Coronavirus

[grumpygit]

You keep using that word always, I will have to google it and find out what it means.
I keep thinking that I should know what "football" is, but my memory isn't what it was.

 

[brb]

In case anyone is wondering, I thought as B&Q is as important as bog roll, in the world we now live, I've decided to carry the avatar of one of lifes essentials. Yup, I can be as stooopid as everyone else

 

[alwaysright]

In case anyone is wondering, I thought as B&Q is as important as bog roll, in the world we now live, I've decided to carry the avatar of one of lifes essentials. Yup, I can be as stooopid as everyone else

brb, You do realise that the place for stupidity is the ARGRS thread......... but, as you have chosen to do it here, let me add to it -

Yesterday, I went to Tesco ( this time on my own ). I had to queue to pay for petrol ( only ONE person allowed in quite a large 'shop' ).... then I had to queue to enter the main store - only about 20 minutes ( what are they going to do at Christmas, or when it snows ? ) -- of curse, one person couldn't be bothered to queue - they went to the front ( by now I'm close to the front ), and said they only wanted to use the toilet ---- never to be seen coming out !..... then you get people ( 3 of them ) who were together . One, an elderlyish woman, was using a walking stick ( but moving a damned site better than Jay Emmanuel-Thomas ) - this group also didn't queue! --- did it take ALL three of them ???
Then, when I got inside the shop, I went to the scan-as-you-shop machine ( I hate using the 'normal' tills. ) My Clubcard failed to work after 5 attempts - so, I followed the instruction on the screen - to go to the Customer Services desk ---- and just like a previous occasion, the unhelpful ass istant told me to go back to the staff at the tills. ( I felt like a yo-yo ). I asked why does the scan machine tell me to go to the CS desk ? I was told to speak at the tills.........
..... So I returned to the scan machine - NO staff nearby. I shouted over to one of the cashiers -and asked for them to summon a member of staff to help.
A young chap came along. I explained that my card didn't work to release one of the scanners - and why does the screen tell me to go to the CS desk. He looked at me in surprise -- I asked '' Do you doubt me - I could show you ?'' He quickly realised that I was going to be a pain in the ar$e if he didn't accept what I was saying - but, in answer to my query he shrugged his shoulders and said '' I don't know.''............
And then I entered the aisles - and the pointless one-way markings ----- what, do you really think I'm going to stand 2 metres behind doddery old farts as they scrutinise the entire contents of the labels on packaging ? -- and do you think that I'm going to do an (almost )ENTIRE lap of two aisles - just because I missed something that was, by now, behind me by a few feet ???? -- well, if Tesco dare to chastise me for not being a sheep, I shall point out all their Home Delivery shopping staff, who were going back and forth in the aisles --- because the one-way system can't work for them !!
........ and I still haven't got round to writing my mobile phone tale of woe.

 

[grumpygit]

I'm pleased to see today that people on public transport have given the 2 fingers to others safety, all the news videos have shown only about a third wearing a face covering. Time to get tough and stop people travelling if they refuse to cover-up, if they want to die I will gladly give them the injection, but I don't see why they should take anyone else with them.

 

[gioblues]

brb, You do realise that the place for stupidity is the ARGRS thread......... but, as you have chosen to do it here, let me add to it -

Yesterday, I went to Tesco ( this time on my own ). I had to queue to pay for petrol ( only ONE person allowed in quite a large 'shop' ).... then I had to queue to enter the main store - only about 20 minutes ( what are they going to do at Christmas, or when it snows ? ) -- of curse, one person couldn't be bothered to queue - they went to the front ( by now I'm close to the front ), and said they only wanted to use the toilet ---- never to be seen coming out !..... then you get people ( 3 of them ) who were together . One, an elderlyish woman, was using a walking stick ( but moving a damned site better than Jay Emmanuel-Thomas ) - this group also didn't queue! --- did it take ALL three of them ???
Then, when I got inside the shop, I went to the scan-as-you-shop machine ( I hate using the 'normal' tills. ) My Clubcard failed to work after 5 attempts - so, I followed the instruction on the screen - to go to the Customer Services desk ---- and just like a previous occasion, the unhelpful ass istant told me to go back to the staff at the tills. ( I felt like a yo-yo ). I asked why does the scan machine tell me to go to the CS desk ? I was told to speak at the tills.........
..... So I returned to the scan machine - NO staff nearby. I shouted over to one of the cashiers -and asked for them to summon a member of staff to help.
A young chap came along. I explained that my card didn't work to release one of the scanners - and why does the screen tell me to go to the CS desk. He looked at me in surprise -- I asked '' Do you doubt me - I could show you ?'' He quickly realised that I was going to be a pain in the ar$e if he didn't accept what I was saying - but, in answer to my query he shrugged his shoulders and said '' I don't know.''............
And then I entered the aisles - and the pointless one-way markings ----- what, do you really think I'm going to stand 2 metres behind doddery old farts as they scrutinise the entire contents of the labels on packaging ? -- and do you think that I'm going to do an (almost )ENTIRE lap of two aisles - just because I missed something that was, by now, behind me by a few feet ???? -- well, if Tesco dare to chastise me for not being a sheep, I shall point out all their Home Delivery shopping staff, who were going back and forth in the aisles --- because the one-way system can't work for them !!
........ and I still haven't got round to writing my mobile phone tale of woe.

 

[gioblues]

That will teach you for not using the normal tills

 

[alwaysright]

That will teach you for not using the normal tills

I was going to say that it's a pity that the people I have to talk to at these tills are not normal**.*..... and even in these days of 'new normal'**, I think I'd still rather take my chance with a machine...
..... also, I don't have to fight the cashier - as they seem to want to throw the items as hard as they can towards the back end of the packing area -I prefer to try to pack soft items, e.g. eggs at the top of my bags - and not used as some sort of ''ten-pin'' target, in the packing area, as the cashier throws down a tin of beans : '' STRIKE ' - or should I say; ''scrambled''

**
*** I've had my own brand of ''new normal'' for years ! --- I am not a freak - everyone else is !

 

[alwaysright]

Whilst we're discussing what is / isn't 'normal.'
https://www.newsdesk.lexisnexis.com...&wa=1&ac=&ck=393da92a41b5953af78183f4201c16e3

The ' criminal ' only did what is normal ! ( or, at least, it used to be normal. )
I am likely to go mad if I have to refrain from my 'normal' greeting of my family and dearest ( female ) friends for too much longer - it just isn't 'normal' for me not to embrace / hug these people.
The other day, I instinctively offered to shake hands with a male stranger after we met.....I will have to practise on being 'alert' -- as we all know, Britain needs lerts !

 

[alwaysright]

Will the UK ever learn ........BEFORE it's too late ?

My heart goes out to anyone who has suffered the loss of family or friends during the pandemic. I have no real words of comfort to ease your pain............. and I suppose you don't want to read any words that might worsen your grief -- but -- they have to be said - if only to prevent much further tragedy !

I am able to give praise to the Government for certain measures they have taken - to support the public, and to support keyworkers during the pandemic. I do not envy the task of our civil servants as they look to do what is best for the UK - HOWEVER - I am not sure that correct, obvious choices have been made quickly enough. As a result, it is fairly likely that many thousands of unnecessary deaths have occurred - just in the UK.

If people recall, about three months ago ( not that long ), when the 'experts' were trying to guess the impact of the virus - in terms of deaths. It was thought that there might be as many as 10,000. I think that I heard a collective gasp from the Nation. Did anyone believe that 'speculation?' - I doubt if anyone could accept a revised estimate of '' it could go as high as 20,000'' -- did that sound like an estimate from a cowboy tradesman ?......... Well, the number of DEATHS in the UK is about to tip 40,000 and there is no end in sight to that number.

I know that hindsight is a wonderful thing - but sometimes in our Nation, we can't see the wood for the trees! Whilst the Government may have had all sorts of difficulties in handling the situation - they have failed ( and quite spectacularly ), to quickly enough, take measures that, in my honest opinion, would / could have prevented the deaths of several thousands.

The Government should want to learn from the measures taken by other countries - who are now coping much better than the UK in terms of deaths. Other counties have taken tougher measures at a much earlier stage, and now recovering more quickly - whilst the funeral directors in this country will be fully employed for a long time yet !

Lockdown should have been earlier. Restrictive 'guidelines' should have been greater - and made 'law' ( Mr.Cummings ) Quarantine should have been in place months ago. Face coverings should have been mandatory from Day 1. I would also say that Lockdown should have remained until the end of June.

Instead the Government have dithered - despite the evidence from figures of other countries - who have taken a more responsible approach. I suppose that it doesn't help that the British can be reluctant to accept that we are not immune to World tragedy - and do not like to have restrictions imposed on our ''freedom,'' Ironically, if the UK had imposed greater restrictions, from the beginning, we would have benefited at an earlier stage ---

Instead, the Government have chosen to gamble with our lives. They have chosen to bury their heads in the sand - hoping that the UK won't be affected - despite all the scientific and medical evidence from around the World - well - now the only thing that we continue to bury is the growing number of ( unnecessary ) deaths........................

And if there was one time in my life where I would gladly be 'wrong' - I hope that we don't have a 'second wave' - there would be anarchy before the public would accept another lockdown.

 

[brb]

The Government should want to learn from the measures taken by other countries - who are now coping much better than the UK in terms of deaths. Other counties have taken tougher measures at a much earlier stage, and now recovering more quickly - whilst the funeral directors in this country will be fully employed for a long time yet !

Lockdown should have been earlier. Restrictive 'guidelines' should have been greater - and made 'law' ( Mr.Cummings ) Quarantine should have been in place months ago. Face coverings should have been mandatory from Day 1. I would also say that Lockdown should have remained until the end of June.

Instead the Government have dithered - despite the evidence from figures of other countries - who have taken a more responsible approach. I

I agree with this part.

As you state, we should have been locked down sooner, I also feel the borders should have been closed immediately. Borders being closed immediately incurs complications, that would take too long to express my thoughts here.

Face masks, one minute we are told no, the next doctors are saying we should be wearing them.

Moggs needs shooting, can someone lend me a gun. The guy is an utter pompous twat. The new normal, unless you're Mogsie then it's still the old normal. We need to adapt, I'm fed up with the dinosaurs. No disrespect to Alok Sharma, there's part of me, that wants the guy to have covid, so then someone can get a long cane and shove it up the backside of moggs.

And does the government seriously think I'm going to download it's app!

Oh and RIP Airlines, we shut the gates after the horses had already bolted, but we're still going to destroy your industry. Apart from Branson, he can just go do one, with his begging letters.

What an utter utter mess of good ole foolish britishness. We really couldn't belong to a more stoopid nation.

Anyway, I'm off to protest now with 5,000 other people, said tongue in cheek (more seriously RIP George x)

 

[grumpygit]

I understand peoples frustration but we need to wait until after the dust has settled, until we can see the true figure for deaths above the norm for all countries, we can't begin to see the full picture until then. I think it was March the 20th before the WHO recognized this as a pandemic, and only 1 or 2 days since they changed advice on the wearing of face coverings so it isn't just us. A lot of countries are only counting deaths when confirmed as having covid, not ones only suspected as having covid.
I think our biggest problem is the British just don't like following orders, Taiwan have controlled the virus and had only 7 deaths without any lock down, they just follow the distancing advice and wear masks.

 

[alwaysright]

It's not just the Government who are aRsing about !

I think our biggest problem is the British just don't like following orders, Taiwan have controlled the virus and had only 7 deaths without any lock down, they just follow the distancing advice and wear masks.

The methods used by different countries to produce their 'death rate' are probably ''political.'' ...... On 9th March 2013 Gills beat Plymouth 2-1 at Home - allegedly in front of 10, 260 ----- despite an almost half empty stadium !! (( Maybe it's a good thing that Mr.Scally doesn't give us the daily updates. ))

The point of my previous post was to highlight the fact that our Government have been too slow to react and with measures which have been too weak - thereby definitely allowing the non-compliant British public, to kill each other - to the tune of several thousand unnecessary deaths... but -

As you point out ( and agree with me ), the British public '' will not be told.'' -- even for the sake of their lives, or that of their family / friends...... Instead the British just want to do what we like, and when we like............... Is it any wonder that since lockdown was slightly eased - only a few days ago, the R number has started to creep up again, in some places to above 1. That means that the rate of infection is increasing. ........ and I don't suppose the massed rallies over this weekend will do anything to reduce the death rate.

It is rare that I will defend any British Government - but before people start to accuse Boris & Co for making an Rs of the situation, the British public need to start to take proper responsibility for their actions - instead of, as usual, being an aRse in their behaviour. ...... A few people would do well with - not so much a mask - but a plastic bag over their head ( of course - purely for the benefit of others ).

 

[brb]

I think it was March the 20th before the WHO recognized this as a pandemic, and only 1 or 2 days since they changed advice on the wearing of face coverings so it isn't just us.

WHO characterizes COVID-19 as a pandemic

11 March 2020

Speaking at the COVID-19 media briefing, the WHO Director-General said:
"WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.
We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.
Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.
Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this virus. It doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do.
We have never before seen a pandemic sparked by a coronavirus. This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus.
And we have never before seen a pandemic that can be controlled, at the same time."

.....

Even with this knowledge we still allowed events to go ahead on the weekend of the 14th March, the very day Fleetwood was canx, why were our government not more proactive?

On the 7th March, did our government and scientists, ignore this advice...

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World Health Organization (WHO)

✔@Who

Replying to @WHO

Every country should urgently take all necessary measures to slow further spread and to protect health systems from becoming overwhelmed with patients seriously ill with [HASHTAG]#COVID19[/HASHTAG] http://bit.ly/2TvK5ML [HASHTAG]#coronavirus[/HASHTAG]


Then on the 5th March...

[HASHTAG]#COVID19[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG]#coronavirus[/HASHTAG]

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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

✔@DrTedros

Leadership from the top: We call on country leaders to mobilize their plans, coordinating every part of government, not just the health ministry – security, diplomacy, finance, commerce, transport, trade, information and more – the whole government should be involved. [HASHTAG]#COVID19[/HASHTAG]

1,371
7:25 PM - Mar 5, 2020

Then on the 2nd March...

“There’s no choice but to act now”

2 March 2020
Speaking at the COVID-19 media briefing, the Director-General emphasized that the virus is capable of community transmission but can be contained with the right measures.

I'm not really sure what part of these messages and numerous others, that our government did not understand?

and to add salt to the wounds, our government forgot the simple word, test, test, test.​

 

[alwaysright]

BLM ( British Lives Matter )
brb
I sincerely wish that I didn't have to like your post ( ....... giving a huge sigh )

What we now get from the Government is a daily self pat on the back - for the decreasing 7 day rolling average. I want to be positive - and hope that the premature relaxation of lockdown measures, will not be rewarded with an unwanted sort of 'rollover' in terms of increased infection rates = deaths - or should I say more unnecessary deaths. The increasing / non decrease in the R rate does not give me confidence.

We get arrogance from the Health Secretary - who tells us that the correct measures have been taken at the correct time - try telling that to over 40,000 families ( and counting. )

I will not deviate from my post ( No.49 ) - in which I hold the Government accountable for dereliction of duty - resulting in many thousands of unnecessary deaths....... unless, of course, their lives do not matter

 

[brb]

The government's view on masks....you DON'T need to wear them.

Every other country is wearing them....but the science says, you DON'T need to wear them.

Should we now wear masks....NO! You DON'T need to wear them.

Then suddenly yesterday and the day before....masks will be made compulsory on public transport and in hospitals!

Eh...what...what do you mean, I'm speaking out of turn, ouch, what you doing, police brutality....

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[grumpygit]

As I said previously I understand peoples frustration, we had no experience of this apart from Sars, Mers, Bird flu, all of which came to very little in the west. The government followed the scientific and medical advice for using track and trace, unfortunately our laboratory testing facilities where woefully inadequate after years of EU membership. Germany had been carrying out most of our testing for some years having built a large laboratory testing network, pandemics had not been considered when looking at centralizing all EU testing as a matter of efficiency.
There are countries who have successfully controlled the virus without locking down, I mentioned Taiwan earlier who have had one of the best success stories.
This virus is unlike anything we have ever seen before, why does it attack people from ethnic groups in this country, yet the countries where these ethnic groups emanate from have such low death rates.
There have clearly been mistakes made and a public inquiry will come up with some of the answers, there have also been some good things done as in the nightingale hospitals, the speed with which our testing facilities have been increased, the world beating financial support package.

 

[brb]

As I said previously I understand peoples frustration, we had no experience of this apart from Sars, Mers, Bird flu, all of which came to very little in the west. The government followed the scientific and medical advice for using track and trace, unfortunately our laboratory testing facilities where woefully inadequate after years of EU membership. Germany had been carrying out most of our testing for some years having built a large laboratory testing network, pandemics had not been considered when looking at centralizing all EU testing as a matter of efficiency.
There are countries who have successfully controlled the virus without locking down, I mentioned Taiwan earlier who have had one of the best success stories.
This virus is unlike anything we have ever seen before, why does it attack people from ethnic groups in this country, yet the countries where these ethnic groups emanate from have such low death rates.
There have clearly been mistakes made and a public inquiry will come up with some of the answers, there have also been some good things done as in the nightingale hospitals, the speed with which our testing facilities have been increased, the world beating financial support package.

The one thing I like about our board is we can have different views, and I always respect a person that does it without insult, as we all do. There are plenty of frailties regarding this topic, but good opinions, even differing opinions put well, and sometimes even with a touch of good humour

 

[alwaysright]

The one thing I like about our board is we can have different views, and I always respect a person that does it WITHOUT insult, as we all do. There are plenty of frailties regarding this topic, but good opinions, even differing opinions put well, and sometimes even with a touch of good humour

I'm sorry - I've been out of touch since the last Gills game....... and I hope the linesman in the next game has managed to get some paracetamol** - trust me - he's going to get a headache !

** and if not - he can now use ibuprofen ! - apparently it's safe................ and talking about masks, a school teacher friend of mine has gone back this week. She has been told that she doesn't have to wear a mask this week - but - must wear a mask next week !

 

[alwaysright]

Quarantine ( = Joke )

So - the quarantine rules state that new arrivals to Britain must provide, and stay at, an address for 14 days......... that sounds like it might be like 14 days of house arrest - WRONG.

The rule is unenforceable - it is a joke ! WHY ? Apart from the fact that I doubt that checks will be made.....
Who is going to do the check - and what powers will they have if there is no reply at the front door ---- I might be in my back garden, and didn't hear the doorbell !! (( is there a power to break down your front door --- I doubt it )) - but the biggest joke of all....

You are not supposed to go out - even to buy shopping ( if you can rely on somebody ) - but - (a) why should you force somebody to go shopping, (b) who would want to do it if they think that you may have the virus - also - anyone in quarantine CAN go out - all you have to do is to keep a a loaf of bread in a bag in your car - and hey presto - you have been shopping for food - which you can do - legally.

 

[brb]

Quarantine ( = Joke )

So - the quarantine rules state that new arrivals to Britain must provide, and stay at, an address for 14 days......... that sounds like it might be like 14 days of house arrest - WRONG.

The rule is unenforceable - it is a joke ! WHY ? Apart from the fact that I doubt that checks will be made.....
Who is going to do the check - and what powers will they have if there is no reply at the front door ---- I might be in my back garden, and didn't hear the doorbell !! (( is there a power to break down your front door --- I doubt it )) - but the biggest joke of all....

You are not supposed to go out - even to buy shopping ( if you can rely on somebody ) - but - (a) why should you force somebody to go shopping, (b) who would want to do it if they think that you may have the virus - also - anyone in quarantine CAN go out - all you have to do is to keep a a loaf of bread in a bag in your car - and hey presto - you have been shopping for food - which you can do - legally.

I suppose it's about people acting responsibly (I know, I can hear you laughing loudly already). I've been in lockdown for 3 months, I've been quarantined for a month of that, which will now be until 22nd June, due to being 'high risk,' not even the luxury of a holiday as a bonus for it! The only good news from all this is I heard the pubs might be opening again, in some format on the 22nd June, now that is what I call a coincidence and a bonus, oh yes, guess where I will be going on that day

Edit; Oh and btw, I'm not allowed to go shopping either.