season for us youngsters to get a bit of seasonal bugs and just carry on as we need the £s. I know enough people who have been ill recently but cracked on....the number of celebs/sports people diagnosed with it makes me think more normal folk have had it without knowing as they're not having tests.

 

[SJN-Fox]

Early 60s? Young man. Seriously. When I hear elderly I think 75/80+

Yes. Me too. I just wondered what is regarded generally as elderly.

 

[ThaiSweetChilli]

It's not clear anyhoo as unlike many illnesses you're meant to just ride it out on your own and not seek help unless it's bad. Tis the season for us youngsters to get a bit of seasonal bugs and just carry on as we need the £s. I know enough people who have been ill recently but cracked on....the number of celebs/sports people diagnosed with it makes me think more normal folk have had it without knowing as they're not having tests.

True. But then people tend to forget we still have the flu, the common cold etc. Same symptoms. So many will carry on without thought and have coronavirus and others who are worried they've got coronavirus and are gonna die, just have a cold.

 

[Robin127]

Well, according to some over here it is all his fault.

 

[fitz]

True. But then people tend to forget we still have the flu, the common cold etc. Same symptoms. So many will carry on without thought and have coronavirus and others who are worried they've got coronavirus and are gonna die, just have a cold.

Yeah sorry that's what i mean. As symptoms vary from person to person it's impossible to say without testings. I've had a cold and am a bit more achy than normal....is it the corona or a combination of a cold and carrying all those bog rolls?

 

[Jeff]

It's difficult as so many over 70s will have excellent health. Healthy organs, active etc.

Today's report has, as Boc suggested, said that all of the 14 people to have died on the last 24 hours have been between 59-94 AND with underlying issues.

How many have been hospitalised and recovered?
People who are old, but have no other health issues?

How many of those would not have recovered if they hadn't gone to hospital?

If the NHS is overwhelmed, people will die who would normally survive if the capacity was there.



I have health issues that mean my immune system is shit. I'd be considered high risk. So I'm not planning to go anywhere where there are other people, even though I'm only 53. Fortunately I work from home. Others with similar health issues might feel they have to risk their safety by continuing to go to work.

 

[lazzer]

From what I'm hearing schools will close at the end of this week. Pubs/clubs soon to follow.

 

[ThaiSweetChilli]

From what I'm hearing schools will close at the end of this week. Pubs/clubs soon to follow.

Surely pubs and clubs would be more important given that this disease is seemingly not a major risk to children.

They close schools and then what? Parents who still have to go into work. Then they have to either hire a babysitter or what most do is dump the kids at the grandparents' house.

The country cannot collapse over this. Everything will crumble, not just the NHS but the education system, universities, small and large businesses, recreation, sport, the housing market, jobs.

There has to be a more sensible response which is why I don't get all these arseholes complaining we've been advised to wash our hand and that Italy has lockdown. Who said that lockdown was the right answer and washing your hands wasnt?

 

[Jeff]

this disease is seemingly not a major risk to children.

No, but schools are a great breeding ground for viruses, so the kids will take it home to their families.

 

[ThaiSweetChilli]

How many have been hospitalised and recovered?
People who are old, but have no other health issues?

How many of those would not have recovered if they hadn't gone to hospital?

If the NHS is overwhelmed, people will die who would normally survive if the capacity was there.



I have health issues that mean my immune system is shit. I'd be considered high risk. So I'm not planning to go anywhere where there are other people, even though I'm only 53. Fortunately I work from home. Others with similar health issues might feel they have to risk their safety by continuing to go to work.

I'm not sure about your questions so I'll do some research when I've got a moment to see if those figures are available.

You have your health issues fair enough which is why it's probably right for you to isolate. You also work from home which is something a lot of people don't have the luxury of doing.

Clearly this is a complicated issue. I believe all those who have poor health and/or are of a certain age should be responsible enough to self-isolate where necessary.

But if you're just old and have good health then what's the need?

 

[Jeff]

Who said that lockdown was the right answer and washing your hands wasnt?

Washing hands isn't the right answer. But it helps. Wearing a face mask is much more effective.

When they did the lockdown in China it was a huge success.