Off Topic SARS-CoV-2 Covid-19

[DMD]

To be honest, it was more of an airing of a general concern of mine rather than a direct response to your post - teachers getting a lot of grief online elsewhere (I'm not a school teacher by the way).

I think we all need to show a bit of understanding toward the plight of others. It's very easy to get bound up in our own troubles, and not think how much others are struggling, and not appreciating what we have got, rather than what we feel we haven't.

 

[HHH]

Well that's what we've had to do, but our parents themselves aren't 100% sure what classes as a key worker as the definition has changed since, so they don't know whether their kids will be in or not, they couldn't tell us.

I could turn up on Monday and have 3 kids, or nigh on a full class. We don't know if the curriculum is going to be suspended, because if it isn't, the kids that are having to stay home are missing out and will fall way behind. Most of the rest of the community have battened down the hatches, but being a school we're staying open. Then you have the issue of which staff can come in, is it fair that some have to go in while others don't? It's a bit of a mess and at a school, that's not what you want. I don't envy our head right now, or any other for that matter.

Hopefully something is announced tomorrow because we're working really hard to keep everything normal for these children, for some of them it's their safe place and it's getting increasingly difficult to maintain decorum for their sake.

I generally agree with what you are saying and a bit more guidance on what's going on for you doesn't seem too much to ask.

But...teachers are public servants and paid as such. If they are required to 'babysit' the children of NHS workers and other key workers, allowing vital services to be maintained, then imo they should be proud to do so.

I work for the NHS and I can tell you that schools remaining open for NHS staff children would be a massive assistance to our department and others.

The problems we could face is people with conditions totally unrelated to the covid virus could come to harm or even die. Just focusing on areas I know of directly. There's a real fear that the radiology department could collapse. These are the people that diagnose cancer and it's vital this is done as early as possible. Then think about about where does peoples chemotherapy come from. Much of it isn't just sat on a shelf. It's made bespoke for individual patients in highly controlled clean rooms by skilled pharmacy staff.

Both these are small, specialist teams doing jobs that nobody else can do. Would be an absolute tragedy if these services collapsed because staff had to stay home to care for their children on top of those genuinely ill or self isolating.

There is a lot more to maintaining a hospitals services than doctors, nurses, porters and cleaners. Despite what the media seem to portray.

 

[DMD]

I generally agree with what you are saying and a bit more guidance on what's going on for you doesn't seem too much to ask.

But...teachers are public servants and paid as such. If they are required to 'babysit' the children of NHS workers and other key workers, allowing vital services to be maintained, then imo they should be proud to do so.

I work for the NHS and I can tell you that schools remaining open for NHS staff children would be a massive assistance to our department and others.

The problems we could face is people with conditions totally unrelated to the covid virus could come to harm or even die. Just focusing on areas I know of directly. There's a real fear that the radiology department could collapse. These are the people that diagnose cancer and it's vital this is done as early as possible. Then think about about where does peoples chemotherapy come from. Much of it isn't just sat on a shelf. It's made bespoke for individual patients in highly controlled clean rooms by skilled pharmacy staff.

Both these are small, specialist teams doing jobs that nobody else can do. Would be an absolute tragedy if these services collapsed because staff had to stay home to care for their children on top of those genuinely ill or self isolating.

There is a lot more to maintaining a hospitals services than doctors, nurses, porters and cleaners. Despite what the media seem to portray.

And not wanting to undervalue either role, all of those people will be relying on shopkeepers, bus drivers, postmen, dustmen etc etc etc who all have uncertainty to deal with.

We really are all in this one together.

 

[Brucebones]

Just got confirmation today my work place is closing for at least 1 month, not an essential job, just leisure. As much as I don’t like work, I’d rather not have all this **** going on!

 

[Obadiah]

I'm not criticising the group. I'm simply pointing out that there are plenty of issues that people are facing right now with work, home, health and money, and some of them will have long term consequences.

We all just need to acquire the ability to be able to think on our feet to deal with situations as they develop, rather than wishing things were different and looking for someone to blame.

At the end of the day, this sits squarely with those in China that ignored and silenced those that raised the initial warnings.

Most of the problems could and should have been foreseen and policies in place to do something about them. That is what the government should have been doing. Instead we have got conflicting messages.

First we tested, then we weren't going to do as many and now we're going to rapidly expand testing. So how many testing kits have we got? Where are they? How many have been ordered? When will they be delivered? Has the confusion over the policy caused delay?

Only those at risk should self-isolate because we want to build herd immunity. Football matches were safe to attend. Days later we were told not to go in cafes or pubs. The Government didn't shut them and kept the schools open. By the end of the week they'd shut the schools. The science hasn't changed, the threat hasn't changed so why is the government bouncing from one policy to another?

How many children will be going to school next week? Which schools will they be going to? How many teachers will be available? What will they be taught? Why didn't the government get these questions answered before announcing the schools would be closed? It looks like a knee jerk reaction to the criticism they'd received without fully thinking out the consequences.

Should there be second world war type rationing of basic products, soap, toilet paper, food stuffs. Why is the government leaving it to the supermarkets to police rationing?

Making sensible decisions is heavily dependent on the government and they are failing miserably.

 

[SW3 Chelsea Tiger]

Sorry, you're right, it's incredibly selfish of me to prioritise the welfare of the children I teach over anything else. I'll try to keep that in mind as I attempt to plan a decent day for anywhere between 2 and 25 kids with between 0 and 12 other staff while not knowing if SEN or behavioural kids will require any form of support if they're in.

I mean, he's only the one calling the shots, what the hell was I expecting? Oh right yeah, a bit of guidance for schools or some clarity on what he meant. He didn't even have to say it in his public address, just a memo or something to follow up what he told us to do. We even have an education minister for just this type of thing, even he hasn't said anything of worth.

I don't give two ****s about getting paid, I didn't get into teaching for money, it's about the children and this lack of clarity hurts them, not me. We're already putting ourselves at risk by going in while others are staying at home isolated (much like healthcare staff and shop workers are), I don't think it's asking the world to put out a few sentences with some advice on what to prioritise.

This isn't just a personal feeling, by the way, a lot of colleagues in the sector are feeling the same. It's a tough time, but we want to work with parents to make sure we properly support those who are going into work and keeping the country going, but we can't do effectively that if we are ill prepared and have no clue as to what's going on.

Ohhh... you decided on the prick route? Well done, enjoy your babysitting & 20 weeks holiday.

****s sakes fella, millions of people are struggling& lost their jobs over the last week - you’re biggest concern is what class room am i in on Monday?!

 

[DMD]

Most of the problems could and should have been foreseen and policies in place to do something about them. That is what the government should have been doing. Instead we have got conflicting messages.

First we tested, then we weren't going to do as many and now we're going to rapidly expand testing. So how many testing kits have we got? Where are they? How many have been ordered? When will they be delivered? Has the confusion over the policy caused delay?

Only those at risk should self-isolate because we want to build herd immunity. Football matches were safe to attend. Days later we were told not to go in cafes or pubs. The Government didn't shut them and kept the schools open. By the end of the week they'd shut the schools. The science hasn't changed, the threat hasn't changed so why is the government bouncing from one policy to another?

How many children will be going to school next week? Which schools will they be going to? How many teachers will be available? What will they be taught? Why didn't the government get these questions answered before announcing the schools would be closed? It looks like a knee jerk reaction to the criticism they'd received without fully thinking out the consequences.

Should there be second world war type rationing of basic products, soap, toilet paper, food stuffs. Why is the government leaving it to the supermarkets to police rationing?

Making sensible decisions is heavily dependent on the government and they are failing miserably.

They seem to be coping at least as well as other Governments that are trying to deal with a whole new and ever changing situation. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Maybe if more people took a bit of individual and community responsibility for our specific circumstances, instead of waiting for guidance that by its nature can only be general, we could all do our bit to help.

 

[HHH]

And not wanting to undervalue either role, all of those people will be relying on shopkeepers, bus drivers, postmen, dustmen etc etc etc who all have uncertainty to deal with.

We really are all in this one together.

Exactly. Some fella once said ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

Despite the rediculous hysteria currently doing the rounds, I certainly advocate those words right now.

EDIT: Or maybe because of the current hysteria.

 

[The Omega Man]

I think a sequel to the film Soylent Green is in the making. yum yum.

One of my favourite films.

**** me, I just realised that if I was in a remake of the film, I would be Soylent Green Max. Or at least they would wrap me in gold foil and put me in the centre of the box.

 

[Blaknamberblood]

They seem to be coping at least as well as other Governments that are trying to deal with a whole new and ever changing situation. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Maybe if more people took a bit of individual and community responsibility for our specific circumstances, instead of waiting for guidance that by its nature can only be general, we could all do our bit to help.

Couldnt agree more ... and perhaps if people were a little more self responsible and actually stuck to the guidelines being given instead of doing the macho thing and doing what they want then who knows .. it may actually make a difference

 

[Obadiah]

They seem to be coping at least as well as other Governments that are trying to deal with a whole new and ever changing situation. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Maybe if more people took a bit of individual and community responsibility for our specific circumstances, instead of waiting for guidance that by its nature can only be general, we could all do our bit to help.

I have no individual responsibility over which schools stay open, which close. I have dinner in town at a cafe once a week. If we don't go they lose my money and some of the staff may lose their wages sooner than they would. I take my temperature every 2 or 3 days. We haven't bought in bulk. My daughter is in isolation and I'll not be able to give her a hug for 12 weeks. I use whatever common sense I have to protect those around me. The nature of the virus hasn't changed yet the government seems to be changing its policies every day or two without explaining the consequences. That's bloody stupid.

 

[DMD]

I have no individual responsibility over which schools stay open, which close. I have dinner in town at a cafe once a week. If we don't go they lose my money and some of the staff may lose their wages sooner than they would. I take my temperature every 2 or 3 days. We haven't bought in bulk. My daughter is in isolation and I'll not be able to give her a hug for 12 weeks. I use whatever common sense I have to protect those around me. The nature of the virus hasn't changed yet the government seems to be changing its policies every day or two without explaining the consequences. That's bloody stupid.

And credit to you for what you're doing.

What is changing is the understanding of the virus, and the awareness of how irresponsible some sections of society can be.

 

[Steven Toast]

Ohhh... you decided on the prick route? Well done, enjoy your babysitting & 20 weeks holiday.

****s sakes fella, millions of people are struggling& lost their jobs over the last week - you’re biggest concern is what class room am i in on Monday?!

No, my biggest concern is making sure I'm properly equipped to support the kids that are coming in on Monday.

I mean, if you're that blase about children's education that you think I'm going to get a 20 week holiday, I'm not sure why you're weighing in at all. I'd wager from the lack of depth to your response that you've never had to deal with SEND children, or ones with behavioural needs in a school environment, they require very specialist support in some cases. The children that can follow instructions and be safe are fine, but I can guarantee you they won't be the ones that turn up on Monday, not all of them. There's a direct link to behaviour and children who have been in care, and the ones in care will be there on Monday.

If I can't properly support those kids, I'm failing them and their parents. I might as well not be there at all. We have plenty of staff who can "babysit" that aren't qualified teachers. If the government wants us to simply house these children during working hours, fine, but while they're in they won't be sat on their arses. However, I need to know what they expect in terms of outcome. As of now, I don't know what that is so I can't prepare anything.

Millions of people are losing their jobs and this is a crisis. But as I said, these children are nothing to do with that. That isn't the kids fault and they come first. End of. I'm paid to make sure they get a decent education and grow up into well rounded individuals. If you think I'm going to be on holiday, you're deluded as to what teaching actually is.

 

[Des Head]

No, my biggest concern is making sure I'm properly equipped to support the kids that are coming in on Monday.

Pop-up Pirate, Lights Alive and Ghostbusters on video.

 

[SW3 Chelsea Tiger]

No, my biggest concern is making sure I'm properly equipped to support the kids that are coming in on Monday.

I mean, if you're that blase about children's education that you think I'm going to get a 20 week holiday, I'm not sure why you're weighing in at all. I'd wager from the lack of depth to your response that you've never had to deal with SEND children, or ones with behavioural needs in a school environment, they require very specialist support in some cases. The children that can follow instructions and be safe are fine, but I can guarantee you they won't be the ones that turn up on Monday, not all of them. There's a direct link to behaviour and children who have been in care, and the ones in care will be there on Monday.

If I can't properly support those kids, I'm failing them and their parents. I might as well not be there at all. We have plenty of staff who can "babysit" that aren't qualified teachers. If the government wants us to simply house these children during working hours, fine, but while they're in they won't be sat on their arses. However, I need to know what they expect in terms of outcome. As of now, I don't know what that is so I can't prepare anything.

Millions of people are losing their jobs and this is a crisis. But as I said, these children are nothing to do with that. That isn't the kids fault and they come first. End of. I'm paid to make sure they get a decent education and grow up into well rounded individuals. If you think I'm going to be on holiday, you're deluded as to what teaching actually is.

Mate... chill... relax... I’m not having a go.

but honesty you stressing about your teaching plans is a massive piss take.
Some people are worrying about rent & food

 

[askewshair]

Given the numbers of people tested (ie have the right symptoms) vs people who are positive for covid-29, the odds are actually they have another winter bug, particularly if they are lercal. It would be prudent for them to assume they haven’t had it when they return to work

Yeah. Her boyfriend was on a stag do on Bulgarian ski slopes. On return daughter sent us a few photos of him looking 20 years older and a 'broken men' photo of 22 fellas looking rough as **** In the airport coming home. we've all been there, Most were standing up asleep, which sounds like a bog standard stag do. Seems ironic now though. He was then really ill and symptoms sounded to be exactly as corona are described, We only took him seriously when daughter then caught same symptoms. Apparently everyone of the group has been poorly, with similar symptoms since. The ski slopes were closed down the next day and the reported no cases before they went, had grown to 40 by the time they got back. To me, lot of evidence suggests it is corona?
If it is, CV, my daughter, boyfriend and others all had a really rough few days, they are younger and fitter than us.though probably after a four day blender, I immune systems were ****ed. My daughter is allergic to paracetamol, so does suffer when ill.

 

[Leon...]

Pop-up Pirate, Lights Alive and Ghostbusters on video.

Throw in a bit of Wordy to keep the education part real.

Shown on a TV on stands with wheels, encased in a wooden cabinet - obviously.

 

[Des Head]

Throw in a bit of Wordy to keep the education part real.

Shown on a TV on stands with wheels, encased in a wooden cabinet - obviously.

It better be a top loading video player or I'm not interested.

 

[Steven Toast]

Mate... chill... relax... I’m not having a go.

but honesty you stressing about your teaching plans is a massive piss take.
Some people are worrying about rent & food

I feel for them, but I can't control that. I've already done a few trips for neighbours and elderly relatives and I'm hoping to put a mate up in my other house rent free for a few months to help him out at a cost of thousands to myself.

I want what's best for the children, not me. I don't think it's taking the piss at all, it doesn't make anybody who's suffering's problems any smaller, but I don't see why the youngest of us should suffer because our government aren't arsed.

 

[Leon...]

It better be a top loading video player or I'm not interested.

Indeed.

Maybe top it off with an episode of How We Used To Live, then a quick game of Granny's Garden on the school computer.

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