Coronavirus Thread (Off Topic, Politics) (6 Viewers)

[Saddlebrains]

Wife's just been told by GP to get tested.
On line booking system giving the message- the on live service is currently very busy, can't get through on the phone.

I've a feeling we're about to find out first hand what you've been talking about.

Good news about the exemption for grouse shooting though

Yep im afraid thats the case!

You wont get anywhere mate, the testing is fucked which is not fair on anybody

 

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[Deleted member 5849]

So in lieu of all things pandemic, this new ‘rule of 6’ has come into play in England today. Groups of 6 or less. There are exceptions of course, which are underpinned by newly-released legal requirements. This new law explains what you can and cannot do.

And it is of course terribly straightforward! Let me explain - basically, what needs to happen is there needs to be a gathering, and you need to be part of a qualifying group to be able to join in that gathering. However, you must make sure that you do not become a member of any other qualifying group at the gathering, and you must not mingle (now a legal term, no mingling for you, citizens of England, okay?) with others at the gathering who are in other qualifying groups but who are also participating at the gathering.

These terms and conditions will depend a little bit on your type of gathering, so your qualifying group may be taking part in a significant event gathering, or a relevant outdoor activity (which is another name for a gathering), or a sports gathering (to name but three). Ultimately, as long as you don’t mingle and ensure your qualifying group is arranged appropriately at your gathering, then everything will be legally acceptable.

And in case you think I’m exaggerating for comic effect, I’m quoting directly from the legal infrastructure we are expected to understand and adhere to. Links in the comments. Also, note that the details of this new law were published 15 minutes before they came into force (i.e. 11:45pm last night). Another way in which this government has treated you in such contempt during this pandemic.

 

[fernandopartridge]

The other thing the democratic champions have done is introduced all of these laws without any parliamentary debate whatsoever.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

Infections well down but u wonder if there cause there’s no tests available

 

[Saddlebrains]

Infections well down but u wonder if there cause there’s no tests available

That will be exactly what it is i feel

 

[Ian1779]

I do think they’re prioritising teachers. God knows though. Just saw an MP on Twitter saying the same as me and saddlebrains had: nothing at all online but empty test centres that won’t take you unless you book online.

I don’t think this is the case round my neck of the woods. Don’t seem to be tests available for anyone, key worker or not, and Northampton is supposed to be one of the at risk areas.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

The other thing the democratic champions have done is introduced all of these laws without any parliamentary debate whatsoever.

Interesting comment further down.

very clear where government priorities are, and it isn't the health and wellbeing of its citizens. The implementation of new guidance is designed to alienate, not to support.

 

[shmmeee]

I don’t think this is the case round my neck of the woods. Don’t seem to be tests available for anyone, key worker or not, and Northampton is supposed to be one of the at risk areas.

It might be pure chance what happened with my ex then. Silly me for expecting some level of sophistication from the system TBF.

 

[xcraigx]

Are the testing problems being mirrored across Europe? The UK has tested twice as many as France & Italy, 50% more than Germany too so how are we being so swamped? My facebook feed is full of people getting upset because they can't get a test and i'm in an area where we had 26 cases out of a population of 150,000 last week.

A neurotic population? A population scared silly by the media? Or is it really spreading more than the numbers suggest?

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

It might be pure chance what happened with my ex then. Silly me for expecting some level of sophistication from the system TBF.

They’re taking the piss with everything as part of some game to see what they can still get away with

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Are the testing problems being mirrored across Europe? The UK has tested twice as many as France & Italy, 50% more than Germany too so how are we being so swamped? My facebook feed is full of people getting upset because they can't get a test and i'm in an area where we had 26 cases out of a population of 150,000 last week.

A neurotic population? A population scared silly by the media? Or is it really spreading more than the numbers suggest?

It’s because we’re approaching a time where people are getting ill with actually symptomatic illnesses

 

[Ian1779]

It might be pure chance what happened with my ex then. Silly me for expecting some level of sophistication from the system TBF.

Who’s to say it’s isn’t just that variation from place to place. Northampton hasn’t been a particular bright spot for organisational excellence over the last 12 months....

 

[xcraigx]

It’s because we’re approaching a time where people are getting ill with actually symptomatic illnesses

Then in which case we're buggered really. There's no hope testing will be able to cope with everyone who has a cough a month or so from now. Cases where people actually have COVID will not be discovered and it'll run rampant throughout the population.

 

[clint van damme]

Then in which case we're buggered really. There's no hope testing will be able to cope with everyone who has a cough a month or so from now. Cases where people actually have COVID will not be discovered and it'll run rampant throughout the population.

Don't worry, with the rule of 6, covid Marshalls and our world class testing we'll be fine

 

[Deleted member 5849]

While we're at it.

Chief scientist 'told off' for lockdown plea

An email exchange uncovered by the BBC reveals disharmony in the top ranks of decision makers.

www.bbc.co.uk

Admittedly, not sure what that gains really - it's just colleagues discussing robustly approaches, as far as I can see.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

And in better news!

Coronavirus: Monoclonal antibodies to begin UK trial

Laboratory-made antibodies are to be trialled on 2,000 people with coronavirus in UK hospitals.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Then in which case we're buggered really. There's no hope testing will be able to cope with everyone who has a cough a month or so from now. Cases where people actually have COVID will not be discovered and it'll run rampant throughout the population.

As will the common cold and the flu, which to be blunt will in all probability do me and the people I teach more harm.

 

[fernandopartridge]

Are the testing problems being mirrored across Europe? The UK has tested twice as many as France & Italy, 50% more than Germany too so how are we being so swamped? My facebook feed is full of people getting upset because they can't get a test and i'm in an area where we had 26 cases out of a population of 150,000 last week.

A neurotic population? A population scared silly by the media? Or is it really spreading more than the numbers suggest?

How do you know that? The gov still doesn't publish the number of people tested

 

[David O'Day]

"Rule of six" question.

Does it apply to businesses as well? I need to go the barbers soon and by barbers have 4 chairs. that means there could possibily be up to 8 people in there? Is this allowed?

 

[xcraigx]

How do you know that? The gov still doesn't publish the number of people tested

Official UK Coronavirus Dashboard

GOV.UK Coronavirus dashboard

coronavirus.data.gov.uk

 

[shmmeee]

Official UK Coronavirus Dashboard

GOV.UK Coronavirus dashboard

coronavirus.data.gov.uk

That doesn’t give the number of people tested.

 

[xcraigx]

That doesn’t give the number of people tested.

Not being arsey but it does come across that way (sorry), but what does it show?

 

[Skybluefaz]

If the back log is soo big. When will we get a true number?

 

[fernandopartridge]

Not being arsey but it does come across that way (sorry), but what does it show?

The number of tests processed, and for the basic test of whether somebody has Coronavirus there are two tests. The other thing is that the numbers are not completed tests either.

 

[Alan Dugdales Moustache]

Are the testing problems being mirrored across Europe? The UK has tested twice as many as France & Italy, 50% more than Germany too so how are we being so swamped? My facebook feed is full of people getting upset because they can't get a test and i'm in an area where we had 26 cases out of a population of 150,000 last week.

A neurotic population? A population scared silly by the media? Or is it really spreading more than the numbers suggest?

I'm beginning to wonder if all this testing is something of a red herring. If there was no problem in getting a test would cases be on the rise again ? There's nothing to suggest they wouldn't.
They can test people for fun but if we as a population aren't being careful it's all a waste of time.

 

[Sick Boy]

So, what’s the general feeling around the current situation in the UK and outlook over the next few months?

Selfishly I’ve not been able to come back to see family all year and am really hoping I can come back for a few weeks at Christmas. Trying to get a feeling for how realistic that is

Same for me, was talking to my parents earlier and it seems like a different world compared to here right now. I was supposed to be going back in October but that’s doubtful - I reckon next Spring is realistic - psychologically it’s very tough.

 

[robbiekeane]

Same for me, was talking to my parents earlier and it seems like a different world compared to here right now. I was supposed to be going back in October but that’s doubtful - I reckon next Spring is realistic - psychologically it’s very tough.

Totally get you.
I don’t think I can wait until next spring to be honest - if it impacts my current job then so be it. Can’t see how it would as worst case scenario I’ll just work shitty hours from the UK.
I’ll come back at Christmas, get a test as soon as I’m back and hang in a hotel for a couple days until I get the result I think.

 

[shmmeee]

FYI for anyone trying to get tested

 

[Saddlebrains]

Cheers shmmeee but personally I've given up now. Basically put the onus on work, sent them the screenshots of being unable to book a test, said to them i cant afford to miss 10 days so either i come in and they break government advice and potentially have me infect others,which of course i would take further, or i stay at home as i should do and they pay me


You can imagine the response i got.... looked at my schedule which now says 'authorised paid absence- covid shielding'.

 

[Macca1987]

There doesn't seem to be any joined up approach. Talking to my sister last night, most of the family have come down with coughs and colds, 111 said they all have to be tested, admittedley they managed to get tests, all came back negative, now the great nephew has a cough, my niece phoned the school and said we've all been tested and have the same bug and we are all clear, school told her he still had to be tested and if she sent him in and he coughed more than two or three times in an hour they would send him home. Yet the government are complaining running out of testing capacity because people who haven't got the right symptoms are being tested

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

There doesn't seem to be any joined up approach. Talking to my sister last night, most of the family have come down with coughs and colds, 111 said they all have to be tested, admittedley they managed to get tests, all came back negative, now the great nephew has a cough, my niece phoned the school and said we've all been tested and have the same bug and we are all clear, school told her he still had to be tested and if she sent him in and he coughed more than two or three times in an hour they would send him home. Yet the government are complaining running out of testing capacity because people who haven't got the right symptoms are being tested

New continuous cough is one of the symptoms though isn’t it? But I understand what you’re saying and the frustration and confusion and the school managing the risk as it presents

 

[Macca1987]

New continuous cough is one of the symptoms though isn’t it? But I understand what you’re saying and the frustration and confusion and the school managing the risk as it presents

Don;t blame the school at all, they are following guidelines, but there doesn't seem to be a sensible joined up approach from all of the agencies and it just frustrates the hell out of people. I luckily haven't experienced anything myself in my household yet,

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

Don;t blame the school at all, they are following guidelines, but there doesn't seem to be a sensible joined up approach from all of the agencies and it just frustrates the hell out of people. I luckily haven't experienced anything myself in my household yet,

Same although my symptoms were runny nose and sneezing. I think if one of my kids had gone in they may well have been sent home. Feel much better this morning. Used the only quiz and it said look yourself and don’t bother getting a test so I said ok

 

[MusicDating]

New continuous cough is one of the symptoms though isn’t it? But I understand what you’re saying and the frustration and confusion and the school managing the risk as it presents

This is the trouble though, the symptoms are so varied people will inevitably think they've got 'it' whereas last year with the same symptoms, people would have just put it down to a cold and gone into school/work fine.

This combined with asymptomatic people spreading Covid obliviously, it's a perfect shit storm.

 

[CCFCSteve]

If they’re running at lab capacity (anyone know what this is, I know it says 380k but that can’t be right for the labs ?) then there’s not a lot we can do for the time being. If we’re not, then Hancock and the lady running it need to go as it’s unacceptable. Hancock should just come out and explain clearly the numbers of requests every day, the capacity and what they are doing to increase capacity (think new labs due to go live soon).

People are understandably nervous so are getting tested when they almost certainly won’t have it (as numbers suggest). Unfortunately as BSB alluded to, this is now cold/flu season so it’s going to keep happening with ever larger numbers (which no country, not even a Germany could probably handle)