SARS CoV-2 coronavirus / Covid-19 (No tin foil hat silliness please)

It’s amazing that the UK has done by far the most testing, almost 0.75 tests per person. Yet we have no control over this thing at all. Wasted effort.
 
But really who cares? Are we getting offended on other people's behalf again. People who we don't even know and don't even know us or never will. Random people from the TV.

Then you have posters angling for mods to punish people. Feck me :lol:

Been a bit of this going on the last few days. I find it strange, when you get to that point people should hit the ‘log out’ button.
 
Hopefully it's a national lockdown tomorrow. It doesn't matter whether the government or public are to blame, people are doing as much as is allowed which just causes rebound so the government need a strong hand.

Personally i can't understand why people feel the need to go shopping in busy city centres right now. Had to bite my tongue talking to friends/family.
 
Been a bit of this going on the last few days. I find it strange, when you get to that point people should hit the ‘log out’ button.

I tend to avoid the thread now. Then again im trying to avoid covid related doom and gloom in general where I can and just pick on Chelsea fans and what not instead.
 
We've been hit by another earthquake today, 6,2 on richter, you can't make this shit up.

This one was more devastating than the one in March, there are 7 people dead with many more injured and there are people still under ruins.

Several cities have been ruined like it was war again, my hometown Glina looks like it's been hit with atomic bomb, there's no house in town without some damage.

Friend of my sister lost father and brother, devastating situation all around :(
 
We've been hit by another earthquake today, 6,2 on richter, you can't make this shit up.

This one was more devastating than the one in March, there are 7 people dead with many more injured and there are people still under ruins.

Several cities have been ruined like it was war again, my hometown Glina looks like it's been hit with atomic bomb, there's no house in town without some damage.

Friend of my sister lost father and brother, devastating situation all around :(
Christ. Hope y’all recover from this as soon as possible.
 
Danish government just prolonged the current lockdown until Jan 17. As in all stores except pharmacies and supermarkets, gyms, schools etc. closed.
 
Holidays happening this summer or what? Supposed to be off to Mexico in June which was already rescheduled from last summer, starting to get doubts again.
 
Are people really getting worked up about posters saying they hope some totally random person on a news report suffers with covid because they are ignorant about wearing a mask and taking precautions?

Who cares.
This makes sense because aren't you a police officer lool why would you care
 
Holidays happening this summer or what? Supposed to be off to Mexico in June which was already rescheduled from last summer, starting to get doubts again.
Tbh they should if the vaccine is rolled out as they're saying it will. It depends on that.
 
People's personal experiences in various parts of the UK/Ireland are valid. My sis lives in Bolton. She was in a queue in the bank today and the man behind her was coughing incessantly, no mask. She didn't bother waiting.

Then she went into a huge supermarket. The security guy who usually tells people to put a mask on wasn't there, and evidently only a handful of people were wearing masks.

The cashier also didn't have a mask. She told my sister that she had asthma and couldn't wear one. My sis (who isn't confrontational) said "could you not wear a face shield instead?" The answer was no, because she feels claustrophobic. That woman is interacting with hundreds of people every time she goes to work.

I simply don't understand this unwillingness to wear a mask, or a simple face-covering.
 
situation feels a bit hopeless atm. Winter, inaction by Johnson etc..
It does. There seems to be no end in sight even with the vaccines coming out. Every day seems to take longer to pass compared to the last. I am hating every minute of this. The situation isn't so hopeless, we have to keep our head up or we'll really lose the plot.

The winter was always gonna be tough. Let's just pull together and try to get through this. There'll be tier announcements tomorrow and then hopefully the good news of the vaccine with the roll out for January. Let's get past jan and hopefully we will see sunnier days.
 

That's the thing that really annoys me when people start bringing in conspiracy theories, downplaying the numbers etc that the toll on the physical and mental health of nurses/doctors is fecking immense and people just don't seem to be cognizant of that. It's just appalling what they must be going through.
 
It does. There seems to be no end in sight even with the vaccines coming out. Every day seems to take longer to pass compared to the last. I am hating every minute of this. The situation isn't so hopeless, we have to keep our head up or we'll really lose the plot.

The winter was always gonna be tough. Let's just pull together and try to get through this. There'll be tier announcements tomorrow and then hopefully the good news of the vaccine with the roll out for January. Let's get past jan and hopefully we will see sunnier days.

I think many of us are in this situation.

I've experienced a lockdown in two different countries. First in China from December - January and then in England from March - now. The difference is night and day.

I can't go back to Shanghai as their border controls are super strict. I Haven't seen my girlfriend out there since December last year... we have pretty much split up. It's also ruined any business plans I had out there. Feel quite hopeless.
 
You see, in my experience I’d say that 9/10 folk wearing masks when in the supermarket is about par for the course. I’m not going to pretend that my anecdotal evidence is worth a jot, mind. It will certainly vary from person to person. On the whole, however, I don’t conduct my day-to-day activities and feel as if people are being reckless, or behaving with a total disregard for the safety of others. As I’ve said several times now, I think people, generally, are trying their best to get through this. I agree with the tone of your post more generally, however. What I’m finding a little tedious, mind you, is this sort of thing...



I really don’t mean to get at you but what is your issue here? If it is people (en masse) not wearing masks, or refusing to display good manners in a shop, then you’re well within your rights to feel distressed. But let’s get it right: people eating takeaway food from a van is absolutely fine. People walking around a town centre is absolutely fine and well within what the public has been instructed to do (area dependent). Or is it only acceptable to do so when somebody such as yourself decides that they need to post something? I mean, now we’ve started to dissect the decision making of others re. eating food from takeaway vans, it really begs the question as to whether or not you really needed to post whatever it is that required posting. Am I being unfair? Of course I am. I’m being a bit of twat. But this is the kind of discourse that we really need to nip in the bud: there are people milling around that town centre who are going about their business no differently to you; perhaps trying to maintain some semblance of normality or routine. That shouldn’t be discouraged until the government make an executive (belated?) decision to demand that they stop doing those things.

And while I’m at it, without meaning to discredit what you’re saying, if only 6 out of 10 people were wearing masks inside of shops then I’d be very alarmed as to what they’re putting in the water wherever you happen to live. I walked around a busy city centre last night (I wanted some new work clothes for next week - was this allowed?) and there is no way that 40% of people weren’t wearing masks inside. Anecdotal again, mind you, but you see my point.
I agree with everything you’ve said and I understand because we all only have these anecdotal experiences that are largely quite different depending on location, demographic etc. What’s happening in my town may not be happening in yours. I didn’t say 30% weren’t wearing masks inside, I said that 60% were wearing it correctly - I don’t consider a mask over the mouth but not the nose or over the chin correct, it’s the same as wearing no mask IMO.

I get what you’re saying about the vans etc but to me, being in a tier 4 area where we are instructed to go out only for essentials, having a burger outside and eating with your hands on tables closer than 2m from others is unnecessary, so is not wearing a mask outside in a busy town centre whilst not social distancing, even though we aren’t instructed to do that

Imaybe I am being a dick because my Mrs pulled me up on it today, saying that it’s not as black and white as I make it out to be, that people need a semblance of normality but I just can’t comprehend it. This is a once is a century event we are currently in and in my brain it requires us to do absolutely everything in our power to keep ourselves and others safe.

So perhaps I need to be more understanding to other views on this. I would also say the same goes for you because there are people out there like me that are absolutely petrified by this thing

I’m certainly not naive enough to think that I am always right so maybe on this occasion i’m not.
 
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I simply don't understand this unwillingness to wear a mask, or a simple face-covering.

Absolutely, but also this tendency for large swathes of the population to view restrictions as something to sidestep or get around. My village was absolutely nuts today and I barely saw a mask at all and our region is getting worse too.
 
But who's saying that is my 'only' worry? I worry about my liver as I am someone who has a weaker liver than most people and am constantly checked - I can't take certain medicine's cos of it. It's also not an odd concern, infertility I would imagine is not an immediate side effect but something that would be known about in a few years - hence the slight (even if ridiculous) concern. Again, I speak as someone who has no science background, so this is why I ask the questions. Rather than just blindly assuming that a vaccine which hasn't been trialled for years or whatever will cause it, I think it's fair to ask a question and be put to ease and explained why it's not an issue than not ask because I fear someone will think I'm stupid.

I've always believed in asking questions if I don't understand or want some clarity, no matter how stupid they sound. I would never learn otherwise - I can either ask Google or someone who knows more in the field than me, whatever it is. It's how you learn at school, it's how you learn in a social environment, it's how you learn at work etc. There is nothing wrong with asking questions - I've had many people ask me questions which I think are ridiculous, obvious or odd but I always answer them sincerely if I can see they are genuinely curious/trying to learn. I actually appreciate that more than someone making up their own mind on something they don't understand and making mistakes.

In this case, as I have said, me and many of my friends expressed this concern separately. if none of us asked questions and just instead fed each other our fears it would be worse. I would rather go ask questions, find out and then share

So if, as in your case with your liver, there is a reason you might be concerned, just as you would be with any medication, drug or treatment then it is logical that you would have concerns. However, why would you and others even think about a vaccine affecting fertility? Nobody goes to the doctor and gets an antibiotic or anti-inflamatiry or statins or whatever and ask the doctor if it will affect their fertility. Asking such a specific question when there is no specific reason to must come from somewhere, so some social media rumor or similar seems likely to me.
 
situation feels a bit hopeless atm. Winter, inaction by Johnson etc..

It does feel bad I agree, but it’s not the fault of winter and nor is it everything to do with Boris Johnson, who for all his delays and inaction and flip flopping and whatever else, isn’t infecting people.

The situation is hopeless because large portions of the uk population cannot or will not act accordingly. We have all known for 8 months now, quite clearly, how this virus spreads and how we can minimise the chances of infection. I see it with me own eyes.
 
It's March/April all over again, but this time it feels worse

It feels worse because it is worse. Also, it's very disheartening knowing so much as been done to try and stem the tide only for it all to be thrown away by Boris and his idiots with mixed Christmas messaging.

I feel so sorry for the NHS staff, the government have betrayed them over Christmas. All to try and not be the party who canceled Christmas.
 
It does feel bad I agree, but it’s not the fault of winter and nor is it everything to do with Boris Johnson, who for all his delays and inaction and flip flopping and whatever else, isn’t infecting people.

The situation is hopeless because large portions of the uk population cannot or will not act accordingly. We have all known for 8 months now, quite clearly, how this virus spreads and how we can minimise the chances of infection. I see it with me own eyes.

While a agree that compliance seems to be struggling at the moment, I think that is in part down to the mixed messaging from Boris. As soon as he said people could mix for 5-days over Christmas people thought well Mays well now...

I don't agree with it, we haven't seen any family or friends this Christmas, we know so many people who have though, and now the flood gates have opened I can't see people just cutting ties again.
 
So if, as in your case with your liver, there is a reason you might be concerned, just as you would be with any medication, drug or treatment then it is logical that you would have concerns. However, why would you and others even think about a vaccine affecting fertility? Nobody goes to the doctor and gets an antibiotic or anti-inflamatiry or statins or whatever and ask the doctor if it will affect their fertility. Asking such a specific question when there is no specific reason to must come from somewhere, so some social media rumor or similar seems likely to me.

Because those medicine that we are prescribed are based on years of tests/use. This vaccine, isn't. And as someone who isn't of a scientific background, that just feels slightly scary. And as I said, the fertility thing is the top of my mind for personal reasons, along with my friends due to our life stages.

It's pretty insulting to assume it's social media. People can have independent thought, questions and concerns. I know you probably didn't mean it in an insulting way, but it's why it feels pointless ever raising questions.

For most people like me who don't know how it works, this vaccine is something that was developed in 9 months and tested quickly on small samples with no long term effects noted cos of it (this is not to say this is not standard etc. but this is what the common person will think). The medicine we get now has been around years and ultimately you just trust because of that. I am in no way saying that's the right way to think but I am sure most people (like me who have no real scientific knowledge) would think. Hence why I am asking questions I have to be put at ease.

I get it must be frustrating for people who know or have read about all this to see such "stupid" questions, but if they want to help their cause, help people understand it and answer their questions without feeling like you are insulting them. Most people just want to feel at ease, not doubt it.

When you go to a doctor and ask them questions. They don't call you stupid and tell you just to listen. They may still think your stupid but will answer your concerns. Same with good teachers. Same with good bosses/colleagues. Same with good mechanics etc.
 
Because those medicine that we are prescribed are based on years of tests/use. This vaccine, isn't. And as someone who isn't of a scientific background, that just feels slightly scary. And as I said, the fertility thing is the top of my mind for personal reasons, along with my friends due to our life stages.

It's pretty insulting to assume it's social media. People can have independent thought, questions and concerns. I know you probably didn't mean it in an insulting way, but it's why it feels pointless ever raising questions.

For most people like me who don't know how it works, this vaccine is something that was developed in 9 months and tested quickly on small samples with no long term effects noted cos of it (this is not to say this is not standard etc. but this is what the common person will think). The medicine we get now has been around years and ultimately you just trust because of that. I am in no way saying that's the right way to think but I am sure most people (like me who have no real scientific knowledge) would think. Hence why I am asking questions I have to be put at ease.

I get it must be frustrating for people who know or have read about all this to see such "stupid" questions, but if they want to help their cause, help people understand it and answer their questions without feeling like you are insulting them. Most people just want to feel at ease, not doubt it.

When you go to a doctor and ask them questions. They don't call you stupid and tell you just to listen. They may still think your stupid but will answer your concerns. Same with good teachers. Same with good bosses/colleagues. Same with good mechanics etc.

You are missing my point. Why worry about something so random? Individuals can of course have random thoughts which is normal. However, when multiple people do so that suggests it isn't random.
 
While a agree that compliance seems to be struggling at the moment, I think that is in part down to the mixed messaging from Boris. As soon as he said people could mix for 5-days over Christmas people thought well Mays well now...

I don't agree with it, we haven't seen any family or friends this Christmas, we know so many people who have though, and now the flood gates have opened I can't see people just cutting ties again.

I completely disagree. For all the faults of Boris, and this government, the messages have not been mixed in their basic form since March.

Keep your distance
Don’t breath the same air
Don’t touch the same things
Don’t be in large, close knit groups

Blaming the government is the laziest form of nonsense. How much better would we be off if Jeremy Corbyn had won the election or if Kier Starmer was running things?

People know, they absolutely know what to do and what this virus is but they do what they want anyway. Gatherings, no masks and the countless fools that continue to think holidays are necessary.

I have played by the rules just like you but I see people who don’t every single day. It is their fault, not Boris’s. They would be the same idiots under any government.
 
I completely disagree. For all the faults of Boris, and this government, the messages have not been mixed in their basic form since March.

Keep your distance
Don’t breath the same air
Don’t touch the same things
Don’t be in large, close knit groups

Blaming the government is the laziest form of nonsense. How much better would we be off if Jeremy Corbyn had won the election or if Kier Starmer was running things?

People know, they absolutely know what to do and what this virus is but they do what they want anyway. Gatherings, no masks and the countless fools that continue to think holidays are necessary.

I have played by the rules just like you but I see people who don’t every single day. It is their fault, not Boris’s. They would be the same idiots under any government.
Eh?

Christmas will be 5 days to see your family

Christmas is cancelled

Furlough will be ended

Furlough is extended (with literally hours notice after thousands of employers have made employees redundant)

Travel corridors will allow people to go on holiday

Travel corridors routinely ended with hours notice (creating a mad rush for people to get home, and holidays ended with hours notice)

Face coverings not needed in shops (June)

Face coverings needed in shops (July)

Face coverings not needed in schools

Face coverings needed in schools

Stay at home

Eat out to help out

Work from home

Get back to work to save the economy.

Work from home (again)

ALL of this (and much more) has been since April. There is no consistent message, there is no plan.

Incompetent, incoherent, idiotic.
 
Eh?

Christmas will be 5 days to see your family

Christmas is cancelled

Furlough will be ended

Furlough is extended (with literally hours notice after thousands of employers have made employees redundant)

Travel corridors will allow people to go on holiday

Travel corridors routinely ended with hours notice

Face coverings not needed in shops (June)

Face coverings needed in shops (July)

Face coverings not needed in schools

Face coverings needed in schools

Stay at home

Eat out to help out

Work from home

Get back to work.

Work from home

ALL of this (and much more) has been since April. There is no consistent message, there is no plan.

Incompetent, incoherent, idiotic.

I’m not condoning the words or actions of this government but I have the same prime minister as countless other people in the uk and I can think for myself and judge what I should do.

Ive stuck to the rules throughout, regardless of what the government have subsequently said. Blaming them for everything is just lazy and it really gets on my nerves.
 
I completely disagree. For all the faults of Boris, and this government, the messages have not been mixed in their basic form since March.

Keep your distance
Don’t breath the same air
Don’t touch the same things
Don’t be in large, close knit groups

Blaming the government is the laziest form of nonsense. How much better would we be off if Jeremy Corbyn had won the election or if Kier Starmer was running things?

People know, they absolutely know what to do and what this virus is but they do what they want anyway. Gatherings, no masks and the countless fools that continue to think holidays are necessary.

I have played by the rules just like you but I see people who don’t every single day. It is their fault, not Boris’s. They would be the same idiots under any government.
Eh?

Christmas will be 5 days to see your family

Christmas is cancelled

Furlough will be ended

Furlough is extended (with literally hours notice after thousands of employers have made employees redundant)

Travel corridors will allow people to go on holiday

Travel corridors routinely ended with hours notice (creating a mad rush for people to get home, and holidays ended with hours notice)

Face coverings not needed in shops (June)

Face coverings needed in shops (July)

Face coverings not needed in schools

Face coverings needed in schools

Stay at home

Eat out to help out

Work from home

Get back to work to save the economy.

Work from home (again)

ALL of this (and much more) has been since April. There is no consistent message, there is no plan.

Incompetent, incoherent, idiotic.

I agree with both of you.

The leadership has been an incoherent mess and (a large number but probably a minority of) the public have been crap at following fairly obvious rules.
 
It does feel bad I agree, but it’s not the fault of winter and nor is it everything to do with Boris Johnson, who for all his delays and inaction and flip flopping and whatever else, isn’t infecting people.

The situation is hopeless because large portions of the uk population cannot or will not act accordingly. We have all known for 8 months now, quite clearly, how this virus spreads and how we can minimise the chances of infection. I see it with me own eyes.
I know doctors and nurses and pharmacists that routinely break the rules now.

Part of it is exhaustion. It varies depending on whom I'm talking about, but often it's easier to see family and sleep at families house after a long shift (if they are closer to the hospital) than it is to go home

Part of it is the laissé a faire attitude at work creeps in. The pharmacist I am referring too works in hospital and they know they routinely have COVID outbreaks amongst people that go in. One sad case was an elderly lady who had been putting off coming in to hospital for a routine thing because COVID. She was convinced to go in though and promptly got COVID and died. When you know that you're living with COVID everyday, and chances are you've already had it, I guess your attitude slips.

Still us non NHS staff have to do our part. Stay at home, save lives, hands, face, space. And for the most part people do, but you'll have to forgive someone for seeing an elderly relative who is going downhill. You'll have to forgive those that check up on their sibling who suffers from depression and is possibly suicidal. You'll have to forgive those that suddenly find themselves in a dead relationship or start a new one.

How can it be the public's fault when the government has been this incompetent. The public are just trying to survive.
 
I agree with both of you.

The leadership has been an incoherent mess and (a large number but probably a minority of) the public have been crap at following fairly obvious rules.

Yeah, @rcoobc isn’t wrong but ultimately, unless we lived in a totalitarian state where we’re controlled completely the populace have to grow some and do what’s right. For me, the message has been crystal clear since March and I’m no genius. I just have a modicum of self control and social responsibility.

And with this virus all is need is a reckless and selfish minority to help it spread.