ANGER

Yes

So people are only allowed a view on the country they live in, do you express the same sentiments about criticism of China or Germany.

I understand why GagaJo is angry but I don’t and won’t share her anger. If I’m angry about anything, I’m angry about the way the Chinese government suppressed information about Covid19. I don’t believe any government in Britain would have acted much differently, we’d still be in much the same position as we are now whichever party was in power.
The provision of PPE, particularly the type used in ICU with infected patients goes out of date after a certain period, as I understand it, and therefore stockpiling large amounts might not have been helpful. I’m happy to be corrected if that’s wrong.
We have to remember that pretty much every country in the world is trying to obtain large amounts of PPE at the moment, and therefore however difficult it is to accept, we are not in a position that’s much different from anywhere else.

That's an interesting question merlot and one that has been asked across several threads on several occassions. Don't recall seeing any answers though.

I live and work in this country, I didnt realise there were people who had the authority to say who can and cant express anger.

Jaylucy's post spoke volumes, better than all the ranting and anger, instead, a well written post which explained the situation plainly and simply.

Yes, the virus had been well in circulation before being reported because of the pattern of the infection from person to person with the infection hibernating from 2 to 3 weeks before with a person being completely symptomless. This is the danger of the illness and why it will be difficult to eradicate completely. Three strains of it over different countries, AB and C. We have the dangerous strain which is B, as does Singapore. This has occurred through mutation of the virus.

Governments have known of a pandemic strike for years and had stockpiled antiviral drugs for those at high risk once the pandemic stage was reached. Drugs such as Relenza, used for treating 'flu viruses and also a host of other viruses of the body. These stockpiles are located in different secret areas around the country. Relenza alone isn't enough to treat this particular virus although in vaccine form B is used in the H1N1 'flu vaccination.

In Australia the scientists are working on something called Zoonotics which involves the possibility of animal to person cross-infection where viruses are prevalent.

Mamissimo - but how do we achieve these things|?

I have tried to use my vote to achieve them - as best I can. But the government we get is the government we get, whether we like their policies or not. The policies over the last years have been aimed at wrecking pubic services on the altar of the doctrine of private ownership.

I can only hope that now that BJ has had his brush with death he might begin to realise that public services are too precious to be sacrificed to some abstract doctrine. The nurses and carers he listed contained many names that are likely to be from immigrant families

I firmly believe that the policies pursued over coronavirus were fundamentally wrong, but we cannot turn the clock and back and list all the things we should have done: closing borders, quarantine, testing, contact tracing etc. Once again, a doctrine of herd immunity latched onto and not reversed till it was too late. People's lives have been sacrificed to this.

Let us hope that the government will see the light after all this and pursue policies that are caring to everyone. I have no time for BJ but will say this about him - he gets stuff done. All we need is for him to apply that mindset to getting the right things done.

But I just feel it is a waste of energy to be angry and am trying to look at the benefits to individuals and the planet of a less frenetic lifestyle.

Why do people who live and/or work in other countries, returning to the UK when it suits them, love to tell us how useless our government is and how ANGRY they feel?

I have no intention of wasting any emotion or energy on anger.

The different ways in which countries record Covid 19 deaths contribute to the conflicting statistics, as another poster has said, Germany only records a death as being caused by the virus if there is no other underlying cause. If we did the same in the UK, our figures would be much lower. So maybe Germany's high rate of testing is not the only reason for their lower death rate.

Much as I dislike the lockdown restrictions, I don't think they are strong enough. In some other European countries, people are only allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping once a week - not for exercise as we are. It's wrong the way some people interpret our rules, driving to parks or the countryside to for a walk when they could just walk around local streets, popping out for a daily newspaper or pint of milk, visiting friends and family and standing at the gate post to chat, neighbours having street parties even if they are sitting apart from each other etc.

And before anyone says that not every one has gardens, population figures show that 62% of the population of Italy live in apartments compared to 18% in the UK.

Based on the incubation period of the virus, many of those who are currently ill were probably infected just before the lockdown. That could be blamed on our Gvt being slow to take action.

SussexBorn, if everyone agreed with you, there would have been no poll tax riots. I think you'll find some media also does, if you check the link I added. Oh and by the way, I don't have ANY acolytes. That is quite insulting to those who don't happen to agree with you. It would be good if you could let go of rampant party affiliation right now and just see us as a country in crisis.

I do agree with those who say 'Save it.' though. Definitely. Once this is over, hold them to account. BUT also put pressure on them now to do better. Lying to us daily and attacking the NHS workers who are fighting for our lives is a shameful deflection of blame.

No one should be angry towards any of our key workers. They are the ones keeping the country running and putting their lives on the line. Shocking to hear that some of them do have to face that.

We are stranded in Tenerife and our lockdown is very strict. There are police roadblocks and strict entry management at supermarkets. Motorists are stopped and questioned about their reasons for driving. Warnings are no longer given and 300euro fines handed out to any one who does not have paperwork to show their journey is necessary. We are so grateful for these things and there have been two days without a death on the island.
We cannot understand why the uk has not imposed these safety measures.

I agree with you WhiteWave, The government has made complete pigs ear of this, except I would use stronger language. We should be angry, angry for al those that have died especially those doing their duty and working. Absolute disgrace.

Challenge and criticism are a key part of democracy.

Right now we are all in an emergency situation. There is no way that in the middle of this we can reverse decisions made years ago, fill supply shelves with equipment that is in short supply and high demand, and make sweeping changes to the current Government (which was elected, BTW - not a voluntary dictatorship) We have to deal today with what immediately faces us, and make any long-tern changes later.

We don't need someone ranting and rabble-rousing to add to our adrenaline and make those of us who are already stressed more anxious than they already are. Be as angry as you like, Gagajo but store it up until you can use it constructively. Put it in your storecupboard, beside the essential supplies. It won't go to waste.

Well we will never know how a Labour government would have dealt with this.I actually wish they were in charge and had been for years because of course everything in this country would be perfect.Although I would still be a bit miffed about losing our local hospital thanks to our local trust bring in a complete mess after a ruinous PPI scheme.
I think if this government had implemented a lockdown earlier less people would have complied.It's taken 3 weeks for too many to take it seriously.Testing and tracing yes I do wish more had been done earlier.
I do sometimes feel some anger but it's when I see people arguing with the police and being smart alecs and all the police can do is advise.Pushing inches in front of me in a supermarket to snatch something.etc
But mostly I feel gratitude.Yes some things could have been done better some things I think are bloody amazing.The speed the Nightingale hospitals have gone up,the one near where my DD works on ICU is up and running to take the covid patients with no other serious issues leaving their unit to take those requiring even more intensive care.The financial rescue package.More generous than I think most would have expected. But I know any positives will just get rubbished so God knows why I'm even posting.

It was never possible to test - not enough and too much international travel.

Gagajo. Looking back over this thread you are wasting your time. The majority apply common sense and logic not repetitive mumbo jumbo and the odd link from a s**t stirring Guardian journo. That rag does also have some more sensible non alarmist items that you choose not to see.

Agreed Chewbacca Having two close friends one I have known for over 40 years currently working in ICU, I am always relieved to get their whatsapp each evening.

And if your loved ones don’t come out of this alive and healthy?

Sadness, like any normal person would.

I check the twitter Bio and feed of every tweet I see bemoaning the lack of PPE and also those who say they have enough. It was no surprise to me that 9 out of 10 of the bemoaners were Anti Boris and/or Labour supporters/members.

Political Weaponisation of this crisis is no help to anyone.

Just pondering the definition of racist....

No

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If you feel anger, generate it to China who have underplayed the virus they created and spread!! They also seem to be doing a good job of bungling supplies to the NHS. Why does China have to make everything? Can't we do it here? Aren't we capable? Come on Brits, make the protective gear the NHS needs, then we don't have to rely on China.

Theoddnird you are mistaken. China first identified the virus on January 6th as a new virus. They informed the world a few days later, before their first recorded death and when they had less than 100 cases. Apart from some jumped up petty officials who dismissed the first reports they couldn’t have acted any quicker.

They have also sent ventilates, PPE equipment and trained staff to the U.K. and other countries to help. I think all this ‘the Chinese virus’ reeks of Trump.

Source of Stats The Guardian.