Coronavirus thread 13

[KenAdams]

Previous thread here.

We are using Worldometer, BDO and Dr John Campbell videos as part of the discussions.

OldQueen I've been thinking the same thing. The Tories have demonstrated a marked lack of empathy and social conscience, add to this a lack of planning and underfunded NHS.

I think their fear is that the economy will take a massive hit exposing how closely to the edge many are already teetering. They can't afford the economic hit of closing schools or advising against unnecessary travel, or staying off work as they are doing in Europe.

I also cynically think think 5 months closure of parliament and the lack of scrutiny that would allow would be a massive bonus allowing a raft of Brexit policies to be rushed in.

If this is about kiling off the vulnerable, those most at risk are the most vulnerable to dying of cold and flu virises aswell, yet NHs run an expensive vaccination programme for all vulnerable. It would save the NHS huge amounts of money to not do that.

I don't hold with these murky evil intent conspiracies.

We dont understand a novel virus, its different though to china's, and we have more experience of treating it now.

Are death rates improving, well based on my theory of one in every 40 reported, delayed, no, as first one today and another to follow soon as we have now paased the 80mark and beyond.

.

They're not going to let it "move through the population" in the House of Commons, though, are they!

OldQueen I had exactly the same thoughts, think of the money that could be saved by ignoring the health needs of the old and vulnerable. I am old and unwell.

There just aren’t the resources to save everyone who will need help to breathe, that is just how it is. It isn’t a conspiracy.

I don't hold with these murky evil intent conspiracies

Not sure anyone has posted any.

Acknowledging that this Tory government doesn't give a shit about the poor and vulnerable and lacks any compassion whatsoever towards the needy is hardly breaking news.

At the point when they close the House of Commons, I will be very tempted to take my child out of school.

I was in central London today, I wasn't too surprised that there was no-one wearing face masks, like you see pictures of in other cities. But I was surprised to see everyone still holding on to the escalator handrails, touching poles and surfaces in the train stations etc. (I didn't).

Anyone else seen the WHO DG statement from this afternoon? WHO DG

"This is not a drill.

This is not the time to give up.

This is not a time for excuses.

This is a time for pulling out all the stops."

Actions speak louder than words.

I found Boris’ comments worrying too, although don’t think it’s to do with killing the vulnerable, rather protecting the economy at the expense of people’s life’s. The NHS does not have capacity to cope with the ‘short and sharp’ option, which would impact upon patient care and outcomes. However, he said we need to reach a balance, so I hope that’s genuine. Who are these people suggesting we ‘take it on the chin’?
As others have said today’s cases don’t reflect the true picture because of the time it’s taking to get results back- we are probably about five days behind reality.

I also cynically think think 5 months closure of parliament and the lack of scrutiny that would allow would be a massive bonus allowing a raft of Brexit policies to be rushed in.

^ this.

How come we aren't building a new hospital?? I mean we're supposed to be building 5 extra anyway.

Yeah, its definitely been said in notsomany words.

That's pretty evil to deliberarately decide to. do nothing.

Thats calling them murderers by withholding life saving measures.

That is what's being said. Its isn't a case of being impassive, its murder to knowingly withhold treatment and services that would prevent death, disliking the politics is totally another.

*MmeAlice
*
WHO are not usually dramatic, they are really trying to put a rocket up the world's arse there

That WHO briefing is good.

‘The solution is aggressive preparedness.

We’re concerned that some countries have either not taken this seriously enough, or have decided there’s nothing they can do.

We are concerned that in some countries the level of political commitment and the actions that demonstrate that commitment do not match the level of the threat we all face.’

Wonder which countries they have in mind.

The idea that the government would deliberately let this spread is ridiculous. Their core vote demographic is the over 55s. The resulting pressure on the health service will expose their years of underfunding and form an argument for higher investment in public services for decades. The public’s main memory of a major event is about the become a Conservative government presiding over a lot of people they know being unable to get healthcare, small businesses closing and civil disruption.

I am a Labour member and, given that the vast vast majority of decisions will be driven by scientists, I’m glad labour isn’t in government for this. The party that is will suffer badly.

FaisPasCiFaisPasCa that's certainly how I am reading it. Basically 'get your fingers out your arses'

I'm off to watch that WHO report. Then catch up with ch4 news. I sent Krishna GM a question to ask about the serological surveillance results but I'm sure he's too busy to read his Twitter.

@MarshaBradyo I can think of one. At least.

Good for them.

, Middleager..where in Derby was the 3?

There is a balance in a pandemic between protecting the public and protecting the economy

I've no reason to think that this govt or any other mainstream UK party intends to eliminate the vulnerable

It's just that they prioritise the economy more, compared to most other countries so far, especially within Europe

The next few months will show whether this risk pays off

I agree Queen it's tempting to wonder. It's quite imaginable that they're looking at this in a cold hard light as potentially going on for months, the massive impact to the economy and to production and supply lines and basic services if the schools close, and how successful this would be in protecting how many people with what impact afterwards - compared to letting it happen and the majority will survive but at least there's an economy and country still there afterwards. Which is beyond bloody, and the fact BJ is talking about middle ground suggests he doesn't have the stomach for that. But not making decisions is still action, just cowardly action. The thing is that once it's everywhere all those services and supply lines etc will take the hit anyway, those issues will still happen.

If the schools aren't closed, many parents who are able will pull their kids out of school anyway. Those who can afford not to work or can work from home will do so. Possibly the hope is that they will reduce it enough to help those who can't.

The electricity companies need to clarify what they are going to do for key meter customers in the event of possible self isolation.

I bet this hasnt even crossed Johnsons mind.