Coronavirus

Poppyred, people will NOT self-isolate for 14 days, will they? That is the big problem. They'll pop some ibuprofen, use public transport and go to work.

Yes it is Greymar . Who knows what to do for the best? Carry on as normal and hope for the best or the whole world comes to a stop until it all blows over.

If more people used their common sense, they would not need to phone 111 maybe?

I quite agree Poppyred but it’s down to politics again. Tory government = it’s a shambles. Labour government = they’re doing everything they can, people should follow guidelines and use common sense.

That’s the problem Hetty58. Most people probably won’t
for financial and practical reasons and who can blame them.

Sorry PollyPerkins I’m on my handkerchief high horse again!! The thing with tissues is that one is supposed to use one only once then dispose and wash hands. People who use hankies ( I have observed) use the same one again and again, thus transferring the germs to their hands before shoving it in the pocket again.

I'm fairly sure that the vast majority of people won't bother to follow guidelines - or use common sense. People are selfish and/or have little choice.

Perhaps it would make more difference if poorly and elderly people (those in possible danger) were to isolate themselves as much as possible/practical for now? At least it's in their own best interests to do so.

Look, MOST people can't afford to be off work UNLESS they are sick enough to get sick pay.

You can't expect anyone to fail to pay the rent and risk being homeless. Same with utilities. You can't expect them to risk being cut off. So unless it is OBVIOUS they have the virus, yes, they'll be out in public.

If you want to avoid meeting the virus, stay indoors where YOU control your environment. It's the only way to be safe.

So unless the government steps up and says, NO ONE can be penalised for taking 2 weeks isolation, by banks, utilities, landlords, those on low incomes will continue to be out in public, unless they are at deaths door.

Perhaps that is what DC and BJ are doing? Drafting a war plan. IF DC has any common sense, that is what he will do.

Cross posted Hetty!

That's what we're doing, Hetty. We have to venture out next Wednesday for the car's MOT which is an essential trip. I will have a Tesco delivery because a journey to a supermarket is on my non essential list.

We phone the hospital where DH's outpatients appointments are concerned and so far they have been saying they are happy to re-schedule them unless of course something urgent crops up. We have also been offered 'consultant call-back.'

No more pub lunches for the foreseeable.

merlotgran, that is so sensible.

I'm trying as much as I can to do the same, while having to be at work. I stay as far away from the children as I can (teenagers, so don't have to be NEXT to them), eat my meals and then straight out and back to my room (dormitory). No socialising.

Brilliant idea Hetty. Best practical advice at present at least. Maybe a T.V. Advert advising all over 70s to stay indoors for the time being.

Trouble is a lot of over 70s still working .....

I'm wondering how long before cabin fever sets in and we start screaming at eachother, GagaJo. At least we have a large garden to keep us occupied - if only the weather would improve.

I'm more concerned about my London family what with DD being a primary school teacher (you just can't avoid close contact) and DGD2 a med student at St Thomas's.

Everyone has worries and concerns. This is how it will be for a long time, I fear.

It is a personal decision but if all healthy people self-isolate to the extent suggested, people working in pubs, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, travel and many more industries will feel a negative economic impact. If prolonged, this itself might have as great or greater impact than the virus itself.

Government can ease the situation if it becomes very negative but no government has a magic wand. As it is, the situation as regards the virus in the UK is under control, as far as we know. The situation as regards the economy is clouded at best.

Part of me is hoping the London and Paris marathons are postponed. DD2 is running in London and her cousin in Paris. Both in memory of DD1.

I know they will be disappointed as the training is so rigorous but I just want them both to keep safe and stay well.

merlotgran I have similar worries to you but, talking to my daughter yesterday, she is more worried about catching the virus and giving it to us!

I also worry about my wife and I being confined to barracks for an extended period. Cabin fever leading to strangulation might be more of a worry than the virus.

If anyone wants some sensible information about Covid 19, I suggest that they have a look at Dr John Campbell's videos on YouTube. He's updating daily. Practical and easy to digest.

I might have to borrow the frozen leg of lamb from soops kitchen if we were to self isolate

Merlotgran, I agree. Can't be non physical with little children. And sticky hands everywhere.

I guess industrial quantities of anti bac wipes would help a little.

My living quarters consist of a small room and a bathroom. Alone. I have friends in China that have been living that way for over a month now.

Am i right in thinking merlot that you have no underlying health risks but you are cutting down on " outside contact"?

Just genuinely interested. It's hard to know what to do.

I have no underlying health issues, Greymar but DH has had two bouts of sepsis meaning lengthy stays in hospital. The second one led to 'worsening heart failure.' He also suffers from asthma!

To say I'm anxious on his behalf is an understatement.

He must be worried as well because for once he's co-operating

Hopefully the weather will soon warm up and he'll be able to get into some light physical activity.

I still maintain that apart from those who are already quite poorly or who have a compromised immune system for instance, the rest of us should continue with our daily lives.

I believe there are now nineteen confirmed cases out of a population of around sixty eight million people !

I think I will take my chance going about my normal business!!

Thanks merlot. Good Luck with your plans.

I agree JenniferE. I am in the at risk category but I need to help my middle, son who’s a widower with young boys. I am washing my hands for the advised 20 seconds and wiping door handles etc with wipes. I just pray I don’t pick it up. If the situation worsens then I shall have to revaluate.

You seem to be doing all you can tickingbird

I am sure you are a great help to your son in his sad situation, so you need to keep going don’t you?

As you said, we will all keep up to date with the situation but I am well aware that the economy could nosedive if too many people over react.

The death rates by age and gender are interesting, especially for those with cardiovascular disease:

www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/