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Coronavirus

Stupid, selfish, stubborn old people

(64 Posts)
Eglantine21 Sat 21-Mar-20 14:50:39

I’m just st going to vent and then I’m disappearing for a bit, maybe for ever.

I cannot believe the posts I am reading and I despair of our generation.

The entire country is in lockdown to protect us. The older generation. We are the vulnerable.

We’ve been told to distance ourselves so that the health system isn’t overwhelmed. So that those who are out there keeping things going can get treatment if they need it.

What do I read!

I’m just going to the hairdresser.
I can’t resist shopping
I only meeting with the family for an hour or two
We all get together to have a walk

In other words, I’ll do what I want and I don’t care about anyone else.

Eglantine21 Sat 21-Mar-20 16:08:34

Everyone can catch it. Everyone. It only takes a second of contact with someone who has it. Long before they know they’ve got it.

You don’t have to be old to get it, but after today you probably will have been stupid. Just getting your hair done, just seeing your grandchildren for a little bit, whatever it is that people want to do that isn’t actually necessary.

40% or more of older people will need medical support if they catch it. That’s thousands of us. Thousands. All at one go if we don’t stay away.

But oh no.

“The doctors and hospitals should be able to cope. I should be able to do whatever I want.”

Callistemon Sat 21-Mar-20 16:07:40

Eglantine
I cannot believe the posts I am reading and I despair of our generation.
The older generation. We are the vulnerable.

I suppose, if you think about it, not everyone on Gransnet is the older generation. Some Grans, as was pointed out to me in quite a forceful fashion some while ago, could be in their late 30s or early 40s. Some 'Gransnetters' are not Grannies, Grandads or even parents.
Some may be out and about shopping for older friends, neighbours and relatives.
Some may be in essential jobs.

Just a thought.
Don't disappear!

Pikachu Sat 21-Mar-20 16:06:36

That was in answer to Callistemon and Charleygirl’s queries.

Pikachu Sat 21-Mar-20 16:05:19

She can go back to work yes. At least that’s what she’s understood. And no, she had no one to look after her, though she did keep in touch with us, her friends, as much as possible.

It was understood that if she developed worse symptoms eg breathing difficulties, then she should ring 999. The trouble is when does it become critical and if it did would she have been able to summon help.

Still it all seems a bit hit and miss.

I was shocked reading about the death lorries in Italy and how some were fetching the bodies of those who died at home. That sounds a terrible situation.

EllanVannin Sat 21-Mar-20 16:03:39

Aww, Glamm that's so good of you.x What a kind gesture, not being rude but isn't that like the blind leading the blind ? grin

Hithere Sat 21-Mar-20 16:03:10

Testing in the US is not much better.

This so called president has proved once again he is dangerous and irresponsible

glammanana Sat 21-Mar-20 15:52:17

EV If you are ever desparate for anything give me a message and I'll pick up for you and throw over your fence. grin

merlotgran Sat 21-Mar-20 15:51:06

I agree, Eglantine but don't leave. It's good to have as many viewpoints on what's going on as possible.

I too get frustrated when people just don't 'get it.'

Hithere Sat 21-Mar-20 15:50:19

I hope when people who disregard the rules and get sick do not expect family, friends and healthcare to drop everything and become their first priority.

We should all have plans to address complications.

rosecarmel Sat 21-Mar-20 15:48:18

My point, you don't have to be old and stupid- Everyone is vulnerable- And in some cases, much more vulnerable than others-

rosecarmel Sat 21-Mar-20 15:45:20

I posted this in another thread but will post it again- 7 members of a Freehold, New Jersey family contracted the virus- 4 died- 2 were in critical condition- Their family name Fusco-

Hetty58 Sat 21-Mar-20 15:44:44

patcaf, dog walking, distancing, fortnightly shopping - all reasonable. We do the best we can according to circumstances - those of us that bother, that is!

EllanVannin Sat 21-Mar-20 15:42:34

It's never unusual for me not to see the family for 2 or 3 weeks anyway---- them working odd hours etc. so I'm used to solitary confinement. It's no big deal. I hope I'm never reliant on them or it's just hard luck, which is why I must abide by the rules for my own sake.

Hetty58 Sat 21-Mar-20 15:41:59

The UK ignored the World Health Organisation's recommendations about testing!

patcaf Sat 21-Mar-20 15:40:43

We live near beaches. I went to the bottle bank yesterday and the car park was full. Families on the beach walking,playing, eating. Was rather surprised but our schools have been closed for two weeks so expect families are stir crazy. We obey social distancing rules but we walk the dog and, as we have no one to shop for us, we need to shop once a fortnight. That is life . Mental health sometimes more important than small chance of C-19.

Hetty58 Sat 21-Mar-20 15:40:26

Greymar, only those admitted to hospital are tested now.

Hetty58 Sat 21-Mar-20 15:39:07

Same here Callistemon. Why are so many people just ignoring it and carrying on as usual?

Callistemon Sat 21-Mar-20 15:38:03

That is worrying Pikachu, does she have anyone to look after her or alert the services if she gets worse?
She can't go back to work until she is tested anyway, can she?

Charleygirl5 Sat 21-Mar-20 15:36:09

Pikachu so awful for that person- especially when they are trying to earn a living. I only hope she does not return to work too soon.

Greymar Sat 21-Mar-20 15:35:29

Sorry for very very dim question but why has the UK decided not to test?

Callistemon Sat 21-Mar-20 15:34:24

I do think going for a walk in the fresh air with no-one else around is fine. Staying indoors if you have no garden or a balcony will not be good either.
I've just seen some of my neighbours walking, they met other neighbours but kept a good distance whilst chatting.

However, close contact with others (less than about 2 metres) is obviously not sensible and I wouldn't even want to be in a room with anyone either whatever the distance.

Pikachu Sat 21-Mar-20 15:34:23

Interesting graph,

Pikachu Sat 21-Mar-20 15:32:36

I know someone who’s ‘had’ it. I phrase it like that because she over the worst but it’s taking a long time to get back to health.

A fit, 40-year old. She was sent to a testing centre by 111 but it was the day they decided to stop testing so was denied a test and told to go home and self isolate for 14 days. She’s been really ill with a high fever and dry cough. The cough was the worst. Coughing all night and all day until exhausted. A dry cough, nothing brought up. All in all she’s been ill for over three weeks now and thinks it will be another 2-3 before she finally shakes it off and get back to work.

curvygran Sat 21-Mar-20 15:28:54

Good post Eglantine, totally agree with you .

varian Sat 21-Mar-20 15:28:26

This graph shows how the UK is reacting compared to other countries.

The number of coronavirus deaths per head of population in the UK has already exceeded that of China although we are still on a steeply rising curve.