Coronavirus

[mike_vee]

I'm not minimising the risk , just trying to put things in perspective.

Today Donald Trump introduced travel restrictions on 26 European countries in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

"There are 1,135 confirmed cases of the virus across the US, with 38 deaths so far."

So far in March there have been approximately 300 gun related deaths in the U.S !

Spanish Flu 1918-1920: The average life expectancy at that time was 40-50 , hygene , living conditions and health care were very different than today. Mortality rates due to other (now preventable) ilnesses were vastly higher , so how many actually died from flu rather than underlying medical conditions ?

Swine flu 2009-2010: I was on the 'front line' , working in a hospital (heart transplants) where even a 'common cold' could result in operations being cancelled or high risk patient's lives being at threat. The government promoted anti-viral drug (tamiflu) was later shown to only reduce the symptoms by only about 48 hours (and made those who took it feel like crap !).
I know I was prescribed it (with 7 days off work) , I wasn't tested and simply had a cold !

Covid-19 2020 : Latest number of deaths for China (ground zero) , 3000 . Globally over 4,600 deaths , only 1600 outside China.

"Seasonal flu typically has a mortality rate below 1% and is thought to cause about 400,000 deaths each year globally."

While I may be totally wrong , I honestly think a lot of what we are seeing is media induced 'overkill' , governments having to be "seen" to respond. Only time will tell.

Will be interesting to revisit this thread in 6 months time when the 'hysteria' has subsided.

"Keep Calm and Carry On"

[irish]

It is interesting to hear this discussion with a European viewpoint. Excuse me for the moment but I am including my British friends as Europeans for the sake of the discussion.

I have not seen much panic hear in Central Illinois. But that could change. My wife and I have not discussed it much until this morning. We have one son working in Saudi Arabia and he may end up staying a bit longer. As of this morning the Saudi’s are planning to close all borders in the next 48 hours.

My concern up to this point has been a bit selfish. I have been watching my 401K retirement fund take a big hit. Not sure there is much to be done there and will have to ride it out.

All of the points regarding the flu and it’s mortality rates are valid. I hope that this comparison is not foolhardy just to calm us for the moment. According to,the news this morning the actor Tom Hanks and his wife have tested positive for Covid 19 while working in Australia. This may give us a real time high profile look at its effects. I hope for the best for both of them.

The NBA has suspended it’s season indefinitely as of today with one player testing positive. We are in uncharted waters right now. I am wondering if as our sports and other social diversions slow down that we have more time to focus on poor governance by our elected officials and what impact that might have. Here in the U.S. they can keep the bourgeois real busy on meaningless activities so our focus stays off the government. Or that could just be my paranoia.

Well as you all say let’s Keep Calm and Carry On, what else can we do?
Jack

[jubilationtcornpone]

Seems to be a world-wide phenomenon.

Don

[mike_vee]

War , Pestilence , Famine and Bogroll !

[Frank Kelley]

I spent about around quarter of a hour on a rural road behind an Ocado van yesterday, someone had written on the back of it "No toilet rolls left in this van overnight" I initially thought very amusing, it also reminded me to buy a pack, but, then after looking in three supermarkets the joke did not seem funny anymore, the shelves were empty.

[Wooffy]

My other half is preparing for 2 weeks of self isolation (which she assures me will include the whole family) by buying new paint brushes, rollers and a lot of emulsion and gloss.... think I am more worried by this than contracting the virus

[mike_vee]

When the 'Millenium Bug' was a threat I took precautions to make sure my computer didn't get infected , do you think is will work for the 'Covid virus' ?


P.S - Some hospital Operating theatres have had silicone covered keypads/mouse for over 10 years , they can be cleaned with disinfectant wipes to prevent cross infection risk.

[slick_mick]

I just got a SMS from work - all staff to work from home from Monday until end of March and possibly longer.

Mick

[Lancer 17]

At the Upwey/Belgrave RSL this week there are 2 bottles of Corona and a roll of toilet paper on the bar and a sign that says

Buy 2 Coronas and get a free roll of toilet paper.

Hows that for taking things head on !!

Phil.

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by irish

According to,the news this morning the actor Tom Hanks and his wife have tested positive for Covid 19 while working in Australia. This may give us a real time high profile look at its effects.

And 5 days later they have been released from a hospital in Australia after receiving treatment for coronavirus.

The couple, who are now in self-quarantine in their Queensland rented home, announced they had tested positive last week.

If they hadn't been famous would they have needed to be admitted to hospital ?

[Frank Kelley]

I suspect a particular persons identity is not relevant when contracting this virus.

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by Frank Kelley

I suspect a particular persons identity is not relevant when contracting this virus.

I agree but the majority of people (unless in the high risk/vunerable group) would not be admitted to hospital.

[Frank Kelley]

As I don't know the condition of those concerned, very clearly, it would be unwise and very unfair to comment upon any admission to hospital, I would assume it had been necessary.

Originally Posted by mike_vee

I agree but the majority of people (unless in the high risk/vunerable group) would not be admitted to hospital.

[Rob Miller]

Spotted this item on ebay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cushelle-...4AAOSwq29edO7w

[Wooffy]

Good luck getting the buyer to actually pay for that !!