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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » The Road from Glencassley – the last horse to win a UK race

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  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119
    edited May 2020
    Sandpit said:

    So, what sports do we think we'll be able to watch (and bet on) over the summer?

    We need to find things with only a dozen people required in a room, including competitors, officials and media. Maybe some well spread-out outdoor sports too.

    We know all the international touring sports are out, and professional football, cricket, rugby and motorsport all need a cast of hundreds for a competitive televised event. Also out is anything that relies too much on public attendance for revenue.

    So what are we left with? Some local golf and tennis, darts, snooker?

    Golf back next week for a charity skins game, but they plan to for the US tour to start June.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,729
    ydoethur said:

    Charles said:

    ydoethur said:

    felix said:

    ydoethur said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Naming horses after Highland geography can work wonders: see under Arkle, Foinaven.

    Have you noticed how many F1 drivers are named after Scottish towns?

    Lewis Hamilton.

    Eddie Irvine.

    Stirling Moss.

    Ayr Town Centre.
    There's some sort of virus transmissable from Ydoethr?
    That attempt at spelling my name was u-less.

    Anyway, Lewis is an island :smiley:
    No man is an Island - I'm Donne commenting ...for now!
    Not bad, but you’ll get better as you get Uist to it.
    Stop Harris-ing us with those puns
    It’s OK, I have Nairn left. Wick may be a blessing.
    We dont need any of your black isle humour ;)
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,608

    eek said:

    For a Tuesday (which is typically higher due to weekend catch up) that seems like good news does it not?
    Last Tuesday was 546 by the looks of it so a drop of a 1/3.
    Continuing a trend that deaths are linearly falling by about 200 per eight days rather than a logarithmic decay.

    At this rate (not that I expect that) this wave will be over by the end of next week.
    I'll be bloody impressed if it continues after that. Mass resurrections... :smile:
    They media would still find those who'd want to blame Boris.

    "After we paid for the funeral and everything. Who is going to reimburse us, that's what I'd like to know..."
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,357
    ydoethur said:

    malcolmg said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sandpit said:

    Sir Patrick Vallance told MPs that masks could have a 'marginal but positive' impact on curbing transmission of the life-threatening infection.

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8288295/Wearing-masks-curb-spread-coronavirus-Governments-chief-scientist-says.html

    By next month it will be everybody needs to wear a mask, but we don't have enough of them....

    Marginal but positive sounds about right, given most people don't handle them correctly.

    Massive negative effect if the public start hoarding them while there's a supply shortage for medical workers though.
    Is there a reason why we shouldn't just go to using respiratory masks (which are reusable), rather than going through millions of disposable ones? Yes the outside needs cleaning carefully, but you only need to change the filters on those every few months.
    The FFP2/N95 respirators (Which @Eadric got very excited when I showed him a picture) I have were very easy to get hold of a while ago, doubt that is the case now.
    Eadric bought them all
    Unless he was beaten in the queue by SeanT, Byronic and MysticRose...
    They wouldn't know who had bought them
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,370

    eek said:

    For a Tuesday (which is typically higher due to weekend catch up) that seems like good news does it not?
    Last Tuesday was 546 by the looks of it so a drop of a 1/3.
    Continuing a trend that deaths are linearly falling by about 200 per eight days rather than a logarithmic decay.

    At this rate (not that I expect that) this wave will be over by the end of next week.
    I'll be bloody impressed if it continues after that. Mass resurrections... :smile:
    They media would still find those who'd want to blame Boris.

    "After we paid for the funeral and everything. Who is going to reimburse us, that's what I'd like to know..."
    "Evil Tories force people to work forever".
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,602

    Sandpit said:

    Not just Gatwick Virgin is exiting - the 747s are going too.....

    https://twitter.com/AlexInAir/status/1257644081024466944?s=20

    This is like the 1973 oil crisis - many until then still viable passenger liners started making one way trips to the breakers and the trans Atlantic liner service was left with one ship sailing (which survived another 30 years...) - the QE2.

    Virgin have basically two types of fleet, the older 747s and A330s (they already scrapped the A340s), and the newer, much more efficient 787s and A350s.
    I wonder if BA's 747s will make it back into the air? Crossed the Atlantic many times on the QE2 - once (just after 9/11) they wanted to get us into Boston early so they cranked her up to over 29 knots - wouldn't have known if I hadn't seen the stateroom TV display. While Captains were assessed on how economically they could cross the pond Ron Warwick was fond of pressing the pedal to the metal.....
    Can't see the Speedbird Queens making it either I'm afraid, sadly they've had their day in the sky, and many a pleasant flight I've had on them over the years. 777-300 carries >80% of the pax numbers for half the fuel cost.
  • BluestBlueBluestBlue Posts: 4,556

    Can't imagine why it hasn't been widely reported.....

    https://twitter.com/BrianCathcart/status/1257606684144480257?s=20

    It says a lot that that figure is simultaneously mindblowing and yet totally unsurprising...
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 42,992
    Charles said:

    Can horses transmit Covid-19? I'm aware that tigers can, but I don't think anyone's proposing to ride tigers (though it would be an exciting sport if they did).

    Mate of mine was captain of the English elephant polo team.

    Also of the English ice cricket team.
    Mate of mine was captain of the Scottish elephant polo team.

    Not sure about the Scottish ice cricket team, that said.

  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,602

    Sandpit said:

    So, what sports do we think we'll be able to watch (and bet on) over the summer?

    We need to find things with only a dozen people required in a room, including competitors, officials and media. Maybe some well spread-out outdoor sports too.

    We know all the international touring sports are out, and professional football, cricket, rugby and motorsport all need a cast of hundreds for a competitive televised event. Also out is anything that relies too much on public attendance for revenue.

    So what are we left with? Some local golf and tennis, darts, snooker?

    Golf back next week for a charity skins game, but they plan to for the US tour to start June.
    Golf could well work behind closed doors, the playing groups are small and easy to keep distance over a large playing area. Lots of TV production required though, and the difficulties of travel to different venues (which are much reduced in the USA compared to elsewhere). Hotels probably the key issue to resolve.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 61,806
    Mr. Sandpit, eSports are getting significantly more attention.

    There's also betting now on the Virtual Grands Prix (no idea if you saw it but I mentioned some Fittipaldi tips I saw on Twitter that ended up green overall).
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,205
    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.
  • StereotomyStereotomy Posts: 4,092

    Can't imagine why it hasn't been widely reported.....

    https://twitter.com/BrianCathcart/status/1257606684144480257?s=20

    I think it's a good thing, not a problem.
  • AnabobazinaAnabobazina Posts: 23,486
    fox327 said:

    Extremely low for a Tuesday? Usually it's the worst day by far.
    I think yesterday was a Bank Holiday. There might be some resulting late reporting, so the updated figures later in the week should clarify this.
    Nope. The bank holiday is Friday.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,935
    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
  • JohnLilburneJohnLilburne Posts: 6,259

    Worth a read:

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/05/why-has-eastern-europe-suffered-less-from-coronavirus-than-the-west

    I think it misses that central and eastern Europe are both emptier and less connected than western Europe, but the point about early lockdown is a fair one.

    A friend's Polish wife reckons they still have the ability and will to close things down left over from Communist time, but unused, and a more compliant population. And talking to some Russians in a bar in Limassol in March "there's some cases in Novosibirsk. But if necessary, we'll just cut it off". Annoyingly on that trip I met a Tatar lady from Kazań but there seemed little point asking her for travel trips as it already seemed likely I wouldn't get there in July.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,729
    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,878
    ydoethur said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Naming horses after Highland geography can work wonders: see under Arkle, Foinaven.

    Have you noticed how many F1 drivers are named after Scottish towns?

    Lewis Hamilton.

    Eddie Irvine.

    Stirling Moss.

    Ayr Town Centre.
    There's some sort of virus transmissable from Ydoethr?
    That attempt at spelling my name was u-less.

    Anyway, Lewis is an island :smiley:
    The Skye's the limit!
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,602

    Mr. Sandpit, eSports are getting significantly more attention.

    There's also betting now on the Virtual Grands Prix (no idea if you saw it but I mentioned some Fittipaldi tips I saw on Twitter that ended up green overall).

    Didn't see your tips, was elsewhere online over the weekend. Did see the Indycar drivers treating a live televised and sponsored e-sports event like it was a demolition derby though, which was a very bad look.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,935
    edited May 2020

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,878
    Sandpit said:

    Sandpit said:

    Not just Gatwick Virgin is exiting - the 747s are going too.....

    https://twitter.com/AlexInAir/status/1257644081024466944?s=20

    This is like the 1973 oil crisis - many until then still viable passenger liners started making one way trips to the breakers and the trans Atlantic liner service was left with one ship sailing (which survived another 30 years...) - the QE2.

    Virgin have basically two types of fleet, the older 747s and A330s (they already scrapped the A340s), and the newer, much more efficient 787s and A350s.
    I wonder if BA's 747s will make it back into the air? Crossed the Atlantic many times on the QE2 - once (just after 9/11) they wanted to get us into Boston early so they cranked her up to over 29 knots - wouldn't have known if I hadn't seen the stateroom TV display. While Captains were assessed on how economically they could cross the pond Ron Warwick was fond of pressing the pedal to the metal.....
    Can't see the Speedbird Queens making it either I'm afraid, sadly they've had their day in the sky, and many a pleasant flight I've had on them over the years. 777-300 carries >80% of the pax numbers for half the fuel cost.
    The new 777-9 series now the longest airliners in the world.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119
    If twitter is anything to go by, the government wont have to worry about if this app works or not, because the twitterati have decided because of the Tories, Big Dom, Brexit, Cambridge Analytica they all are going anti-vaxxer stance and won't install it.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,413
    Sandpit said:

    So, what sports do we think we'll be able to watch (and bet on) over the summer?

    We need to find things with only a dozen people required in a room, including competitors, officials and media. Maybe some well spread-out outdoor sports too.

    We know all the international touring sports are out, and professional football, cricket, rugby and motorsport all need a cast of hundreds for a competitive televised event. Also out is anything that relies too much on public attendance for revenue.

    So what are we left with? Some local golf and tennis, darts, snooker?

    NRL the Australasian Rugby League. Probably the highest standard club rugby in the world is scheduled for a May 28 restart.
    This looks ambitious, but Scott Morrisson is a big fan
    So with the PMs support it may happen behind closed doors. Probably all at the same stadium.
  • TheWhiteRabbitTheWhiteRabbit Posts: 12,454

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    A reasonable inference is that we might be third, behind Italy and Spain.

    However the comparison to France looks less flattering for the UK. Whether that is the gov'ts "fault" is another question.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 41,999
    ydoethur said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Naming horses after Highland geography can work wonders: see under Arkle, Foinaven.

    Have you noticed how many F1 drivers are named after Scottish towns?

    Lewis Hamilton.

    Eddie Irvine.

    Stirling Moss.

    Ayr Town Centre.
    There's some sort of virus transmissable from Ydoethr?
    That attempt at spelling my name was u-less.

    Anyway, Lewis is an island :smiley:
    And it's also the island of Lewis and Harris to confuse things, both known separately as Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris to further confuse things.

    If I can't be a pedantic **** on here, where can I?
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 42,226
    edited May 2020
    Love to see horse racing back. I have a juicy ante post on Pinatubo for the 2000 Guineas.
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826

    Can't imagine why it hasn't been widely reported.....

    https://twitter.com/BrianCathcart/status/1257606684144480257?s=20

    It says a lot that that figure is simultaneously mindblowing and yet totally unsurprising...
    Britain winning the cynicism league table ;)
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,602
    edited May 2020

    If twitter is anything to go by, the government wont have to worry about if this app works or not, because the twitterati have decided because of the Tories, Big Dom, Brexit, Cambridge Analytica they all are going anti-vaxxer stance and won't install it.

    Ah yes, why did we bother with all that nuanced discussion about app design, data processing and testing protocols, when we should have just said that Cummings is EEEVVVIIILLLLL!!!!
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,464
    ydoethur said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Naming horses after Highland geography can work wonders: see under Arkle, Foinaven.

    Have you noticed how many F1 drivers are named after Scottish towns?

    Lewis Hamilton.

    Eddie Irvine.

    Stirling Moss.

    Ayr Town Centre.
    There's some sort of virus transmissable from Ydoethr?
    That attempt at spelling my name was u-less.

    Anyway, Lewis is an island :smiley:
    I should know better (about the spelling I mean).
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    I really do miss sport.

    Kinda weird to think I may have attended my last ever sporting event.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,729
    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 42,992
    edited May 2020

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    Yes! This! It's all the fucking Europeans' fault.
  • FlatlanderFlatlander Posts: 4,681
    Pulpstar said:

    Sandpit said:

    Sir Patrick Vallance told MPs that masks could have a 'marginal but positive' impact on curbing transmission of the life-threatening infection.

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8288295/Wearing-masks-curb-spread-coronavirus-Governments-chief-scientist-says.html

    By next month it will be everybody needs to wear a mask, but we don't have enough of them....

    Marginal but positive sounds about right, given most people don't handle them correctly.

    Massive negative effect if the public start hoarding them while there's a supply shortage for medical workers though.
    Is there a reason why we shouldn't just go to using respiratory masks (which are reusable), rather than going through millions of disposable ones? Yes the outside needs cleaning carefully, but you only need to change the filters on those every few months.
    The FFP2/N95 respirators (Which @Eadric got very excited when I showed him a picture) I have were very easy to get hold of a while ago, doubt that is the case now.
    I bought one back in mid-Feb when disposables had already gone to a silly price. Just in case. And because I have some asbestos to move, anyway.

    I thought the problem with these is that they have a vent and therefore don't protect any other parties as well?
  • https://twitter.com/SirSocks/status/1257631759514173441?s=20

    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,464
    edited May 2020

    I really do miss sport.

    Kinda weird to think I may have attended my last ever sporting event.

    You should worry. Big G & I are in our 80's!

    (Think that's right, isn't it Mr G?)

    If we want poorly attended sporting events, can I nominate club cricket?
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,602
    edited May 2020

    Sandpit said:

    Sandpit said:

    Not just Gatwick Virgin is exiting - the 747s are going too.....

    https://twitter.com/AlexInAir/status/1257644081024466944?s=20

    This is like the 1973 oil crisis - many until then still viable passenger liners started making one way trips to the breakers and the trans Atlantic liner service was left with one ship sailing (which survived another 30 years...) - the QE2.

    Virgin have basically two types of fleet, the older 747s and A330s (they already scrapped the A340s), and the newer, much more efficient 787s and A350s.
    I wonder if BA's 747s will make it back into the air? Crossed the Atlantic many times on the QE2 - once (just after 9/11) they wanted to get us into Boston early so they cranked her up to over 29 knots - wouldn't have known if I hadn't seen the stateroom TV display. While Captains were assessed on how economically they could cross the pond Ron Warwick was fond of pressing the pedal to the metal.....
    Can't see the Speedbird Queens making it either I'm afraid, sadly they've had their day in the sky, and many a pleasant flight I've had on them over the years. 777-300 carries >80% of the pax numbers for half the fuel cost.
    The new 777-9 series now the longest airliners in the world.
    Yes it will be, hopefully deliveries starting in the next couple of years. They've an even longer 777-10 version planned too, which will definitely kill off any remaining 747-400s and likely a lot of A380s.
  • YorkcityYorkcity Posts: 4,382
    edited May 2020
    kinabalu said:

    Love to see horse racing back. I have a juicy ante post on Pinatubo for the 2000 Guineas.

    So would I .
    I really like the first meeting of the year at York races, in May.

    The city of York is going to be hit hard, with the collapse in tourism and no foreign students.
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 15,798
    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.

    Saying the British government is shit doesn't make you anti-British, just anti shit governments. Which I would say makes you pro-British since the last thing Britain can afford right now is continuing government ineptitude.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 41,999
    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    Yes! This! It's all the fucking Europeans' fault.
    The martyrdom of St UK is going to be around for a very long time, get used to it.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,935
    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    Yes! This! It's all the fucking Europeans' fault.
    Finally! Someone gets it!
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,935

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    No, just slower.

    https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-italy-mortality/italys-coronavirus-death-toll-far-higher-than-reported-stats-office-idUKKBN22G1XB
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 18,434
    isam said:

    Boris will surely use VE Day to announce a lockdown release goody?

    Victory over the Virus Day. I'm sure he wants to.

    Will it be possible if there are still ~200 deaths to announce, though?

    The virus sets the timetable, alas.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    Sandpit said:

    Sandpit said:

    Not just Gatwick Virgin is exiting - the 747s are going too.....

    https://twitter.com/AlexInAir/status/1257644081024466944?s=20

    This is like the 1973 oil crisis - many until then still viable passenger liners started making one way trips to the breakers and the trans Atlantic liner service was left with one ship sailing (which survived another 30 years...) - the QE2.

    Virgin have basically two types of fleet, the older 747s and A330s (they already scrapped the A340s), and the newer, much more efficient 787s and A350s.
    I wonder if BA's 747s will make it back into the air? Crossed the Atlantic many times on the QE2 - once (just after 9/11) they wanted to get us into Boston early so they cranked her up to over 29 knots - wouldn't have known if I hadn't seen the stateroom TV display. While Captains were assessed on how economically they could cross the pond Ron Warwick was fond of pressing the pedal to the metal.....
    Can't see the Speedbird Queens making it either I'm afraid, sadly they've had their day in the sky, and many a pleasant flight I've had on them over the years. 777-300 carries >80% of the pax numbers for half the fuel cost.
    I fear you are correct - the four engine planes seem quite a lot quieter than their two engined siblings (I suppose having half the power further away from the cabin helps) - the 340 (gone) and 380 (outside Emirates, not long for this earth) in particular. Though I do think the -300 & -400 series 747s were noisier than the -200s! First trans-Atlantic flight was on a DC8 - built like a brick out-house!
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119
    Gruardian....

    Britain and the United States warned on Tuesday that government-backed hackers are attempting to break into healthcare and research institutions involved in the global response to the new coronavirus outbreak.

    In a joint statement, Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said the hackers “are actively targeting organisations involved in both national and international Covid-19 responses”.

    The attacks were likely parts of efforts by the hackers to “obtain intelligence on national and international healthcare policy or acquire sensitive data on Covid-19 related research”, the agencies said.

    Now who could this be?
  • OllyTOllyT Posts: 5,006
    edited May 2020
    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Unfortunately for the government it is the simple fact that we have more deaths than anyone else in Europe that will stick. Few people bother to look beyond the headlines
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,821
    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.
  • FlatlanderFlatlander Posts: 4,681

    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    From what I've heard, it is likely they are passing it to each other and not necessarily getting it in a clinical setting where PPE is required.
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,821

    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    From what I've heard, it is likely they are passing it to each other and not necessarily getting it in a clinical setting where PPE is required.
    Good point.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    OllyT said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Unfortunately for the government it is the simple fact that we have more deaths than anyone else in Europe that will stick. Few people bother to look beyond the headlines
    See above:

    ROME (Reuters) - Italy’s coronavirus death toll is much higher than reported, statistics bureau ISTAT said on Monday in an analysis pointing to thousands of fatalities that have never been officially attributed to COVID-19.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119


    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    One problem with this bastard of a virus, is one mistake or one false negative on a test, in those hospital settings when dealing with patients at the height of their infectiousness could be all its takes.

    I was contacted by a friend who works on the front line in a major hospital the other day to say they have contracted CV. They have not been short of PPE at any time and have been very cautious about limiting interacting with the outside world and I imagine they are incredibly professional at their job.

    But even then, they have managed to get this.
  • Nigel_ForemainNigel_Foremain Posts: 14,313
    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    Yes! This! It's all the fucking Europeans' fault.
    Finally! Someone gets it!
    Brainless Brexiteers were bound to blame the EU at some point. Blame anyone other than the lazy idiot that they so happily put in charge to "get Brexit done". Britain certainly has been "done" by these jingoistic buffoons. Well and truly kippered.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,405

    OllyT said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Unfortunately for the government it is the simple fact that we have more deaths than anyone else in Europe that will stick. Few people bother to look beyond the headlines
    See above:

    ROME (Reuters) - Italy’s coronavirus death toll is much higher than reported, statistics bureau ISTAT said on Monday in an analysis pointing to thousands of fatalities that have never been officially attributed to COVID-19.
    The only figures that are comparable are unexpected deaths. Everything else is subject to personal viewpoints as to what needs to be measured so comparisons are impossible.

    Of course papers have pages to fill and TV has 24 hours of static to fill so it's hardly surprising people report completely different things as valid comparisons
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,608

    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    Mortality "7.8% in the general population".

    Really???
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119

    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    From what I've heard, it is likely they are passing it to each other and not necessarily getting it in a clinical setting where PPE is required.
    I am always rather worried when I see the clap for carers and every week you see hoards of healthcare workers all standing their very close to one another.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    BEIJING (BLOOMBERG) - China's Ambassador to Britain, Mr Liu Xiaoming, said British politicians who have called for a reset of ties between the two nations risk poisoning the relationship.

    Anti-China rhetoric is in danger of undermining international solidarity in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, he said in a webinar on Tuesday (May 5).

    The ambassador's comment is a thinly veiled warning to senior Conservatives, including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who said last month it could not be "business as usual" with China after Covid-19. Critics have focused on China's lack of transparency about reporting early cases of the disease.


    https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-says-britains-criticism-risks-poisoning-ties
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119
    I bet that is what Jezza plays every Christmas...when he is pretending to watch the Queen's speech while holidaying in a Latin American Socialist paradise.

    On his podcast (Episode 8, for readers interested), Miliband said “What board game did I play as a child? There was a board game called Class Struggle and it was invented by a big Marxist called Bertel Oldman.”

    https://order-order.com/2020/05/05/welcome-back-ed-wilderness-years-best-bits/
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,821
    edited May 2020

    Mortality "7.8% in the general population".

    Really???

    For Spain as a whole they are reporting 250K cases and 25,613 deaths so far, which means an even higher mortality. However, beware of the denominator! (And the numerator, for that matter).
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 51,708

    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    Yes! This! It's all the fucking Europeans' fault.
    Finally! Someone gets it!
    Brainless Brexiteers were bound to blame the EU at some point. Blame anyone other than the lazy idiot that they so happily put in charge to "get Brexit done". Britain certainly has been "done" by these jingoistic buffoons. Well and truly kippered.
    It's paradoxical that despite ranting against nationalism, defending a particular conception of Britishness seems to be your overriding political viewpoint.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    TOPPING said:

    Charles said:

    Can horses transmit Covid-19? I'm aware that tigers can, but I don't think anyone's proposing to ride tigers (though it would be an exciting sport if they did).

    Mate of mine was captain of the English elephant polo team.

    Also of the English ice cricket team.
    Mate of mine was captain of the Scottish elephant polo team.

    Not sure about the Scottish ice cricket team, that said.

    Surely that's just the normal Scottish cricket team in a slightly below-average Edinburgh summer?
  • Nigel_ForemainNigel_Foremain Posts: 14,313
    OllyT said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Unfortunately for the government it is the simple fact that we have more deaths than anyone else in Europe that will stick. Few people bother to look beyond the headlines
    Those that do will realise that the level of deaths has been a direct consequence of dithering an incompetence. They need to be called to account for their negligence. If a doctor was responsible for a level of mortality that was way above his peers he would be investigated and possibly struck off.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,119
    We are still hearing bugger all about concrete plans to deal with this. We can't let this continue as we emerge from lockdown.

    https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11553422/aer-lingus-no-social-distancing-flight/
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,602
    Guido’s take on what I’m going to be the first to coin “app-gate” ;)
    https://order-order.com/2020/05/05/10-problems-nhss-new-coronavirus-app/
    A neat summary of what most of us with industry experience have been saying for a while now.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 42,226
    edited May 2020

    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.

    No, it's not a strong cabinet. I think all bar ultra partisans recognize this. I do hope "Boris" is not one of those leaders who positively prefer a lightweight team around them in order to dominate more easily. That was not his reputation as London Mayor or Speccy editor but as PM it does rather look that way so far.
  • PhilPhil Posts: 2,316

    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    Mortality "7.8% in the general population".

    Really???
    It’s an Agence France Presse story. I suspect they got their numbers out by a factor of 10.
  • Nigel_ForemainNigel_Foremain Posts: 14,313

    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    Yes! This! It's all the fucking Europeans' fault.
    Finally! Someone gets it!
    Brainless Brexiteers were bound to blame the EU at some point. Blame anyone other than the lazy idiot that they so happily put in charge to "get Brexit done". Britain certainly has been "done" by these jingoistic buffoons. Well and truly kippered.
    It's paradoxical that despite ranting against nationalism, defending a particular conception of Britishness seems to be your overriding political viewpoint.
    Please expand? Not sure what your point is?
  • eekeek Posts: 28,405
    kinabalu said:

    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.

    No, it's not a strong cabinet. I think all bar ultra partisans recognize this. I do hope "Boris" is not one of those leaders who positively prefer a lightweight team around them in order to dominate more easily. That was not his reputation as London Mayor or Speccy editor but as PM it does rather look that way so far.
    With the London Mayor and Speccy he could hire anyone he wanted to.

    As PM his cabinet can only be made up of MPs who have been elected into Parliament. The calibre of people wanting to be an MP is no longer what it was.
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,821
    edited May 2020
    eek said:

    kinabalu said:

    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.

    No, it's not a strong cabinet. I think all bar ultra partisans recognize this. I do hope "Boris" is not one of those leaders who positively prefer a lightweight team around them in order to dominate more easily. That was not his reputation as London Mayor or Speccy editor but as PM it does rather look that way so far.
    With the London Mayor and Speccy he could hire anyone he wanted to.

    As PM his cabinet can only be made up of MPs who have been elected into Parliament. The calibre of people wanting to be an MP is no longer what it was.
    The bigger problem is that he and the loons have driven out most of the best talent out of ideological spite - David Gauke, Phil Hammond, Amber Rudd driven out completely, and Jeremy Hunt consigned to the back benches.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 42,226
    eek said:

    kinabalu said:

    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.

    No, it's not a strong cabinet. I think all bar ultra partisans recognize this. I do hope "Boris" is not one of those leaders who positively prefer a lightweight team around them in order to dominate more easily. That was not his reputation as London Mayor or Speccy editor but as PM it does rather look that way so far.
    With the London Mayor and Speccy he could hire anyone he wanted to.

    As PM his cabinet can only be made up of MPs who have been elected into Parliament. The calibre of people wanting to be an MP is no longer what it was.
    Good point - and the pool was further restricted, I suppose, since to be eligible you had to have signed up to WTO Brexit. At a stroke that removed all Remainers with integrity from the equation.
  • OllyTOllyT Posts: 5,006

    OllyT said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Unfortunately for the government it is the simple fact that we have more deaths than anyone else in Europe that will stick. Few people bother to look beyond the headlines
    See above:

    ROME (Reuters) - Italy’s coronavirus death toll is much higher than reported, statistics bureau ISTAT said on Monday in an analysis pointing to thousands of fatalities that have never been officially attributed to COVID-19.
    I'm not really disputing that, it's the fact that we have more deaths than anywhere else in Europe that people will latch on to , not the "ah, buts".
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 18,434

    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    Mortality "7.8% in the general population".

    Really???
    Case Fatality Rate in both cases. So skewed by the testing coverage (and age profile of the medics).
  • Nigel_ForemainNigel_Foremain Posts: 14,313
    kinabalu said:

    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.

    No, it's not a strong cabinet. I think all bar ultra partisans recognize this. I do hope "Boris" is not one of those leaders who positively prefer a lightweight team around them in order to dominate more easily. That was not his reputation as London Mayor or Speccy editor but as PM it does rather look that way so far.
    He has chosen (probably under advice from Cummings) to surround himself only with those that bought into what he claimed to believe in visa vis Brexit. This meant that with the exception of some, his "talent pool" (use that phrase advisedly) was largely bereft of brains and, well, talent. The fact that he could not persuade Hunt and others to be part of his cabinet shows his lack of genuine leadership. Johnson is a fraud. A comic act who can fool some of the people some of the time. Eventually people will wise up, inside his party and outside.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 51,708
    edited May 2020

    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    Yes! This! It's all the fucking Europeans' fault.
    Finally! Someone gets it!
    Brainless Brexiteers were bound to blame the EU at some point. Blame anyone other than the lazy idiot that they so happily put in charge to "get Brexit done". Britain certainly has been "done" by these jingoistic buffoons. Well and truly kippered.
    It's paradoxical that despite ranting against nationalism, defending a particular conception of Britishness seems to be your overriding political viewpoint.
    Please expand? Not sure what your point is?
    You seem to have a very strong British identity, based on a belief that Britain represents certain ideals that you feel it is failing to live up to. This triggers a kind of existential angst or even grief as you see your own national identity being lost, but that identity was itself based on an illusory sense of exceptionalism.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 42,885

    ydoethur said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Naming horses after Highland geography can work wonders: see under Arkle, Foinaven.

    Have you noticed how many F1 drivers are named after Scottish towns?

    Lewis Hamilton.

    Eddie Irvine.

    Stirling Moss.

    Ayr Town Centre.
    There's some sort of virus transmissable from Ydoethr?
    That attempt at spelling my name was u-less.

    Anyway, Lewis is an island :smiley:
    And it's also the island of Lewis and Harris to confuse things, both known separately as Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris to further confuse things.

    If I can't be a pedantic **** on here, where can I?
    Just Seil along regardless ...
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 42,885
    ydoethur said:

    TOPPING said:

    Charles said:

    Can horses transmit Covid-19? I'm aware that tigers can, but I don't think anyone's proposing to ride tigers (though it would be an exciting sport if they did).

    Mate of mine was captain of the English elephant polo team.

    Also of the English ice cricket team.
    Mate of mine was captain of the Scottish elephant polo team.

    Not sure about the Scottish ice cricket team, that said.

    Surely that's just the normal Scottish cricket team in a slightly below-average Edinburgh summer?
    There was certainly frost on the grass this morning!
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,932
    https://twitter.com/SirSocks/status/1257631759514173441?s=20

    Bizarre link to the thread subject -- horseracing -- is that Mark Thompson did much to end racing coverage on Channel 4 and the BBC.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,205

    We are still hearing bugger all about concrete plans to deal with this. We can't let this continue as we emerge from lockdown.

    https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11553422/aer-lingus-no-social-distancing-flight/

    You have to wonder what essential trip everyone here was on.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 42,226

    kinabalu said:

    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.

    No, it's not a strong cabinet. I think all bar ultra partisans recognize this. I do hope "Boris" is not one of those leaders who positively prefer a lightweight team around them in order to dominate more easily. That was not his reputation as London Mayor or Speccy editor but as PM it does rather look that way so far.
    He has chosen (probably under advice from Cummings) to surround himself only with those that bought into what he claimed to believe in visa vis Brexit. This meant that with the exception of some, his "talent pool" (use that phrase advisedly) was largely bereft of brains and, well, talent. The fact that he could not persuade Hunt and others to be part of his cabinet shows his lack of genuine leadership. Johnson is a fraud. A comic act who can fool some of the people some of the time. Eventually people will wise up, inside his party and outside.
    I think that's broadly right.
  • Nigel_ForemainNigel_Foremain Posts: 14,313

    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Big news today so far as the public is concerned is I expect the UK having the worst death toll in europe.

    On the same day that there were reports that the Italian figure is understated by 50%. No wonder people don't trust the media.
    Its the Govts they don't trust... the media just report. I doubt even the Grauniad could be that innacurate.
    But the way they are reporting it is important. Right now it sounds as if the numbers are completely accurate and precise. They aren't, for any country.

    And they don't trust the media, see the earlier tweet. :D
    Only Britain reports accurately in the same way we played by the EU rules whilst other countries cocked a snook at the regulations.
    Yes! This! It's all the fucking Europeans' fault.
    Finally! Someone gets it!
    Brainless Brexiteers were bound to blame the EU at some point. Blame anyone other than the lazy idiot that they so happily put in charge to "get Brexit done". Britain certainly has been "done" by these jingoistic buffoons. Well and truly kippered.
    It's paradoxical that despite ranting against nationalism, defending a particular conception of Britishness seems to be your overriding political viewpoint.
    Please expand? Not sure what your point is?
    Your seem to have a very strong British identity, based on a belief that Britain represents certain ideals that you feel it is failing to live up to. This triggers a kind of existential angst or even grief as you see your own national identity being lost, but that identity was itself based on an illusory sense of exceptionalism.
    An interesting hypothesis, which only my therapist might know the answer, if I had one. Your analysis isnt quite right though. My "Britishness" is based on a strong sense of history. I do not believe British people are any better than other nationalities, but I think we can be proud of ideas that have come out of all the nations of the UK that have influenced culture and democracy (whatever that is) around the world. I see nationalism, particularly the type personified by the likes of Nigel Farage, as a cancer that is destroying what is best about British political life and political culture. Nationalism (as opposed to patriotism) is an intensely negative thing that encourages division and hatred. Decent people should oppose it in all its forms.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,862
    Selebian said:

    On sport... Just saw a headline on BBC news saying 'coronavirus could cost ECB £380m' and thought surely that should be billions for the European Central Bank - millions a rounding error.

    Turns out it was the other ECB, the cricket one.

    The important one.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,932
    kinabalu said:

    eek said:

    kinabalu said:

    An accurate and perceptive piece from Jennie Russell it has to be said. It's a pity that she's presumably unable to agree with her Times' editor in London to publish something along the same lines in the hope that Boris might read it and act accordingly by initiating a very much required beefing up of his team ... currently there are too many second and even third raters.

    No, it's not a strong cabinet. I think all bar ultra partisans recognize this. I do hope "Boris" is not one of those leaders who positively prefer a lightweight team around them in order to dominate more easily. That was not his reputation as London Mayor or Speccy editor but as PM it does rather look that way so far.
    With the London Mayor and Speccy he could hire anyone he wanted to.

    As PM his cabinet can only be made up of MPs who have been elected into Parliament. The calibre of people wanting to be an MP is no longer what it was.
    Good point - and the pool was further restricted, I suppose, since to be eligible you had to have signed up to WTO Brexit. At a stroke that removed all Remainers with integrity from the equation.
    Purging former Chancellors, ministers and MPs drastically reduced not just the talent pool but also the experience pool. In this respect, Boris was the Stalinist, not Corbyn.
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,821

    Purging former Chancellors, ministers and MPs drastically reduced not just the talent pool but also the experience pool. In this respect, Boris was the Stalinist, not Corbyn.

    Corbyn did the same, of course.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,608

    Mortality "7.8% in the general population".

    Really???

    For Spain as a whole they are reporting 250K cases and 25,613 deaths so far, which means an even higher mortality. However, beware of the denominator! (And the numerator, for that matter).
    And the innumerate, for that matter! :)
  • BannedinnParisBannedinnParis Posts: 1,884

    Purging former Chancellors, ministers and MPs drastically reduced not just the talent pool but also the experience pool. In this respect, Boris was the Stalinist, not Corbyn.

    Corbyn did the same, of course.
    many times a day, there are posts that make me go "well, quite…" but this might be the well quiteiest well quite of them all.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    edited May 2020


    Bizarre link to the thread subject -- horseracing -- is that Mark Thompson did much to end racing coverage on Channel 4 and the BBC.

    A wrong'un. QED.
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,676
    edited May 2020
    CSO says "It would have been benificial if we had ramped up testing sooner. For all sorts of reasons it didn't happen."

    CSO agrees with BJO
  • isamisam Posts: 41,118

    I really do miss sport.

    Kinda weird to think I may have attended my last ever sporting event.

    Unless you are seriously ill, very much doubt that’s going to be the case. Hope you’re not if that’s what you’re implying
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,821
    edited May 2020
    A useful thread summarising various studies of how Covid-19 was transmitted in a number of clusters:

    https://twitter.com/mugecevik/status/1257393259929915393
    https://twitter.com/mugecevik/status/1257393261540519936

    (The whole thread, especially from 15 onwards, is worth reading)
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,676
    CSO -Asked what he would change about the UK's response to the virus, Sir Patrick told the committee: "I think that probably we, in the early phases, and I've said this before, I think if we'd managed to ramp testing capacity quicker it would have been beneficial.

    "And, you know, for all sorts of reasons that didn't happen.

    Deputy CMO - "things would have been done differently" if capacity had not been limited at the time.

    Too little too late by Hancock
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    isam said:

    I really do miss sport.

    Kinda weird to think I may have attended my last ever sporting event.

    Unless you are seriously ill, very much doubt that’s going to be the case. Hope you’re not if that’s what you’re implying
    My parents are approaching their seventies and my mother is on the shielding list. It is a risk I’m not taking especially as we all live under the same roof.

  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,862

    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    From what I've heard, it is likely they are passing it to each other and not necessarily getting it in a clinical setting where PPE is required.
    Doctors and nurses playing doctors and nurses?
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 42,226

    Purging former Chancellors, ministers and MPs drastically reduced not just the talent pool but also the experience pool. In this respect, Boris was the Stalinist, not Corbyn.

    Corbyn did the same, of course.
    He's not the PM though. A Corbyn cabinet would have been lightweight but it is this lightweight cabinet which governs us.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,405
    You know the idea that we will get herd immunity having caught it once well, um

    https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-05-05/mutant-coronavirus-has-emerged-more-contagious-than-original
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,862

    Interesting stats for Spain, confirming what is likely to be happening here as well:

    More than 70% of new virus cases detected in Spain over the past 24 hours have been among medical staff, the health ministry said.
    ...
    In two large hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, the regions worst-hit by the crisis, there had been “an 11% infection rate among staff”, he said.

    But he said infections among healthcare workers had been “less serious” than cases in the general population, which he attributed to the fact they were generally much younger.

    Among healthcare workers, the mortality rate was 0.1% compared with 7.8% in the general population. Far fewer had to be hospitalised or treated in intensive care, he said - also attributing it to the age difference.


    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/may/05/coronavirus-live-news-who-and-five-eyes-reject-chinese-lab-theory-as-global-deaths-pass-250000

    That's very encouraging in the sense that it shows that the lockdown in Spain has been very effective in the general community, but it's worrying that they, like the UK, aren't yet on top of stopping infections in the healthcare system (and in care homes). It suggests that the PPE is either still not available, or (even worse) isn't actually that effective.

    Mortality "7.8% in the general population".

    Really???
    I blinked at that as well. Maybe 7.8% of those who receive hospital care?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,225
    Important paper, with significant implications for viral transmission, and possibly also for vaccine development.

    Spike mutation pipeline reveals the emergence of a more transmissible form of SARS-CoV-2
    https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.29.069054v1.full.pdf
    We have developed an analysis pipeline to facilitate real-time mutation tracking in SARS-CoV-2, focusing initially on the Spike (S) protein because it mediates infection of human cells and is the target of most vaccine strategies and antibody-based therapeutics. To date we have identified fourteen mutations in Spike that are accumulating. Mutations are considered in a broader phylogenetic context, geographically, and over time, to provide an early warning system to reveal mutations that may confer selective advantages in transmission or resistance to interventions. Each one is evaluated for evidence of positive selection, and the implications of the mutation are explored through structural modeling. The mutation Spike D614G is of urgent concern; it began spreading in Europe in early February, and when introduced to new regions it rapidly becomes the dominant form. Also, we present evidence of recombination between locally circulating strains, indicative of multiple strain infections. These finding have important implications for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, pathogenesis and immune interventions....
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 22,837

    Worth a read:

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/05/why-has-eastern-europe-suffered-less-from-coronavirus-than-the-west

    I think it misses that central and eastern Europe are both emptier and less connected than western Europe, but the point about early lockdown is a fair one.

    It is a good story and will be believed because people like a good story but looking at wiki it doesnt look particularly accurate:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_responses_to_the_COVID-19_pandemic

    They list 120 lockdowns with Italy as the earliest to start. The median lockdown date was 22 March, which is one day before the UK one.

    Of the other big Western European countries, France & Spain are like Italy amongst the earliest to lockdown but have had high death rates, Germany the same day as the UK but has low death rates.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,932

    Purging former Chancellors, ministers and MPs drastically reduced not just the talent pool but also the experience pool. In this respect, Boris was the Stalinist, not Corbyn.

    Corbyn did the same, of course.
    Corbyn did not. It was often predicted, and some self-purged in anticipation of mass deselections that never came. Remember CUK and TIG?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,225

    isam said:

    I really do miss sport.

    Kinda weird to think I may have attended my last ever sporting event.

    Unless you are seriously ill, very much doubt that’s going to be the case. Hope you’re not if that’s what you’re implying
    My parents are approaching their seventies and my mother is on the shielding list. It is a risk I’m not taking especially as we all live under the same roof.
    Your last sporting event this year then, I hope.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,604
    If the average fatality rate for Covid-19 is say 1%, then if it ripped through the UK it would produce 700,000 deaths. (Probably nearer 500,000 because of the immunity effect).

    But only approx 1% of Covid-19 deaths are under 50s with no co-morbidities.

    That would be approx 7,000 healthy under 50 deaths.

    Suppose all healthy under 50s (65% of the population) were allowed to go back to work as normal, travel, go to pubs and restaurants etc and the virus ripped through them. Approx 5-7,000 would die. It wouldn't overwhelm the NHS. It compares with an average 32,000 deaths a year of the under 50s. It would prevent far more deaths than from continued lockdown. The elderly and vulnerable would have to be protected as now. The economy would recover.

    What's wrong with my proposal?
This discussion has been closed.