Coronavirus

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Chatting to my next door neighbour, one garden to another. His son works in Aldi in Bury (Suffolk) and said they had a whole family turn up yesterday, Mum, Dad four kids and both Grandparents. I cannot understand what they are thinking. Totally bizzare.

regards Martin

[S.D.L.Participant @s-d-l]

Posted by Bob Mc on 27/03/2020 15:48:15:

Seeing one result of coronavirus is that there are very few aircraft flying…could it be that the good weather we are getting just lately has anything to do with it?

Or have I spoke too soon!.

Strange I thought their was bad weather before the Jet age.

Steve

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Posted by Martin Kyte on 27/03/2020 15:58:15:

Chatting to my next door neighbour, one garden to another. His son works in Aldi in Bury (Suffolk) and said they had a whole family turn up yesterday, Mum, Dad four kids and both Grandparents. I cannot understand what they are thinking. Totally bizzare.

regards Martin

Did anyone at Aldi tell them to all but one stay outside (and preferably go and sit in their minibus – unless they walked to the store).

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Posted by old mart on 27/03/2020 15:35:00:

I went shopping at the larger of the two Lidls in Weston Super Mare today. I noticed one pack of toilet rolls left but I was interested in the kitchen towels and bought four. There was even some pasta on sale. What I noticed most was the young couple who exited the shop with a pot plant and nothing else. Obviously not caring about anyone but themselves, so selfish.

There was the possibility that any other items they might have wanted were sold out?

Should still only have been one of them in the shop, mind – so you may well be right.

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Posted by not done it yet on 27/03/2020 17:07:01:

Posted by Martin Kyte on 27/03/2020 15:58:15:

Chatting to my next door neighbour, one garden to another. His son works in Aldi in Bury (Suffolk) and said they had a whole family turn up yesterday, Mum, Dad four kids and both Grandparents. I cannot understand what they are thinking. Totally bizzare.

regards Martin

Did anyone at Aldi tell them to all but one stay outside (and preferably go and sit in their minibus – unless they walked to the store).

Not sure. I would have made them stay 2m apart and allow them in in small groups. Stores are getting strickter but short of police presence Marshalls can only request complience.

I'm glad the vast majority are sensible.

best wishes Martin

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Advice on the radio is to buy rude pasta shapes from Anne Summers and tell the kids it's elephant shapes… (OK it was The Now Show).

Nile

[Kiwi BlokeParticipant @kiwibloke62605]

Posted by SillyOldDuffer on 27/03/2020 10:21:41:

Governments have never been the servants of the people, anywhere or at anytime! We put up with them because they outperform all the alternatives. Least worst arrangement is democracy, because it allows the public to voice their displeasure every few years. Prevents despots taking over, ends grossly ineffective measures, and discourages unwise extremism.

Problem for politicians is people are selfish, emotional, think they know better, and have short-memories. Surprising numbers suffer from disorganised thinking, an affliction worse than dyslexia and discalculia combined! Even me, and I'm the most perfect person I know.

Dave

I always enjoy your posts Dave and know that you can take challenges without getting silly. I think every part of the first quoted paragraph can be challenged. Certainly democratic voting methods are all flawed and do not prevent despots or idiots at the helm and often result in the election of a party that the majority have voted against.

I suggest a reworking of the second paragraph is also true. 'Problem for people is politicians are selfish, emotional, think they know better, and have short-memories. Surprising numbers suffer from disorganised thinking, an affliction worse than dyslexia and discalculia combined!'

Where have the trillions of dollars to stimulate the economy suddenly come from? What about trillions to combat this disease more aggressively and prepare for the next one (as BillGates suggested in 2015)? What is being done in many countries may be heroic, but it's often too little, too late, and too chaotic.

Politics aside, Here in NZ, we are also locked down. The only food outlets are supermarkets and 'dairies' Equivalent to 'corner shops'. This means that all the other food providers' cutomers, in addition to the 'usual' customers, are funnelled through a very much smaller number of outlets. These will become 'super-spreader' foci. What happens when a worker in one of these outlets gets infected? There will be others, not yet symptomatic. Should the outlet be shut? The answer has to be yes, but what then?

At present, with cases increasing, it makes sense to make any anticipated visit to a food outlet (or anywhere else) as soon as possible: the probability of infection is currently low, but it's increasing rapidly. Sorry if this causes panic.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Here is a story with potentially interesting’ impact: **LINK**

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/coronavirus-clocks-change-spring-2020-gmb-union-a4400311.html

MichaelG.

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

Where have the trillions of dollars to stimulate the economy suddenly come from?

The government credit card, of which you are a part owner

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 28/03/2020 07:16:32:

Here is a story with potentially interesting’ impact: **LINK**

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/coronavirus-clocks-change-spring-2020-gmb-union-a4400311.html

MichaelG.

Who is going to see them (very often) if we should be at home? So I don’t see a problem. Most people have a wristwatch or mobile phone/computer, etc?

Who really cares whether a few clocks don’t get changed. Some may even need ‘winding’ and may only be correct twice each day. Those still running will be right again in 6 month’s time (but possibly the wrong time if we get a power cut). Nothing more than the slightest tap, not any real impact, methinks.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 28/03/2020 07:16:32:

Here is a story with potentially interesting’ impact:

.

Noting ndiy’s reaction … I realise that I omitted the opening quotation mark

I intended to write : Here is a story with potentially ‘interesting’ impact:

… and had in mind the potential for a classic British farce [remember Brian Rix, et al ?]

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Ady1 on 28/03/2020 08:03:17:

Where have the trillions of dollars to stimulate the economy suddenly come from?

The government credit card, of which you are a part owner

.

More accurately … The trillions came from the G20 : **LINK**

http://www.g20.utoronto.ca/2020/2020-g20-statement-0326.html

MichaelG.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Kiwi Bloke on 27/03/2020 23:36:17:

Posted by SillyOldDuffer on 27/03/2020 10:21:41:

 

Governments have never been the servants of the people, anywhere or at anytime! We put up with them because they outperform all the alternatives. Least worst arrangement is democracy, because it allows the public to voice their displeasure every few years. Prevents despots taking over, ends grossly ineffective measures, and discourages unwise extremism.

Problem for politicians is people are selfish, emotional, think they know better, and have short-memories. Surprising numbers suffer from disorganised thinking, an affliction worse than dyslexia and discalculia combined! Even me, and I'm the most perfect person I know.

Dave

I always enjoy your posts Dave and know that you can take challenges without getting silly. I think every part of the first quoted paragraph can be challenged. Certainly democratic voting methods are all flawed and do not prevent despots or idiots at the helm and often result in the election of a party that the majority have voted against.

I suggest a reworking of the second paragraph is also true. 'Problem for people is politicians are selfish, emotional, think they know better, and have short-memories. Surprising numbers suffer from disorganised thinking, an affliction worse than dyslexia and discalculia combined!'

…

I like to challenge and be challenged because – like everyone else – I'm imperfect. Always good to walk a mile in the other guys shoes!

My point is politicians are people, every bit as flawed as everyone else. (Thinking about it, politicians may be even more flawed because they want to be leaders, which is always deeply suspicious!)

But we get what deserve. We vote them in. In the UK there are many historic examples of 'characters' being returned to parliament despite serious performance problems or even criminality. My first MP was honest and did good work in his youth but was a sick man when first elected, and never recovered. He never spoke in the house, never took on constituency issues, didn't do any committee work, and had no government responsibilities. He was well enough to claim all the benefits and expenses, but otherwise was a zero. The electorate put up with this for 15 years, when very poor health finally forced his retirement!

Meanwhile, day 3 of living with a Coronavirus victim and still no sign I've caught it myself. Daughter isn't too bad – she has ordinary level flu symptoms, cough bit better this morning. Ate breakfast, washed, and went back to sleep.

Where will the money come from?  I'd print it. Mild inflation is good for the economy, if not for savers.

Dave

 

Edited By SillyOldDuffer on 28/03/2020 10:01:05

[Cornish JackParticipant @cornishjack]

Obviously different usage but my wrist watch remains permanently on GMT. I set it to the pips about 10 years ago and haven't altered anything since – currently about 10 secs fast and varies slightly day-to-day. It's a Citizen Eco-Drive so never needs a battery change. At my age, my 'busy' life-style finds no great difficulty in coping with the 'adjustment!

rgds

Bill

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Posted by SillyOldDuffer on 28/03/2020 09:58:34:

But we get what deserve. We vote them in.

Without a 'None of the above' option we often only get the lesser of two poor choices not helped by our system of manipulating voting ages/boundaries and the notoriously poor memories of the general electorate. I should know better then get involved in any discussion of politics but obvious absurdities such as government promises to do 'x' within 'y' years which is usually after their current term in office do wind me up

I think it was james Blish who wrote a sci-fi novel about a planet where anyone could be leader. If no-one offered then someone was picked by lottery. Any leader wore a mayoral chain that couldn't be removed and voting booths were everywhere. Too many votes against any policy and the chain exploded. That might be a tad extreme for the UK (albeit it focusses the mind) but our politicians rarely suffer penalties for bad decisions or incompetence and take every oppotunity to top-up their salary with talks, articles, future promises and later peerages. A little more focus wouldn't go amiss.

[Roger ClarkParticipant @rogerclark]

Posted by pgk pgk on 28/03/2020 10:44:02:

I think it was james Blish who wrote a sci-fi novel about a planet where anyone could be leader. If no-one offered then someone was picked by lottery. Any leader wore a mayoral chain that couldn't be removed and voting booths were everywhere. Too many votes against any policy and the chain exploded. That might be a tad extreme for the UK (albeit it focusses the mind) but our politicians rarely suffer penalties for bad decisions or incompetence and take every oppotunity to top-up their salary with talks, articles, future promises and later peerages. A little more focus wouldn't go amiss.

Maybe our politicians should wear a tightening collar that operates when they don't answer the question asked or when they tell an untruth, would make debates very interesting.

Roger

[J HancockParticipant @jhancock95746]

That happened recently in the Ukraine, a professional comedian put himself up, as a joke, and he won.

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

I have to say this and I really don't mean this as a criticism on anyone, particularly at this time.

The reality of the situation is that we have to have faith in the system/leaders/services the lot. It's all we have and in consequence anything that shakes that faith unnecessarily is unhelpful and make us all more nervous. Exhortions on the system or political leaders to do better is all very well but attacks on personalities doesn't improve anything. We have to go with what we have got. I have actually been impressed with the way that the Government by and large are making descisions in response to the needs of the moment and seem to be taking virtually all their guidance from the professional medics and scientistsl and are being lead by the unfolding situation. I'm sure mistakes will be made, that is inevitable, but everyone genuinely seems to be doing the very best they can. We have to believe it's enough.

What other choice is there?

best regards to all

Martin

PS learn't yesterday that Astra Zenica (UK drug development company) is donating 9 million surgical gloves to the effort.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Well said, Martin

Who, amongst us, would want the job they are doing ?

MichaelG.

[Ian Skeldon 2Participant @ianskeldon2]

Posted by Martin Kyte on 28/03/2020 11:28:21:

I have to say this and I really don't mean this as a criticism on anyone, particularly at this time.

The reality of the situation is that we have to have faith in the system/leaders/services the lot. It's all we have and in consequence anything that shakes that faith unnecessarily is unhelpful and make us all more nervous. Exhortions on the system or political leaders to do better is all very well but attacks on personalities doesn't improve anything. We have to go with what we have got. I have actually been impressed with the way that the Government by and large are making descisions in response to the needs of the moment and seem to be taking virtually all their guidance from the professional medics and scientistsl and are being lead by the unfolding situation. I'm sure mistakes will be made, that is inevitable, but everyone genuinely seems to be doing the very best they can. We have to believe it's enough.

What other choice is there?

best regards to all

Martin

PS learn't yesterday that Astra Zenica (UK drug development company) is donating 9 million surgical gloves to the effort.

Well they could actually do a little bit more. I know from first hand experience that we (workers on the front line of the NHS) need at least some PPE and we needed it from about two weeks ago. I worked in a busy ward on Thursday where people were really ill (dying in some cases) and I didn't even have a mask to wear, I have been told it would be fine to bring in my own safety goggles from home. The other thing they need to do, is to be more open and honest about this virus. The facts are this,

1 We don't know very much about transmission.

2 We don't know about resilience and latent life or relapse.

3 We do know that it is not just killing the old or those with an underlying health issue. It is killing lots of people and making lots of others very ill.

So in short, they need to really raise their game right now, they need to tell the truth, then maybe people will at the very least realise just how infectious this virus is. My plea to all of you is keep your hands and fingers away from your face and wash your hands after you have touched anything that is not you. Stay safe folks.

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Thank you Michael. As I said, I don't want to make a fuss. I feel stressed enough just trying to keep my wife safe.

Fair comment Ian. As I said exhorting them to do more, is reasonable. This is a brand new virus and everyone is starting from scratch the only thing I can say is the science is going a lot faster than it has ever done before. Large scale epidemics are not new and they have been planning for years for a pandemic which is not quite the same issue.

regards Martin

Edited By Martin Kyte on 28/03/2020 13:12:22

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

I phoned up my cousin yesterday evening, he is 86 and his wife is 68, they are both well living in a Hampshire village. Their son and daughter in law both have the virus, but thankfully their children do not. He had been working in London, commuting from Kent, he can, and is, working from home now. They are the only people that I know that have had the virus.

[Danny M2ZParticipant @dannym2z]

Cruise ships are a real problem here in Oz..

Passengers disembark and spread their pox to all and sundry Poxy Cruise Ship

* Danny *

[mark smith 20Participant @marksmith20]

Its certainly a strange virus , my oldest son`s paternal grandfather ( from a previous relationship) was in the news having just recovered from covid 19 and returned home , he`s almost 72 and has had COPD for years and fibrosis of the lungs .

[JonParticipant @jon]

Problem is Ian they tell the truth the people will go in to even more panic mode, end result exactly the same there is no cure.

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