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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Now you can spread bet on Johnson’s daily coronavirus briefing

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  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,468
    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 12,557
    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chameleon said:

    Apparently the 475 deaths excludes data from Parma and Campania. Parma has reported 34 new deaths, so Italy becomes the first nation to officially pass 500 deaths in a day.

    Given that Italy is probably about the average temperature we can expect come the summer, that doesn't bode terribly well.

    I'm starting to think I was unfair to Eadric. (I'll never hear the last of it if he sees this comment...)
    To be honest if we top out at 500 deaths a day we will have done quite well. That would probably keep us under 25k. The growth in Italy’s death toll is no longer exponential. If they are a week away the maximum might be 750. Absolutely horrific but a long, long way away from millions.

    On an ordinary day in ordinary times there are about 1,700 UK deaths each day. If the max due to Covid 19 is 750 per day, and this is the peak which begins to decline rapidly, and quite a lot of the deaths would in fact have occurred within a fairly short time anyway because of other underlying problems, we would get away fairly lightly in mortality terms.
  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,492
    stodge said:

    Evening all :)

    Robert is of course completely wrong as he is about so much else.

    On PB there are only three rules:

    1) Anyone who posts between midnight and 8am is SAD
    2) Anyone who posts between 8am and 4pm is BAD
    3) Anyone who posts between 4pm and midnight is MAD

    I have done all 3 so does that make me SAD BAD and MAD, or is it an ether or thing?
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,533
    Omnium said:

    ydoethur said:

    I have just been told that headteachers were given no warning of any of today's announcements. This is despite the DfE hosting a briefing of Headteachers at 3.30pm.

    That seems a bit strange.

    I think medical events overtook that.

    I think we're headed for a massive increase in cases, and sadly deaths over the next week.
    We probably need to just get on with the deaths. Hiding away en-masse seems likely to cause greater trouble. You can't just expect that the economy will put itself back together. It'll be good in doing so, but there will be gaps.

    Apologies to anyone that does actually die, and cheerio if it's me that does!
    That's a rather disarming way of putting the case!
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 9,878

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    If it helps you can get prescriptions online via superdrug had to get my asthma inhalers that way
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,609

    Alice Cooper to be No. 1 next week?

    Poison or Elected?
    Money thrown at keeping America's economy stable, divided by the number of pregnancies arising during lockdown

    =

    Billion Dollar Babies......
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,468
    Pagan2 said:

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    If it helps you can get prescriptions online via superdrug had to get my asthma inhalers that way
    The problem is the pharmacy ordering in the medicine. Thanks though!
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 10,775

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Place the tinned-but-drained pineapple slice on the pizza, light the blue touchpaper, and stand well back. If you hear some sort of groaning whining noise that'll be Radiohead - it's the noise that pineapple makes on pizza when heated. If a system says loading.. please wait, the that'll be Python and pineapple.

  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,767

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    Eh? They can't get him a repeat prescription? Why?
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    One of the things I am glad of - albeit rather selfishly - is I have enough medicine for three to four months.

    Pure luck - I got it last Wednesday.
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,533
    ydoethur said:

    IanB2 said:

    nichomar said:

    Heading for a 10:year low £/€

    35 year low £/$
    That is rather strange. Surely nobody expects the US to suffer less than us? Or do they think they can ride out the economic storm better?

    Or is it just everyone is rushing for dollars?
    I think there's still a bit of mythology that the $ is a safe haven. The Swiss franc is roaring up as well:

    https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=CHF&view=1Y
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,374
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    BigRich said:

    BigRich said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I was talking to this Albanian taxi driver, who shut off the radio because they started playing Radiohead. He was just finishing a pineapple pizza when I got in the cab - said it redefined the peak of the culinary arts. He was also telling me about how he studying Comp Sci at night school and thought that the coursework was rubbish - Python is for kiddyscripters. The he got onto European history.....
    LOL

    Thank you, thank you so much!

    I was just trying to wright that myself, but yours in much better. :)
    I forgot to mention that we discussed my belief that Australia is a hoax. Denying historical events is for losers. Real wingnuts deny the existence of entire continents.

    So we are supposed to believe that a bunch of convicts dumped on a virtually un-inhibitable desert built a liberal democratic country? A place where mammals lay eggs. Where swans are black....
    Did you know that Herodotus of Halicarnassus, the Greek historian who is often referred to as the 'Father of history', beveled that the British isles where a hoax.

    Not more of a hoax than the suggestion Australia is 'liberal...'
    They are run by the Liberal Party according to the hoaxers.
    Calling Scott Morrison 'Liberal' is the biggest hoax since Piltdown Man.
    Piltdown is a drink chum of mine, I'll have you know!
  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,492
    ydoethur said:

    IanB2 said:

    nichomar said:

    Heading for a 10:year low £/€

    35 year low £/$
    That is rather strange. Surely nobody expects the US to suffer less than us? Or do they think they can ride out the economic storm better?

    Or is it just everyone is rushing for dollars?
    Based in the similtanis (if not quite a big) change in £ to Euro, I think its the UK not the US.

    perhaps the markets have reasided what a stupid thing this £300 Billion, bribe to ourselves thing is
  • stodgestodge Posts: 13,898
    BigRich said:

    stodge said:

    Evening all :)

    Robert is of course completely wrong as he is about so much else.

    On PB there are only three rules:

    1) Anyone who posts between midnight and 8am is SAD
    2) Anyone who posts between 8am and 4pm is BAD
    3) Anyone who posts between 4pm and midnight is MAD

    I have done all 3 so does that make me SAD BAD and MAD, or is it an ether or thing?
    No, perfectly possible to be all three in a 24 hour period as so many on here demonstrate on a daily basis.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 9,878

    Pagan2 said:

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    If it helps you can get prescriptions online via superdrug had to get my asthma inhalers that way
    The problem is the pharmacy ordering in the medicine. Thanks though!
    ah sorry misunderstood
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,767

    Alice Cooper to be No. 1 next week?

    Poison or Elected?
    I was thinking more 'Schools Out'
  • nichomarnichomar Posts: 7,483
    There are moments in the history of peoples where reality tests us in a difficult, painful and even extreme way. Moments that test the very values ​​of a society and the capacity of the state ”, Felipe VI has valued.
    21:05
    "We must unite around the same objective: to overcome this serious situation," said the king, who calls for a "collective effort." "Each and every one of us is part of the solution to this crisis," he added.
    21:03
    Felipe VI praises the work of health professionals: "You are the vanguard of Spain in the fight against this disease, you are our first line of defense."
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,767

    ydoethur said:

    IanB2 said:

    nichomar said:

    Heading for a 10:year low £/€

    35 year low £/$
    That is rather strange. Surely nobody expects the US to suffer less than us? Or do they think they can ride out the economic storm better?

    Or is it just everyone is rushing for dollars?
    I think there's still a bit of mythology that the $ is a safe haven. The Swiss franc is roaring up as well:

    https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=CHF&view=1Y
    Dollar stuff is to do with liquidity? I can't follow all this stuff, but that seems to get mentioned.
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,676
    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?
  • paulyork64paulyork64 Posts: 2,507
    I'm worried for Indonesia. Only 227 identified cases from 1592 tests but 19 deaths. Looks like they dont have great testing capacity and it could be about to explode.
    And there was a first death from sub-saharan Africa in Burkina Faso. If it takes hold in poor countries it will be apocalyptic I think. The rich nations who might help wont be feeling so rich very soon.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,862
    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chameleon said:

    Apparently the 475 deaths excludes data from Parma and Campania. Parma has reported 34 new deaths, so Italy becomes the first nation to officially pass 500 deaths in a day.

    Given that Italy is probably about the average temperature we can expect come the summer, that doesn't bode terribly well.

    I'm starting to think I was unfair to Eadric. (I'll never hear the last of it if he sees this comment...)
    To be honest if we top out at 500 deaths a day we will have done quite well. That would probably keep us under 25k. The growth in Italy’s death toll is no longer exponential. If they are a week away the maximum might be 750. Absolutely horrific but a long, long way away from millions.

    On an ordinary day in ordinary times there are about 1,700 UK deaths each day. If the max due to Covid 19 is 750 per day, and this is the peak which begins to decline rapidly, and quite a lot of the deaths would in fact have occurred within a fairly short time anyway because of other underlying problems, we would get away fairly lightly in mortality terms.
    I think that non CV deaths may also increase as our health service and care services come under serious strain but yes our overall population will still increase this year.
  • 3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 22,838
    I dont mind criticising the rich stereotype footballers, so to be fair, hats off to Neville and Giggs for providing 176 free of charge hotel beds for NHS staff isolating, and keeping their workforce on normal pay by doing so.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51953883
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,767

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    China appears to be able to build a hospital in a week?
  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,492

    ydoethur said:

    To help calm everyone - https://www.gutenberg.org/

    Don't know if this has been mentioned - zillions of out of copyright books for free.

    To start the ball rolling

    Admiral Mahan's (yes, that one) Life of Nelson -

    https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16914
    https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16915

    A magnificent work - much more detail than many more recent biographies.

    Is he the one who claimed Nelson's recklessness at Trafalgar was because he sought atonement for his persistent banging of 'That Hamilton Woman' with a glorious death in battle?
    No - he actually sets out why Nelson thought he was going to die before he set out. Basically, due to the strategic situation, Nelson reckoned that he would have to fight the Combined fleet with a fleet of half their numbers. So his plan was to divide them in 2 and crush the first half. The second half would catch up with his ships - which would have lost masts etc and so Nelson reckoned that his fleet would be destroyed. Taking most of the second wave with him. Which would prevent an invasion of Britain for at least a year.

    In the event, he was lucky and they managed to reinforce his fleet to about equal to the French/Spanish force.

    Mahan actually gives a rather balanced portrait of Hamilton - gives views and comments from the likers and the loathers.
    I was ones at a dinner when the guest speaker was discussing Lady Hamilton and Nelson. and recounting that when she was 19 she pas employed to dance naked on the table of one Aristocrat for the entertainment of his dinner guests.

    At that point an elderly gentleman from the back shouted out, @we have all done that before'

    I don't think I have laughed so much in years.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 22,838

    ydoethur said:

    IanB2 said:

    nichomar said:

    Heading for a 10:year low £/€

    35 year low £/$
    That is rather strange. Surely nobody expects the US to suffer less than us? Or do they think they can ride out the economic storm better?

    Or is it just everyone is rushing for dollars?
    I think there's still a bit of mythology that the $ is a safe haven. The Swiss franc is roaring up as well:

    https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=CHF&view=1Y
    It is a safe haven, it probably shouldnt be but if enough people buy dollars when things go south it becomes one whether the fundamentals deserve it or not.
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,676

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Who are Radiohead?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,862
    nichomar said:

    London heading for 1000 cases If it is shut down they need to stop people escaping to the country

    Build that wall. Build that wall.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 9,878

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Who are Radiohead?
    a new wave albanian folk band
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,676

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Who are Radiohead?
    An obscure wireless channel specialising in oral pleasure?
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,868
    Pagan2 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Who are Radiohead?
    a new wave albanian folk band
    Not a radio station?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,862

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    Italy is going to overtake China in deaths tomorrow with 1/20th of the population. And sadly they have a long way to go.
  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,492
    Pagan2 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Who are Radiohead?
    a new wave albanian folk band
    This taxi driver I met tolled me all about them.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,205
    @bigjohnowls Death rate is going to look high when you're not testing the almost certain community cases that have been advised to ride it out at home.
    Anecdotally I know more people untested with it than either negative or positive testers.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720

    I'm worried for Indonesia. Only 227 identified cases from 1592 tests but 19 deaths. Looks like they dont have great testing capacity and it could be about to explode.
    And there was a first death from sub-saharan Africa in Burkina Faso. If it takes hold in poor countries it will be apocalyptic I think. The rich nations who might help wont be feeling so rich very soon.

    I think that Subsaharan Africa will not be too bad in percentage terms. In Malawi, half the population is under 18 years old.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    ydoethur said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    Times are alarming when No. 7 needs to be said...
    Although, I note that it is permitted to place pineapple on pizza provided that you don't incite others to do so.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    BigRich said:

    ydoethur said:

    To help calm everyone - https://www.gutenberg.org/

    Don't know if this has been mentioned - zillions of out of copyright books for free.

    To start the ball rolling

    Admiral Mahan's (yes, that one) Life of Nelson -

    https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16914
    https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16915

    A magnificent work - much more detail than many more recent biographies.

    Is he the one who claimed Nelson's recklessness at Trafalgar was because he sought atonement for his persistent banging of 'That Hamilton Woman' with a glorious death in battle?
    No - he actually sets out why Nelson thought he was going to die before he set out. Basically, due to the strategic situation, Nelson reckoned that he would have to fight the Combined fleet with a fleet of half their numbers. So his plan was to divide them in 2 and crush the first half. The second half would catch up with his ships - which would have lost masts etc and so Nelson reckoned that his fleet would be destroyed. Taking most of the second wave with him. Which would prevent an invasion of Britain for at least a year.

    In the event, he was lucky and they managed to reinforce his fleet to about equal to the French/Spanish force.

    Mahan actually gives a rather balanced portrait of Hamilton - gives views and comments from the likers and the loathers.
    I was ones at a dinner when the guest speaker was discussing Lady Hamilton and Nelson. and recounting that when she was 19 she pas employed to dance naked on the table of one Aristocrat for the entertainment of his dinner guests.

    At that point an elderly gentleman from the back shouted out, @we have all done that before'

    I don't think I have laughed so much in years.
    REally? I didn't. I had to do it for free.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,604
    There is a free course on Covid-19 starting on FutureLearn if anyone is interested.

    https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/covid19-novel-coronavirus
  • rural_voterrural_voter Posts: 2,038

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 10,775

    Omnium said:

    ydoethur said:

    I have just been told that headteachers were given no warning of any of today's announcements. This is despite the DfE hosting a briefing of Headteachers at 3.30pm.

    That seems a bit strange.

    I think medical events overtook that.

    I think we're headed for a massive increase in cases, and sadly deaths over the next week.
    We probably need to just get on with the deaths. Hiding away en-masse seems likely to cause greater trouble. You can't just expect that the economy will put itself back together. It'll be good in doing so, but there will be gaps.

    Apologies to anyone that does actually die, and cheerio if it's me that does!
    I've been in contact with an economist today, he's convinced we'll see a 'V' shaped recession/depression and recovery.
    You know that economists are ten-a-penny don't you?

    There are no good economists. They've yet to work it out. Obviously if you have enough of them then you'll find that one of them predicted the price of eggs. Not so obviously you'll also find that there's not a tied-shoelace among them.

    For the time being, contacting your friendly economist for wise words is much akin to chatting with your local sooth-sayer.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    Charles said:

    ydoethur said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    Times are alarming when No. 7 needs to be said...
    Although, I note that it is permitted to place pineapple on pizza provided that you don't incite others to do so.
    @rcs1000

    Please look into this loophole as a matter of urgency.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720
    ydoethur said:

    BigRich said:

    ydoethur said:

    To help calm everyone - https://www.gutenberg.org/

    Don't know if this has been mentioned - zillions of out of copyright books for free.

    To start the ball rolling

    Admiral Mahan's (yes, that one) Life of Nelson -

    https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16914
    https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16915

    A magnificent work - much more detail than many more recent biographies.

    Is he the one who claimed Nelson's recklessness at Trafalgar was because he sought atonement for his persistent banging of 'That Hamilton Woman' with a glorious death in battle?
    No - he actually sets out why Nelson thought he was going to die before he set out. Basically, due to the strategic situation, Nelson reckoned that he would have to fight the Combined fleet with a fleet of half their numbers. So his plan was to divide them in 2 and crush the first half. The second half would catch up with his ships - which would have lost masts etc and so Nelson reckoned that his fleet would be destroyed. Taking most of the second wave with him. Which would prevent an invasion of Britain for at least a year.

    In the event, he was lucky and they managed to reinforce his fleet to about equal to the French/Spanish force.

    Mahan actually gives a rather balanced portrait of Hamilton - gives views and comments from the likers and the loathers.
    I was ones at a dinner when the guest speaker was discussing Lady Hamilton and Nelson. and recounting that when she was 19 she pas employed to dance naked on the table of one Aristocrat for the entertainment of his dinner guests.

    At that point an elderly gentleman from the back shouted out, @we have all done that before'

    I don't think I have laughed so much in years.
    REally? I didn't. I had to do it for free.
    Who can honestly say that they have never danced naked to Radiohead on a table of pineapple pizzas?
  • paulyork64paulyork64 Posts: 2,507
    Foxy said:

    I'm worried for Indonesia. Only 227 identified cases from 1592 tests but 19 deaths. Looks like they dont have great testing capacity and it could be about to explode.
    And there was a first death from sub-saharan Africa in Burkina Faso. If it takes hold in poor countries it will be apocalyptic I think. The rich nations who might help wont be feeling so rich very soon.

    I think that Subsaharan Africa will not be too bad in percentage terms. In Malawi, half the population is under 18 years old.
    Ah yes. That's a good stat for them.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    edited March 2020
    Foxy said:

    I'm worried for Indonesia. Only 227 identified cases from 1592 tests but 19 deaths. Looks like they dont have great testing capacity and it could be about to explode.
    And there was a first death from sub-saharan Africa in Burkina Faso. If it takes hold in poor countries it will be apocalyptic I think. The rich nations who might help wont be feeling so rich very soon.

    I think that Subsaharan Africa will not be too bad in percentage terms. In Malawi, half the population is under 18 years old.
    Although 9% of them have AIDS. What impact might that have?

    (NB, that's a serious question. Is that a condition that complicates things?)
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    Foxy said:

    ydoethur said:

    BigRich said:

    ydoethur said:

    To help calm everyone - https://www.gutenberg.org/

    Don't know if this has been mentioned - zillions of out of copyright books for free.

    To start the ball rolling

    Admiral Mahan's (yes, that one) Life of Nelson -

    https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16914
    https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16915

    A magnificent work - much more detail than many more recent biographies.

    Is he the one who claimed Nelson's recklessness at Trafalgar was because he sought atonement for his persistent banging of 'That Hamilton Woman' with a glorious death in battle?
    No - he actually sets out why Nelson thought he was going to die before he set out. Basically, due to the strategic situation, Nelson reckoned that he would have to fight the Combined fleet with a fleet of half their numbers. So his plan was to divide them in 2 and crush the first half. The second half would catch up with his ships - which would have lost masts etc and so Nelson reckoned that his fleet would be destroyed. Taking most of the second wave with him. Which would prevent an invasion of Britain for at least a year.

    In the event, he was lucky and they managed to reinforce his fleet to about equal to the French/Spanish force.

    Mahan actually gives a rather balanced portrait of Hamilton - gives views and comments from the likers and the loathers.
    I was ones at a dinner when the guest speaker was discussing Lady Hamilton and Nelson. and recounting that when she was 19 she pas employed to dance naked on the table of one Aristocrat for the entertainment of his dinner guests.

    At that point an elderly gentleman from the back shouted out, @we have all done that before'

    I don't think I have laughed so much in years.
    REally? I didn't. I had to do it for free.
    Who can honestly say that they have never danced naked to Radiohead on a table of pineapple pizzas?
    Well, I can.

    It was pepperoni.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,225

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    What is Radiohead ?
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    BigRich said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I was talking to this Albanian taxi driver, who shut off the radio because they started playing Radiohead. He was just finishing a pineapple pizza when I got in the cab - said it redefined the peak of the culinary arts. He was also telling me about how he studying Comp Sci at night school and thought that the coursework was rubbish - Python is for kiddyscripters. The he got onto European history.....
    LOL

    Thank you, thank you so much!

    I was just trying to wright that myself, but yours in much better. :)
    I forgot to mention that we discussed my belief that Australia is a hoax. Denying historical events is for losers. Real wingnuts deny the existence of entire continents.

    So we are supposed to believe that a bunch of convicts dumped on a virtually un-inhibitable desert built a liberal democratic country? A place where mammals lay eggs. Where swans are black....
    English exceptionalism!
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,862
    Foxy said:

    I'm worried for Indonesia. Only 227 identified cases from 1592 tests but 19 deaths. Looks like they dont have great testing capacity and it could be about to explode.
    And there was a first death from sub-saharan Africa in Burkina Faso. If it takes hold in poor countries it will be apocalyptic I think. The rich nations who might help wont be feeling so rich very soon.

    I think that Subsaharan Africa will not be too bad in percentage terms. In Malawi, half the population is under 18 years old.
    Also there may (or may not) be the temperature thing.
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,676
    DavidL said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    Italy is going to overtake China in deaths tomorrow with 1/20th of the population. And sadly they have a long way to go.
    Indeed and 3 weeks ago they were in our position. Their % death rate gets worse and worse mainly due to too few ventilators.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,609
    DavidL said:

    nichomar said:

    London heading for 1000 cases If it is shut down they need to stop people escaping to the country

    Build that wall. Build that wall.
    That's why we "out of towners" will be manning the machine gun nests on the M25.....
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 12,557
    DavidL said:

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chameleon said:

    Apparently the 475 deaths excludes data from Parma and Campania. Parma has reported 34 new deaths, so Italy becomes the first nation to officially pass 500 deaths in a day.

    Given that Italy is probably about the average temperature we can expect come the summer, that doesn't bode terribly well.

    I'm starting to think I was unfair to Eadric. (I'll never hear the last of it if he sees this comment...)
    To be honest if we top out at 500 deaths a day we will have done quite well. That would probably keep us under 25k. The growth in Italy’s death toll is no longer exponential. If they are a week away the maximum might be 750. Absolutely horrific but a long, long way away from millions.

    On an ordinary day in ordinary times there are about 1,700 UK deaths each day. If the max due to Covid 19 is 750 per day, and this is the peak which begins to decline rapidly, and quite a lot of the deaths would in fact have occurred within a fairly short time anyway because of other underlying problems, we would get away fairly lightly in mortality terms.
    I think that non CV deaths may also increase as our health service and care services come under serious strain but yes our overall population will still increase this year.
    Any views on whether there will be a baby boom, a baby dearth or steady as she goes 9 months after the crisis period, peak lockdown, maximum panic etc (whenever that is timed to be).

  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,609
    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chameleon said:

    Apparently the 475 deaths excludes data from Parma and Campania. Parma has reported 34 new deaths, so Italy becomes the first nation to officially pass 500 deaths in a day.

    Given that Italy is probably about the average temperature we can expect come the summer, that doesn't bode terribly well.

    I'm starting to think I was unfair to Eadric. (I'll never hear the last of it if he sees this comment...)
    To be honest if we top out at 500 deaths a day we will have done quite well. That would probably keep us under 25k. The growth in Italy’s death toll is no longer exponential. If they are a week away the maximum might be 750. Absolutely horrific but a long, long way away from millions.

    On an ordinary day in ordinary times there are about 1,700 UK deaths each day. If the max due to Covid 19 is 750 per day, and this is the peak which begins to decline rapidly, and quite a lot of the deaths would in fact have occurred within a fairly short time anyway because of other underlying problems, we would get away fairly lightly in mortality terms.
    I think that non CV deaths may also increase as our health service and care services come under serious strain but yes our overall population will still increase this year.
    Any views on whether there will be a baby boom, a baby dearth or steady as she goes 9 months after the crisis period, peak lockdown, maximum panic etc (whenever that is timed to be).

    You have to be pretty cavaliar to risk bringing a baby into the world in nine months time.

    Tories will have no money to buy them off you.
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,533
    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Sounds persuasive, and more than one hotel chain has volunteered (perhaps because they can't fiill their rooms any other way, but whatever the motive it seems helpful). Is anyone here in close enough touch with decision-makers to suggest it?
  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,492

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    Taiwan's approach is fascinating, being a liberal nation it could not follow the China approach and in a way was conshasley trying to do it differently. but so far it seems to be very effective. with a very high use of technology.

    good video on it if interested.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFxmiV2_OHs
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 9,878

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chameleon said:

    Apparently the 475 deaths excludes data from Parma and Campania. Parma has reported 34 new deaths, so Italy becomes the first nation to officially pass 500 deaths in a day.

    Given that Italy is probably about the average temperature we can expect come the summer, that doesn't bode terribly well.

    I'm starting to think I was unfair to Eadric. (I'll never hear the last of it if he sees this comment...)
    To be honest if we top out at 500 deaths a day we will have done quite well. That would probably keep us under 25k. The growth in Italy’s death toll is no longer exponential. If they are a week away the maximum might be 750. Absolutely horrific but a long, long way away from millions.

    On an ordinary day in ordinary times there are about 1,700 UK deaths each day. If the max due to Covid 19 is 750 per day, and this is the peak which begins to decline rapidly, and quite a lot of the deaths would in fact have occurred within a fairly short time anyway because of other underlying problems, we would get away fairly lightly in mortality terms.
    I think that non CV deaths may also increase as our health service and care services come under serious strain but yes our overall population will still increase this year.
    Any views on whether there will be a baby boom, a baby dearth or steady as she goes 9 months after the crisis period, peak lockdown, maximum panic etc (whenever that is timed to be).

    You have to be pretty cavaliar to risk bringing a baby into the world in nine months time.

    Tories will have no money to buy them off you.
    Tories don;t like free food?
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,609
    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    What is Radiohead ?
    You really don't want to know....
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 26,622
    Anecdotes.

    No bog roll, dried pasta, soap or fresh milk in Tesco but everything else seemed available.

    Bog roll, soap and fresh milk available in the nearby village shop - didn't look for dried pasta.

    Two unconnected people off at work with symptoms from under a hundred - this is way more widespread than the official figures suggest.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,675

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chameleon said:

    Apparently the 475 deaths excludes data from Parma and Campania. Parma has reported 34 new deaths, so Italy becomes the first nation to officially pass 500 deaths in a day.

    Given that Italy is probably about the average temperature we can expect come the summer, that doesn't bode terribly well.

    I'm starting to think I was unfair to Eadric. (I'll never hear the last of it if he sees this comment...)
    To be honest if we top out at 500 deaths a day we will have done quite well. That would probably keep us under 25k. The growth in Italy’s death toll is no longer exponential. If they are a week away the maximum might be 750. Absolutely horrific but a long, long way away from millions.

    On an ordinary day in ordinary times there are about 1,700 UK deaths each day. If the max due to Covid 19 is 750 per day, and this is the peak which begins to decline rapidly, and quite a lot of the deaths would in fact have occurred within a fairly short time anyway because of other underlying problems, we would get away fairly lightly in mortality terms.
    I think that non CV deaths may also increase as our health service and care services come under serious strain but yes our overall population will still increase this year.
    Any views on whether there will be a baby boom, a baby dearth or steady as she goes 9 months after the crisis period, peak lockdown, maximum panic etc (whenever that is timed to be).

    You have to be pretty cavaliar to risk bringing a baby into the world in nine months time.

    Tories will have no money to buy them off you.
    The Tories will need them to pay of the debt.
  • rural_voterrural_voter Posts: 2,038
    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Yes; they're empty, so rates should be very low. Start with the Ritz, Claridges and the Dorchester?
  • booksellerbookseller Posts: 507

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chameleon said:

    Apparently the 475 deaths excludes data from Parma and Campania. Parma has reported 34 new deaths, so Italy becomes the first nation to officially pass 500 deaths in a day.

    Given that Italy is probably about the average temperature we can expect come the summer, that doesn't bode terribly well.

    I'm starting to think I was unfair to Eadric. (I'll never hear the last of it if he sees this comment...)
    To be honest if we top out at 500 deaths a day we will have done quite well. That would probably keep us under 25k. The growth in Italy’s death toll is no longer exponential. If they are a week away the maximum might be 750. Absolutely horrific but a long, long way away from millions.

    On an ordinary day in ordinary times there are about 1,700 UK deaths each day. If the max due to Covid 19 is 750 per day, and this is the peak which begins to decline rapidly, and quite a lot of the deaths would in fact have occurred within a fairly short time anyway because of other underlying problems, we would get away fairly lightly in mortality terms.
    I think that non CV deaths may also increase as our health service and care services come under serious strain but yes our overall population will still increase this year.
    Any views on whether there will be a baby boom, a baby dearth or steady as she goes 9 months after the crisis period, peak lockdown, maximum panic etc (whenever that is timed to be).

    You have to be pretty cavaliar to risk bringing a baby into the world in nine months time.

    Tories will have no money to buy them off you.
    Cavalier. Or just bored and stuck at home with nothing much to do. Don't think there will be a lot of thinking involved...
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 26,622
    From Minder today something which made me laugh:

    Chisolm to Arthur Daley - "you've got more rabbit than Watership Down"
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    Although there are very few countries that fly to Taipei. IIRC when I last went there (a few years ago) I could only get there via HK or Singapore. Hence they were able to control entry very rapidly. It's also a collectivist nation in many ways.

    Clearly a good result - but they were playing with a different hand of cards
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    Eh? They can't get him a repeat prescription? Why?
    When I calmed down from the initial panic and thought about it I thought it didn't make sense to me.

    I have asked him to get the prescription from the Docs and we would ring around to see if anyone has the meds.

  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,676

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Who are Radiohead?
    An obscure wireless channel specialising in oral pleasure?
    Sorry I have found that one now its radio BJ
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,880

    From Minder today something which made me laugh:

    Chisolm to Arthur Daley - "you've got more rabbit than Watership Down"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOSseI1hao8
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,164
    nichomar said:

    London heading for 1000 cases If it is shut down they need to stop people escaping to the country

    It was closing the schools/universities here that led to the spread from Madrid to the Costas.
  • Beibheirli_CBeibheirli_C Posts: 8,163

    eek said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    Number 9 - I thought I made it clear last night about Python. I do not need to pretend that there are programming languages better than Python. I know there are.

    On top of which, the best debugger ever was DEC's on the VAX/VMS series. It was awesome as was their EVE editor.
    True, with Perl you can do absolutely anything you want in a single line of code (you can't debug it or maintain it but since when has that been an issue with computer programming).
    Are we allowed to discuss Regexes? Strictly not a programming language, but they have an opacity all of their own :D
    Regexes make absolute sense when you get to know them. You actually get a Plato-wandering-out-of-the-cave moment. The universe seems that much clearer. I'd recommend the book by Jeffrey Friedl - possibly the greatest IT guide ever written.
    I used to hate them. Then I cracked the code :D:D
  • GideonWiseGideonWise Posts: 1,123
    We could have done a Taiwan but that would have required (a) early recognition of the gravity of the problem and (b) openness of mind that foreign countries might do things better than us.

    Remember when I was writing about the 'pre-virus' that had infected the West: the ignorance and apathy? Well because we didn't treat the pre-virus we are now going to get a bad dose of the real one.

    As you can tell. I'm feeling mightily pissed off today. The government and our experts in conjunction have made a serious boo boo here. The news will be the most brutal since WW2.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720

    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Sounds persuasive, and more than one hotel chain has volunteered (perhaps because they can't fiill their rooms any other way, but whatever the motive it seems helpful). Is anyone here in close enough touch with decision-makers to suggest it?
    I think the Chinese funnel model works.
    Fever clinic,
    If test positive, fever hospital,
    If deteriorating, then Acute hospital,
    If deteriorating further, ICU.

    It all is dependant on accurate diagnosis and testing. We have neither at present.
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 26,622

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Who are Radiohead?
    Elevator music for the depressed.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    I’m a Doctor in Britain. We’re Heading Into the Abyss.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/opinion/coronavirus-uk-nhs.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

    (Not one for the faint hearted to read).

    Jessica Potter (@DrJessPotter) is a respiratory specialist doctor working in London and a member of EveryDoctor, an organization that campaigns for the working rights of doctors.

    It was a bit of an anti-Tory rant to be honest
  • Time_to_LeaveTime_to_Leave Posts: 2,547
    edited March 2020
    Floater said:

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    Eh? They can't get him a repeat prescription? Why?
    When I calmed down from the initial panic and thought about it I thought it didn't make sense to me.

    I have asked him to get the prescription from the Docs and we would ring around to see if anyone has the meds.

    There’s a lot of deck clearing going on. My wife and I have both had (originally GP requested) follow up appointments cancelled indefinitely; and I’ve had a diagnostic blood test cancelled. I was also asked if my current prescription was “ok” and when I said “for the most part” asked to stick with it rather than discuss it. Not normal things.

    Not so much worried for myself but some things are going to start slipping through the cracks.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,675
    Charles said:

    I’m a Doctor in Britain. We’re Heading Into the Abyss.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/opinion/coronavirus-uk-nhs.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

    (Not one for the faint hearted to read).

    Jessica Potter (@DrJessPotter) is a respiratory specialist doctor working in London and a member of EveryDoctor, an organization that campaigns for the working rights of doctors.

    It was a bit of an anti-Tory rant to be honest
    You might have to get used to that for a bit.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720

    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Yes; they're empty, so rates should be very low. Start with the Ritz, Claridges and the Dorchester?
    Airport hotels are empty, and easier to Isolate with roadblocks.
  • GideonWiseGideonWise Posts: 1,123
    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Sounds persuasive, and more than one hotel chain has volunteered (perhaps because they can't fiill their rooms any other way, but whatever the motive it seems helpful). Is anyone here in close enough touch with decision-makers to suggest it?
    I think the Chinese funnel model works.
    Fever clinic,
    If test positive, fever hospital,
    If deteriorating, then Acute hospital,
    If deteriorating further, ICU.

    It all is dependant on accurate diagnosis and testing. We have neither at present.
    If there is anything that we will be good at it will be testing. I know for a fact that serious work is going on in this space. Testing is my great hope out of this disaster.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,932
    edited March 2020

    Anecdotes.

    No bog roll, dried pasta, soap or fresh milk in Tesco but everything else seemed available.

    Bog roll, soap and fresh milk available in the nearby village shop - didn't look for dried pasta.

    Two unconnected people off at work with symptoms from under a hundred - this is way more widespread than the official figures suggest.

    Possibly but what is the base rate of normal illnesses? I've got two friends self-isolating with what at first glance looks like anti-Covid-19: persistent "wet" (not dry) coughs and for one a lower than normal temperature. Both are ill but with what?
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,675
    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Yes; they're empty, so rates should be very low. Start with the Ritz, Claridges and the Dorchester?
    Airport hotels are empty, and easier to Isolate with roadblocks.
    Pay the airlines to look after the sick. 747s have beds and oxygen masks.
  • Time_to_LeaveTime_to_Leave Posts: 2,547
    felix said:

    nichomar said:

    London heading for 1000 cases If it is shut down they need to stop people escaping to the country

    It was closing the schools/universities here that led to the spread from Madrid to the Costas.
    Does it remain sensible to manage the response from London? A lot of civil servants commute. I get that the PM will want to stay out but a lot of the COBR and DHSC work could relocate.
  • GideonWiseGideonWise Posts: 1,123
    edited March 2020

    Anecdotes.

    No bog roll, dried pasta, soap or fresh milk in Tesco but everything else seemed available.

    Bog roll, soap and fresh milk available in the nearby village shop - didn't look for dried pasta.

    Two unconnected people off at work with symptoms from under a hundred - this is way more widespread than the official figures suggest.

    I prefered your anecdotes about fruit and veg. Happier times.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119
    edited March 2020
    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Sounds persuasive, and more than one hotel chain has volunteered (perhaps because they can't fiill their rooms any other way, but whatever the motive it seems helpful). Is anyone here in close enough touch with decision-makers to suggest it?
    I think the Chinese funnel model works.
    Fever clinic,
    If test positive, fever hospital,
    If deteriorating, then Acute hospital,
    If deteriorating further, ICU.

    It all is dependant on accurate diagnosis and testing. We have neither at present.
    My understanding of the Chinese funnel model isn't accurate diagnosis off the bat, rather at the start of the funnel it is using quick and dirty methods to rule people out.

    So they have a series of steps where they aren't performing test for coronavirus, rather a series of other things that quickly eliminate individuals who definitely don't have it.

    It is only after a number of steps do they then test for coronavirus.

    South Korea is more direct, the road side quick test, and if you test positive on that you get funnelled to the gold standard one.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,935
    Jonathan said:

    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Yes; they're empty, so rates should be very low. Start with the Ritz, Claridges and the Dorchester?
    Airport hotels are empty, and easier to Isolate with roadblocks.
    Pay the airlines to look after the sick. 747s have beds and oxygen masks.
    Are those masks sufficient? They seem puny in comparison to hospital ventilators.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Jonathan said:

    Charles said:

    I’m a Doctor in Britain. We’re Heading Into the Abyss.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/opinion/coronavirus-uk-nhs.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

    (Not one for the faint hearted to read).

    Jessica Potter (@DrJessPotter) is a respiratory specialist doctor working in London and a member of EveryDoctor, an organization that campaigns for the working rights of doctors.

    It was a bit of an anti-Tory rant to be honest
    You might have to get used to that for a bit.
    Have you read it? It was "under-funded, under-paid, under-appreciated" staff. Could have been written any time, any place. Just her standard rant with a bit of coronavirus added on.

    I'm really irritated with people trying to make political points at this stage
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,218
    Los Angeles supermarket update.

    Over the weekend, the supermarkets were cleared out and there were lines at the door.

    Now, the supermarkets are open, have food, but there are few people venturing out. I didn't check the toilet roll status.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,218
    Jonathan said:

    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Yes; they're empty, so rates should be very low. Start with the Ritz, Claridges and the Dorchester?
    Airport hotels are empty, and easier to Isolate with roadblocks.
    Pay the airlines to look after the sick. 747s have beds and oxygen masks.
    The oxygen on planes is generated by chemical reaction. It only lasts about 10 minutes.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720

    Floater said:

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    Eh? They can't get him a repeat prescription? Why?
    When I calmed down from the initial panic and thought about it I thought it didn't make sense to me.

    I have asked him to get the prescription from the Docs and we would ring around to see if anyone has the meds.

    There’s a lot of deck clearing going on. My wife and I have both had (originally GP requested) follow up appointments cancelled indefinitely; and I’ve had a diagnostic blood test cancelled. I was also asked if my current prescription was “ok” and when I said “for the most part” asked to stick with it rather than discuss it. Not normal things.

    Not so much worried for myself but some things are going to start slipping through the cracks.
    Yep. That is what we are up to this week. Pretty much all long term follow up outpatients have been postponed, or shortly will be. Who knows when we see them again.

    The recorded fatalities will only be part of the story.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119
    I still think use uni campus rather than hotels. All the students have gone, and normally they use the halls to host all those conferences over the summer, which obviously won't be happening.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 36,003
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 26,622

    Anecdotes.

    No bog roll, dried pasta, soap or fresh milk in Tesco but everything else seemed available.

    Bog roll, soap and fresh milk available in the nearby village shop - didn't look for dried pasta.

    Two unconnected people off at work with symptoms from under a hundred - this is way more widespread than the official figures suggest.

    Possibly but what is the base rate of normal illnesses? I've got two friends self-isolating with what at first glance looks like anti-Covid-19: persistent "wet" (not dry) coughs and for one a lower than normal temperature. Both are ill but with what?
    There's always the possibility of hypochondriacs and skivvers trying to abuse the system but in these cases I think they're being honest.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,675
    rcs1000 said:

    Jonathan said:

    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:

    3 things.
    1. I think the Government and BJ are getting much better I would go as far as to say the PM was very good today.
    2 Why is our death rate still so high compared to others at 4%? Germany incredibly low but even compared to France the USA and many others we are very high I dont really know why.

    3 We seem to think 20000 deaths is a good outcome. That is 6 times more than China and our population is far smaller. Expectation management or grim reality?

    I wouldn't use China as a benchmark in this at all.

    i) You really can't believe their numbers

    ii) They used measures that I think Western Liberal countries will not undertake.
    People who in Germany or Scandinavia would be admitted to hospital are being told to stay at home, as for normal flu. That's my impression. If they recover, they don't count as a COVID-19 case.

    Taiwan's statistics are impressive -
    population 24 million, 100 cases, one death.
    or if scaled up to the UK
    population 66 million, 275 cases, three deaths.

    It's a democracy, unlike China.

    Compared to Taiwan, 20,000 UK deaths is grotesque.
    It is indeed. The concentration of patients in fever hospitals is an effective break of transmission. Not just good for the figures, it will significantly lower the peak.

    We haven't got the bed capacity for that though taking over some hotels for the purpose would be easy enough.
    Yes; they're empty, so rates should be very low. Start with the Ritz, Claridges and the Dorchester?
    Airport hotels are empty, and easier to Isolate with roadblocks.
    Pay the airlines to look after the sick. 747s have beds and oxygen masks.
    The oxygen on planes is generated by chemical reaction. It only lasts about 10 minutes.
    I know. But who knows with a bit of ingenuity you might be able to rig up tanks. At least it gives airlines a way to earn money.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,609

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I’ve only broken six of those. I’ve yet to criticise Radiohead.
    Who are Radiohead?
    Elevator music for the depressed.
    The elevators only take you down.....
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,675
    Charles said:

    Jonathan said:

    Charles said:

    I’m a Doctor in Britain. We’re Heading Into the Abyss.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/opinion/coronavirus-uk-nhs.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

    (Not one for the faint hearted to read).

    Jessica Potter (@DrJessPotter) is a respiratory specialist doctor working in London and a member of EveryDoctor, an organization that campaigns for the working rights of doctors.

    It was a bit of an anti-Tory rant to be honest
    You might have to get used to that for a bit.
    Have you read it? It was "under-funded, under-paid, under-appreciated" staff. Could have been written any time, any place. Just her standard rant with a bit of coronavirus added on.

    I'm really irritated with people trying to make political points at this stage
    You’re going to need a thick skin if the financial crisis is anything to go by.
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 26,622
    On a totally different note.

    Who do you think is the better Mark Antony ?

    Charlton Heston:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bi1PvXCbr8

    or Marlon Brando:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=101sKhH-lMQ

    For me its Charlton Heston.
  • paulyork64paulyork64 Posts: 2,507
    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    algarkirk said:

    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    Chameleon said:

    Apparently the 475 deaths excludes data from Parma and Campania. Parma has reported 34 new deaths, so Italy becomes the first nation to officially pass 500 deaths in a day.

    Given that Italy is probably about the average temperature we can expect come the summer, that doesn't bode terribly well.

    I'm starting to think I was unfair to Eadric. (I'll never hear the last of it if he sees this comment...)
    To be honest if we top out at 500 deaths a day we will have done quite well. That would probably keep us under 25k. The growth in Italy’s death toll is no longer exponential. If they are a week away the maximum might be 750. Absolutely horrific but a long, long way away from millions.

    On an ordinary day in ordinary times there are about 1,700 UK deaths each day. If the max due to Covid 19 is 750 per day, and this is the peak which begins to decline rapidly, and quite a lot of the deaths would in fact have occurred within a fairly short time anyway because of other underlying problems, we would get away fairly lightly in mortality terms.
    I think that non CV deaths may also increase as our health service and care services come under serious strain but yes our overall population will still increase this year.
    Any views on whether there will be a baby boom, a baby dearth or steady as she goes 9 months after the crisis period, peak lockdown, maximum panic etc (whenever that is timed to be).

    Boom in divorces.
  • BigRich said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I was talking to this Albanian taxi driver, who shut off the radio because they started playing Radiohead. He was just finishing a pineapple pizza when I got in the cab - said it redefined the peak of the culinary arts. He was also telling me about how he studying Comp Sci at night school and thought that the coursework was rubbish - Python is for kiddyscripters. The he got onto European history.....
    LOL

    Thank you, thank you so much!

    I was just trying to wright that myself, but yours in much better. :)
    I forgot to mention that we discussed my belief that Australia is a hoax. Denying historical events is for losers. Real wingnuts deny the existence of entire continents.

    So we are supposed to believe that a bunch of convicts dumped on a virtually un-inhibitable desert built a liberal democratic country? A place where mammals lay eggs. Where swans are black....
    If Australia is a hoax, then where the hell is my sister, who claims to be shut in a Melbourne hotel for the next 14 days?
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,675

    BigRich said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NOTE TO ALL POSTERS. PLEASE BE POLITE. PLEASE BE MEASURED. PLEASE BE AT LEAST ONE THIRD SOBER.

    HERE ARE THE RULES:

    1. DO NOT SWEAR AT OTHER POSTERS
    2. DO NOT CALL OTHER POSTERS NAMES
    3. DO NOT SPECULATE ON THE REAL WORLD IDENTITY OF OTHER POSTERS
    4. DO NOT CRITICISE RADIOHEAD
    5. DO NOT INVENT STORIES ABOUT TALKING TO ALBANIAN TAXI DRIVERS
    6. DO NOT ACCUSE OTHER POSTERS OF LYING WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE
    7. DO NOT INCITE THE PLACING OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA
    8. DO NOT SPREAD HOLOCAUST DENIAL
    9. DO NOT PRETEND THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BETTER THAN PYTHON
    10. DO NOT POST MORE THAN ABOUT TEN TWEETS A DAY

    There may be more that I will need to invent.

    I was talking to this Albanian taxi driver, who shut off the radio because they started playing Radiohead. He was just finishing a pineapple pizza when I got in the cab - said it redefined the peak of the culinary arts. He was also telling me about how he studying Comp Sci at night school and thought that the coursework was rubbish - Python is for kiddyscripters. The he got onto European history.....
    LOL

    Thank you, thank you so much!

    I was just trying to wright that myself, but yours in much better. :)
    I forgot to mention that we discussed my belief that Australia is a hoax. Denying historical events is for losers. Real wingnuts deny the existence of entire continents.

    So we are supposed to believe that a bunch of convicts dumped on a virtually un-inhibitable desert built a liberal democratic country? A place where mammals lay eggs. Where swans are black....
    If Australia is a hoax, then where the hell is my sister, who claims to be shut in a Melbourne hotel for the next 14 days?
    Isle of Wight of course.
  • GideonWiseGideonWise Posts: 1,123
    Charles said:

    Jonathan said:

    Charles said:

    I’m a Doctor in Britain. We’re Heading Into the Abyss.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/opinion/coronavirus-uk-nhs.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

    (Not one for the faint hearted to read).

    Jessica Potter (@DrJessPotter) is a respiratory specialist doctor working in London and a member of EveryDoctor, an organization that campaigns for the working rights of doctors.

    It was a bit of an anti-Tory rant to be honest
    You might have to get used to that for a bit.
    Have you read it? It was "under-funded, under-paid, under-appreciated" staff. Could have been written any time, any place. Just her standard rant with a bit of coronavirus added on.

    I'm really irritated with people trying to make political points at this stage
    It was too political. But we as a society need to face up to some brutal choices about our decisions. This pandemic will force that upon us.

    We can't offer universal health care on our current (old) tax take. It's impossible. We have a health care system that is hollowed out as a consequence. Public health in particular has been hollowed out.

    But but but it gets a budget increase each year. Yes not enough, not enough by a long long way. This message will be brutally clear over the next few weeks and months. Get used to it.


  • Time_to_LeaveTime_to_Leave Posts: 2,547
    edited March 2020
    Foxy said:

    Floater said:

    Floater said:

    oh fuck - Doctors just told son they cant get him a repeat prescription

    Even at this early stage.....

    Yeah... I’ve been struggling with that too.
    Eh? They can't get him a repeat prescription? Why?
    When I calmed down from the initial panic and thought about it I thought it didn't make sense to me.

    I have asked him to get the prescription from the Docs and we would ring around to see if anyone has the meds.

    There’s a lot of deck clearing going on. My wife and I have both had (originally GP requested) follow up appointments cancelled indefinitely; and I’ve had a diagnostic blood test cancelled. I was also asked if my current prescription was “ok” and when I said “for the most part” asked to stick with it rather than discuss it. Not normal things.

    Not so much worried for myself but some things are going to start slipping through the cracks.
    Yep. That is what we are up to this week. Pretty much all long term follow up outpatients have been postponed, or shortly will be. Who knows when we see them again.

    The recorded fatalities will only be part of the story.
    I’m hoping the old and vulnerable got a different message from me. If I think there’s something seriously wrong I’ll push for treatment through the various triage processes; but they might not. Appreciate It’s an impossible situation (though I query whether GPs are under quite the same pressure as hospitals, given that suspected cases shouldn’t go anywhere near the surgery).
This discussion has been closed.