General Discussion/Q&A on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

[lovetravellingoz]

I received the following on social media and cannot confirm the authenticity of the source.

However it is a sobering read.

Here’s the viewpoint of a senior doctor from Europe... where hindsight is 20-20.

"It's the civic and moral duty of every person, everywhere, to take part in the global effort to reduce this threat to humanity. "

*****

This may be the original source

Young and unafraid of the pandemic? Good for you. Now stop killing people

Yes, chances are that the coronavirus won't kill you. But just by refusing to stay put, you are endangering hundreds of lives, every bit as valuable as your own. And it can still mess up your life, or incapacitate you for good.

www.newsweek.com

 

[RooFlyer]

I’ve been coming into this thread in between flights in / from Europe ( hi from Doha). If it doesn’t rate as the biggest collection of pointedly complaining and knocking from the comfort of home, I’d be surprised. Some here are docs who I have long respected. But when they describe someone in the firing line as a ‘tool’, they lose me. All the ‘experts’ saying that the government is wrong, the CMO is out of his depth, the PM is getting bad advice, they should have done x and y last week. I guess the PM should come here and get his advice, eh? Problem solved!!

“ Hey you tool! Let me tell you what you should be doing last week!”

Add someone else here is fond of saying - get a grip.

 

[SydneySwan]

I highly doubt it

Would you care to elaborate? Does the UK have higher infection rates caused by accepting blood donors like me?

 

[pauly7]

I’ve been coming into this thread in between flights in / from Europe ( hi from Doha). If it doesn’t rate as the biggest collection of pointedly complaining and knocking from the comfort of home, I’d be surprised. Some here are docs who I have long respected. But when they describe someone in the firing line as a ‘tool’, they lose me. All the ‘experts’ saying that the government is wrong, the CMO is out of his depth, the PM is getting bad advice, they should have done x and y last week. I guess the PM should come here and get his advice, eh? Problem solved!!

“ Hey you tool! Let me tell you what you should be doing last week!”

Add someone else here is fond of saying - get a grip.

Did someone call you a tool? Must have missed that. Block function is a great tool you can use back

I actually think Government is on the right track now. I think they took a while getting there and our neighbours NZ gave them a kick up the proverbial that seemed to help wake them up. I was worried there for a while as we appeared to be flopping around not acting decisively enough but feel more comfortable now.

The only thing that is still bugging me is the communication/messaging but I honestly think certain individuals are at the limit of their personal capability and it’s showing. But as long as the right actions are being taken we can forgive some bumpy handling.

But I’m very thankful not to be the UK ‘live experiment’ or the US that’s for sure

 

[MEL_Traveller]

All the ‘experts’ saying that the government is wrong, the CMO is out of his depth, the PM is getting bad advice, they should have done x and y last week. I guess the PM should come here and get his advice, eh? Problem solved!!

“ Hey you tool! Let me tell you what you should be doing last week!”

I'd say communication is key. If other countries have closed borders, closed restaurants and bars, and banned gatherings of more than 100... why are our bars and restaurants open? Why are only gatherings of 500 banned?

(I accept communication doesn't always work - we've seen that with people hoarding at the supermarket.)

 

[amaroo]

I'd say communication is key. If other countries have closed borders, closed restaurants and bars, and banned gatherings of more than 100... why are our bars and restaurants open? Why are only gatherings of 500 banned?

(I accept communication doesn't always work - we've seen that with people hoarding at the supermarket.)

Gov can only do so much. Eventually It comes down to everyone of us doing our duty.

Look no further than that inconsiderate selfish individual that got on a plane to NZ before receiving his Covid test results. He should be facing jail time IMO.

If we have to cater for every single fool than a 2/3 week lockdown is the only option, what’s the bet that’s going to be the outcome within the week?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Gov can only do so much. Eventually It comes down to everyone of us to do our duty.

Look no further than that inconsiderate selfish individual that got on a plane to NZ before receiving his Covid test results. He should be facing jail time IMO.

If we have to cater for every single fool than a 2/3 week lockdown is the only option, what’s the bet that’s going to be the outcome within the week?

True. But the government isn't making it easy... why did the self isolation only kick in at midnight? Why not immediately? These things, without an explanation, don't make a lot of sense. And can undermine confidence.

Agree the government can only do so much. But that also opens the door for people to question whether the advice is sound, and exactly as you say, try and work out for themselves if they need to be doing more.

 

[DC3]

AFFers are encouraged to share opinions. However, I’ve noticed that criticism of the Government over the Coronavirus issue results in some badgering/bullying once we state an opposing view.

 

[Pushka]

Given the performance of the CMO recently, and on today’s TV, and the changing of opinion on quarantine on cabinet ministers after meeting one who has been tested positive 24 (ish) hours later, one maybe has to start to question his breadth of knowledge and handling of advice.

Adopting the uk view on herd immunity for school aged children is interesting and really not scientifically proven, especially with an unknown virus. But we will see. Maybe yes, maybe no.

When the swine flu hit a few years ago it was getting to the younger people and teenagers. We had two teenagers with it, and neither of their parents developed it. It was thought that the older ones had experienced a similar virus make up to the swine flu when they were much younger. Anecdotal in our case but I think that was the case according to the research. Herd immunity protects us all.

Post automatically merged: Mar 16, 2020

AFFers are encouraged to share opinions. However, I’ve noticed that criticism of the Government over the Coronavirus issue results in some badgering/bullying once we state an opposing view.

And honestly, the reverse is also true. I guess it depends on which side of the fence you are on as to how much words can sting. Fence sitting is good. I don't like any of them. But will acknowledge good acts and words from anyone.

Like I said earlier, this is unprecedented in our generation. Swine flu didn't have the same panic impact and I don't know why but there it is. We certainly didn't even stock up. Maybe the difference is social media. We need to cut all the decision makers some slack. Even the experts disagree.

 

[amaroo]

True. But the government isn't making it easy... why did the self isolation only kick in at midnight? Why not immediately? These things, without an explanation, don't make a lot of sense. And can undermine confidence.

Agree the government can only do so much. But that also opens the door for people to question whether the advice is sound, and exactly as you say, try and work out for themselves if they need to be doing more.

Not sure anyone needs to be told do not get on a plane if you're waiting on a test result - that commonsense should come naturally.

Govs around the world have used the deadline countdown including the other day in NZ. Not sure the reason - maybe to allow people to get their affairs in order. Its a fine line between informing and scaring the bejesus out of people. The mental health of the nation would also be front and centre of gov decision making.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

AFFers are encouraged to share opinions. However, I’ve noticed that criticism of the Government over the Coronavirus issue results in some badgering/bullying once we state an opposing view.

Yes, but government with a small 'g' as opposed to government with a big 'G'. This is not directed at the person in the office, but at the office itself... we can be apolitical in criticism

 

[Pushka]

Not sure anyone needs to be told do not get on a plane if you're waiting on a test a result - that commonsense should come naturally.

Govs around the world have used the deadline countdown including the other day in NZ. Not sure the reason - maybe to allow people to get their affairs in order. Its a fine line between informing and scaring the bejesus out of people. The mental health of the nation would also be front and centre of gov decision making.

Sadly it doesn't. People refuse to listen. Its at times like these that I despair for humanity. In the short space of three months we have gone from wonderful humanity with the bushfire to outright - well, I don't know what to call it.

Post automatically merged: Mar 16, 2020

Yes, but government with a small 'g' as opposed to government with a big 'G'. This is not directed at the person in the office, but at the office itself... we can be apolitical in criticism

And sometimes that is a function of the device you are typing on, whether it auto corrects or you just don't see it and/or can't be bothered correcting it. I don't take any notice.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Congratulations to Woollies! And I guess Coles will follow suit. A dedicated hour for elderly and those with disabilities to shop in the morning for essentials before the rest of us get a chance to hoard.

 

[Pushka]

Congratulations to Woollies! And I guess Coles will follow suit. A dedicated hour for elderly and those with disabilities to shop in the morning for essentials before the rest of us get a chance to hoard.

I dare not look to see if I qualify for old. I know my DIL who is a GP has become very protective of me as she she's me at great risk because of age and health stuff.

 

[Denali]

Congratulations to Woollies! And I guess Coles will follow suit. A dedicated hour for elderly and those with disabilities to shop in the morning for essentials before the rest of us get a chance to hoard.

How will this be managed?

I mean, my 86yr mum in law uses a waking frame and needs help (Friday shop is her outting) but none of her kids/spouses are legally her carer so is one of us allowed to go with her if she wanted to participate in this? Not that she will, she has us to back her needs up but there must be others in similar situations.

 

[Pushka]

How will this be managed?

I mean, my 86yr mum in law uses a waking frame and needs help (Friday shop is her outting) but none of her kids/spouses are legally her carer so is one of us allowed to go with her if she wanted to participate in this? Not that she will, she has us to back her needs up but there must be others in similar situations.

I'd sure hope so. It would be obvious methinks

 

[get me outta here]

NYC closes all public schools : “The closures will alter the lives and routines of 1.1 million children, 75,000 teachers and well over 1 million parents, and will no doubt prompt broader upheaval in a moment of profound anxiety for New Yorkers.”

See today’s NYTimes. (Not those who think the NYT is rubbish though).

Will be an interesting case study for us and others.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Victoria and ACT have declared states of emergency.

Melbourne universities stop classes as they prepare to teach online

Melbourne's biggest universities begin to phase out face-to-face learning and cancel graduation ceremonies as they brace for tougher measures under Victoria's declared state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic.

www.abc.net.au

According to the article it allows the states to enforce the mass gathering ban and self-isolation.

 

[Beano]

Has anyone experienced the International arrival protocols now in place and the process of self-isolation?

Are the delays at airports significant? How hard is self-isolation?

 

[boomy]

Congratulations to Woollies! And I guess Coles will follow suit. A dedicated hour for elderly and those with disabilities to shop in the morning for essentials before the rest of us get a chance to hoard.

It’s exactly what Lisa Wilkinson suggested last night on The Sunday Project. Glad to see that was implemented.