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Post by muckypup on Mar 16, 2020 18:55:02 GMT
The uk press thing today was very informative and helpful.....
And for the first time ever I actually believe that Boris is trying to do the right thing, no politics no stumbling and deflecting questions, and the science guys were straight talking
He even appeared to answer questions with some degree of honesty........
Hopefully the advice Is good, measured and informed.......
Here’s to being holed of for the best part of 2020.......
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Post by tuigirl on Mar 16, 2020 19:15:22 GMT
In the interest of hopefully helping keep panic and despair to a minimum, can anyone clarify the following? I might not get the answers I hope for, but uncertainties do seem to have a way of compounding uncertainty. 1) Probably just me being typically thick, but I'm not quite understanding the part about "asymptomatic carriers" and the period of time for which carriers might be contagious. Should those considered at risk isolate themselves from only symptomatic persons, or from anyone who might be coming and going and could be an "asymptomatic carrier"? 2) tuigirl told us this thing is afraid of saunas because it can be destroyed by heat. Does anyone know if there is a risk of it persisting on refrigerable or frozen food items from groceries? Should they be treated with soap and water (according to tuigirl this is effective because the virus has a fatty envelope and fancy disinfectants aren't necessary, IIRC) before put into the fridge or freezer? 3) Does anyone have the true story on whether wearing masks helps prevent contracting it? Last thing I read is that they help prevent spreading it but not prevent contracting it, which might sort of lend itself to a sense of futility about them if taken a certain way, but doesn't make that much sense to me. I would think they'd have to reduce the risk at both ends if one end, wouldn't they? 4) Does anyone have a proper perspective as to just who is at risk statistically, percentage-wise? Do we know how many of those categorically at risk are actually statistically vulnerable? Are there those categorically at risk who are known to have had only mild or asymptomatic cases? I'm sure there are more questions I'm not even thinking of, but just trying to understand how best to be safe and how much precaution is reasonable. Hello, well,
1. there came out a new study last week from the US that tells us that heat is not as effective in removing the virus as first thought. The virus is still vulnerable to heat, though.
However, a heat wave will not be as efficient in curbing the virus than first thought, BUT it will lighten the infectious pressure. As far as we know now. Sauna is still great, however, as of today, a state of emergency has been declared in my country, too, and ALL public places, including saunas, are now closed down.
2. Food items should have a risk that is negligible. Just process and wash your food items as you currently do (and if you have not taken care with it so far, this is a good time to start doing so). No need to soak your frozen pizzas in soap. Yes, soap is still the best way to get rid of the virus. It has a fatty envelope which will get dissolved. Using a lot of disinfectant is COUNTER PRODUCTIVE. Alcohol and a lot of additives destroy the normal germ flora on your skin, and this is the first line of defense for your body. Also, raw and red skin from too much cleaning is also only putting a huge "Come on in" sign up. Please use common sense. Wash your hands regularly and thorougly, but as with everything in life, there is indeed such as thing as too much of a good thing.
3. Using masks is only useful in protecting other people, not yourself, except for these special masks for medical professionals. Normal masks would only protect you if you would change these every 20 mins.
Please do NOT buy these in bulk. Please leave those to the medical professionals who are already suffering from a shortage. The last thing you want is all the medical staff becoming infected- because then you get the crisis they have in Italy right now. There will be NO vaccination until beginning of next year. This means- nobody can protect themselves in advance.
Let me explain how infection with this virus works. It is shed in much larger numbers than for example the flu from the upper respiratory tract of people who DO NOT feel sick nor show any symptoms. It is transmitted by the small droplets in our breath or when we sneeze or cough. Keeping a 2m distance from other people will help prevent the spread a lot. Sadly, we too often completely unconsciously touch our faces. Therefore, we will also get these viruses on our hands. Therefore, do NOT shake hands. Wash your hands often (but not too long and only with soap to protect your skin).
Example- Public transport is a problem- the surfaces are touched by a lot of people. Yes, the virus dies on these surfaces after an hour. But that means, it can sit there for an hour.
Why do masks not protect there- you touch a surface, and then you touch your eyes, or the area around your eyes by accident. The mask will not prevent that. Please refer to this wonderful comic by my favorite, the Oatmeal, to demonstrate the issue and avoidance:
Keeping away from people and not touching your face will protect you.
I repeat- please leave the masks and the medical equipment to the people who really depend on it TO SAVE YOUR LIFE.
4. As our governments are saying collectively (at least here in Europe)- about 80% of us WILL get this virus. The ONLY thing we can do right now is avoiding all getting sick at once, because that will lead to a crash of the system.
Imagine this thing like the tide- you can build dykes and walls, but eventually, it comes. What we try right now is stopping everything getting flooded at once.
We need herd immunity, and we are right now getting it, although much faster than we wish.
Please take care everybody.
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Post by tuigirl on Mar 16, 2020 19:27:24 GMT
Right.
As of today, a state of emergency was declared in most parts of the country.
Everything except essentials like supermarkets and pharmacies are closed down.
Everything.
They even closed down play areas for kids.
At my work, we had another emergency meeting (they seem to happen every day now) and we now have to go into emergency staffing.
This means, only half of us are at the company at any given time.
I have to take enforced holiday on Thursday and Friday (except of one of us falls sick in the next 2 days, then, no idea, the place will implode).
Well, so far, everyone in my family is fine.
The kids of my sister are complaining (basically, all kids activities are shut down), and everybody is grumbling, but everyone is fine so far.
I myself have suddenly two whole days at home to look forward to-
and honestly, I can imagine worse ways for an introvert like me to spend, than to sit at home and read a few good books.
So.
And since I have not spoken about anything else today, I am now on official leave from Corona.
I am now going to huddle up on my couch and listen to some BF.
Take care everyone.
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Post by johnhurtdoctor on Mar 16, 2020 19:55:33 GMT
So guys. What are we going to do pass the time for those of us who are self-isolating? What about a Dr. Who watch-a-long? Or Big Finish listen-a-long? We choose a story then all start at the same time & chat in a thread? Maybe a live chat if we all have twitter & use the same story hashtag?
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Post by tuigirl on Mar 16, 2020 20:06:56 GMT
So guys. What are we going to do pass the time for those of us who are self-isolating? What about a Dr. Who watch-a-long? Or Big Finish listen-a-long? We choose a story then all start at the same time & chat in a thread? Maybe a live chat if we all have twitter & use the same story hashtag? Hmm. In theory a nice idea. However, hardly ever use Twitter. But we could do something like that. Will have to stay home Thursday and Friday (subject to change)....
Otherwise... I have tons of books on my kindle I wanted to read. I still have 2 days worth of BF on my backlog. And several days worth of audiobooks on my ipad. Plus, I still have several PC games I have hardly started on.
Oh, and if you are like me and like exploring and the outdoors, there are two FREE virtual tours on Steam. One two a sacred mountain and shrine in Japan and one to a mountain and beach in Iceland. Just in case you are in an area with curfews. Here the links:
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Post by Ela on Mar 16, 2020 20:21:40 GMT
I wish they'd have special hours for older folks here. As someone who's reached the age that is considered higher risk for this illness, I've been questioning whether I should go food shopping, even though I'm in excellent health and physically fit, and have no chronic illnesses at all. I have enough in the house for now. And my kids have offered to go shopping for me. But I really like to shop myself (for one thing, my son-in-law is terrible at picking out produce.  ) |
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Post by Ela on Mar 16, 2020 20:23:50 GMT
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Post by johnhurtdoctor on Mar 16, 2020 20:30:03 GMT
So guys. What are we going to do pass the time for those of us who are self-isolating? What about a Dr. Who watch-a-long? Or Big Finish listen-a-long? We choose a story then all start at the same time & chat in a thread? Maybe a live chat if we all have twitter & use the same story hashtag? Hmm. In theory a nice idea. However, hardly ever use Twitter. But we could do something like that. Will have to stay home Thursday and Friday (subject to change)....
Otherwise... I have tons of books on my kindle I wanted to read. I still have 2 days worth of BF on my backlog. And several days worth of audiobooks on my ipad. Plus, I still have several PC games I have hardly started on.
Oh, and if you are like me and like exploring and the outdoors, there are two FREE virtual tours on Steam. One two a sacred mountain and shrine in Japan and one to a mountain and beach in Iceland. Just in case you are in an area with curfews. Here the links:
Yeah. I don't use twitter much. Would probably create one for this lol. Just an idea to relieve the boredom. & for those here that may feel isolated & alone. |
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Post by tuigirl on Mar 16, 2020 20:31:34 GMT
Hmm. In theory a nice idea. However, hardly ever use Twitter. But we could do something like that. Will have to stay home Thursday and Friday (subject to change)....
Otherwise... I have tons of books on my kindle I wanted to read. I still have 2 days worth of BF on my backlog. And several days worth of audiobooks on my ipad. Plus, I still have several PC games I have hardly started on.
Oh, and if you are like me and like exploring and the outdoors, there are two FREE virtual tours on Steam. One two a sacred mountain and shrine in Japan and one to a mountain and beach in Iceland. Just in case you are in an area with curfews. Here the links:
Yeah. I don't use twitter much. Would probably create one for this lol. Just an idea to relieve the boredom. & for those here that may feel isolated & alone. Good idea. 
Might come back to you later this week about this.
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Post by aussiedoctorwhofan on Mar 16, 2020 23:21:47 GMT
Here in Australia we have police officers going around checking those that are in isolation, just checking they are not "breaching".. apparantly there is a fine if you get "caught"..
HHM
Oh and Ireland has closed all it's pubs as well- I found out from an old Irish work mate of mine who moved back there.
WOW.
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Post by grinch on Mar 16, 2020 23:35:35 GMT
Doing fine for the moment.
My home town is rather like a ghost town at the moment. Extremely eerie and unsettling to say the least.
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Post by aussiedoctorwhofan on Mar 16, 2020 23:50:41 GMT
So I belong to a horror chat group on fb/messenger. I am the only Aussie amongst 7 Americans.. Being bombarded with messages on how easy is it to move here permanently.. Basically sending me their work resumes and medical health histories.. OMG.. The fear is real. We were chatting about work pay wages, how our public health care system works etc.. I honestly think 1 in this group is fair dinkum about moving here.
What this pandemic is doing to people...
:-(
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Post by davygallagher on Mar 17, 2020 0:19:47 GMT
Can I just correct you, this virus is not airborn (not yet anyway) you catch projectile partials from coughs, sneezes or breath are in the air, but the virus is mutating and there is a small amount of evidence to show it may, thinking still is transmitted by breathing in infected micro droplets or contact being transferred to mouth, nose or eyes rest is as I believe it to be.......stay safe everyone That's what I believed as well, then I heard a respected epidemiologist speak and he confirmed that it is airborne. Here's the clip: I'm not a regular listener/watcher of Joe Rogan, but I thought this was very informative. I am a regular Rogan viewer and he really, really pissed me off in this weeks ep. After that enlightening and comprehensive chat with the Doctor last week, he had his dude-bro friends on this week and said "I'm not changing shit" when asked about what he's doing to prevent spreading anything. Now, he's lying there as he cancelled some tour dates but that he could have that conversation last week and then this week be so glib and nonchalant is irresponsible at best. |
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Post by Digi on Mar 17, 2020 0:24:31 GMT
Rogan kinda has a rep for being an a-hole...
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Post by davygallagher on Mar 17, 2020 0:32:46 GMT
I'm doing fine but I'm almost certain that my work will close down in the next day or two for a few weeks. In a big office building stopping this spread is impossible enough but with insufficient measures from the UK Government and a lack of testing there's not really much option. I'm lucky enough to be salaried so I'll be on full pay. More than half of the people I'm responsible in my team for have self isolated already and with intial govt advice of 7 days now being ramped up to 14 and the Scottish government discouraging any place to have more than 500 people in it, there's almost no point staying open now as it would just defy the duty of care totally. March is by far our busiest months but viruses can't be asked to come back when we're quieter.
What's pissed me off more is things like people stealing office supplies of hand sanitizer, the work not being proactive but reactive when it comes to their actions and some managers thinking they know best and telling our staff "sounds like a cold more than anything..." and saying they should stick around. They can't force anyone to stay but people do feel implied threats I think when they're feeling "made" to stay. I've told some people off the record to get the managers in question to put that in an email so they can take disciplinary and HR action later as anyone more interested in headcounts, stats etc than welfare shouldn't be in charge of people.
So I'll KBO for a bit longer as it does feel like the shutdown is approaching anyway and I'll rest up for that.
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Post by davygallagher on Mar 17, 2020 0:36:11 GMT
Rogan kinda has a rep for being an a-hole... Yeah, he does but in terms of his guests he gets a wonderful cross-section from all over the arts and sciences. I don't watch for him but for Brian Greene, Neil Tyson, Louis Theroux or whoever. |
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Post by aussiedoctorwhofan on Mar 17, 2020 2:34:22 GMT
I'm doing fine but I'm almost certain that my work will close down in the next day or two for a few weeks. In a big office building stopping this spread is impossible enough but with insufficient measures from the UK Government and a lack of testing there's not really much option. I'm lucky enough to be salaried so I'll be on full pay. More than half of the people I'm responsible in my team for have self isolated already and with intial govt advice of 7 days now being ramped up to 14 and the Scottish government discouraging any place to have more than 500 people in it, there's almost no point staying open now as it would just defy the duty of care totally. March is by far our busiest months but viruses can't be asked to come back when we're quieter. What's pissed me off more is things like people stealing office supplies of hand sanitizer, the work not being proactive but reactive when it comes to their actions and some managers thinking they know best and telling our staff "sounds like a cold more than anything..." and saying they should stick around. They can't force anyone to stay but people do feel implied threats I think when they're feeling "made" to stay. I've told some people off the record to get the managers in question to put that in an email so they can take disciplinary and HR action later as anyone more interested in headcounts, stats etc than welfare shouldn't be in charge of people. So I'll KBO for a bit longer as it does feel like the shutdown is approaching anyway and I'll rest up for that. I am still getting updates via SMS/FB messenger from my work mates, I should be going back next week.. They have started sending the "non essential" staff home with laptops. Given my Department is 3 people but 1 of the most important, as no one else legally is allowed to do what my department does. It is frustrating at times when we get inundated, only us 3 for basically all of Australia with the company I work for.
I strongly predict all utilites companies etc will be slammed with "hardship" cases due to loss of wages etc..
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Post by davygallagher on Mar 17, 2020 3:13:50 GMT
I'm doing fine but I'm almost certain that my work will close down in the next day or two for a few weeks. In a big office building stopping this spread is impossible enough but with insufficient measures from the UK Government and a lack of testing there's not really much option. I'm lucky enough to be salaried so I'll be on full pay. More than half of the people I'm responsible in my team for have self isolated already and with intial govt advice of 7 days now being ramped up to 14 and the Scottish government discouraging any place to have more than 500 people in it, there's almost no point staying open now as it would just defy the duty of care totally. March is by far our busiest months but viruses can't be asked to come back when we're quieter. What's pissed me off more is things like people stealing office supplies of hand sanitizer, the work not being proactive but reactive when it comes to their actions and some managers thinking they know best and telling our staff "sounds like a cold more than anything..." and saying they should stick around. They can't force anyone to stay but people do feel implied threats I think when they're feeling "made" to stay. I've told some people off the record to get the managers in question to put that in an email so they can take disciplinary and HR action later as anyone more interested in headcounts, stats etc than welfare shouldn't be in charge of people. So I'll KBO for a bit longer as it does feel like the shutdown is approaching anyway and I'll rest up for that. I am still getting updates via SMS/FB messenger from my work mates, I should be going back next week.. They have started sending the "non essential" staff home with laptops. Given my Department is 3 people but 1 of the most important, as no one else legally is allowed to do what my department does. It is frustrating at times when we get inundated, only us 3 for basically all of Australia with the company I work for.
I strongly predict all utilites companies etc will be slammed with "hardship" cases due to loss of wages etc..
The wages thing will be interesting. The advisors under me in my particular team aren't salaried as I am but paid hourly and when some left it was for the 7-day self isolation. Now it's going to be 14 days as mandated by the government. Since the guys have certified themselves down with symptoms, they're now going to be forced into an extra week off with only Stat sick pay. Some of them will struggle on that for the month. It's also the month we tend to make our best bonuses by some distance so they'll miss out there. We're already looking at steps like advances and the like as there's no way they can work from home the way our infrastructure works. There's also talk about finding other work they maybe can do from home, more administration wise but there are so many variables and the lack of guidance from the government has been horrendous. |
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Post by Audio Watchdog on Mar 17, 2020 3:26:56 GMT
Word came down today that I’ve been furloughed/laid off/placed on extended leave....long story short I am jobless for at least a month. Unlike 9/11 or Hurricane Kartrina, I am not management but hourly. Ugh. Anyway. I feel fine. Being in the service industry I already wash my hands constantly and don’t really touch my face much. I’m a little worried about my Mom who is in her 70s and still works a couple of days a week in a dentists office but as of today, she also feels fine. So with at least a month off I’ve decided to drop some of the weight I know I need to. There is a walking trail close to my property, so I walked about 2 miles tonight. I’m going to catch up on movie watching, book reading and Big Finish backlog. I’m constantly checking online and reading as much as I can about the pandemic we find ourselves in. I’m not really panicking but I’m concerned. I’m glad that it looks like Johnson has stepped up and wish the same could be said of Trump. I think he has finally encountered the thing which he can not bluster, bluff or bs his way through.
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Post by aussiedoctorwhofan on Mar 17, 2020 6:59:22 GMT
Ok.. 1 of the 2 biggest supermarket food chains here in Australia.. Apparantly the main #1 warehouse interstate that's the size of a small town that holds the bulk of stock- is literally empty. On the radio they disguised a truck drivers voice who works as a contractor- he claims he saw this but no official announcement as the panic will increase.
The last 2 days they have had that "pensioner hour" but the shelves were still empty so it was deemed a "failure". Some time next week they are going to close ALL the Woolworths store (unprecedented they will lose millions) and they are going to spend the full day with all staff restacking the shelves.. Then watch the chaos ensue the next day.. back to square 1.
We already had a worker get stabbed inside the store with a knife.. WTH is wrong with people GGRR.
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