Coronavirus

I stand by what I said.

Fortunately we have so far only had thirteen cases, some of whom have recovered, so the risk remains very small.

Matt Hancock has announced that employees should be paid whilst self isolating. He doesn’t seem to understand ( quelle surprise) that many workers only get SSP, that 1m workers are on zero hours contracts, that millions are self employed ( either genuinely or nothing).

Nothing = not

Matt Hancock's getting ready to pull a sickie on full pay, imo.

Discussion on Peston at the moment.

Saying what Call?

I believe the best way to face any virus is by eating anti viral foods. Anything that supports and improves the immune system is a bonus.
My husband has copd and we have family from China here, but I cook with loads of onions and garlic every day. They were not quarantined by the authorities as they tested clear. We probably stink but as long as it works, who cares! www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/antiviral-antibacterial-and-anti-fungal-foods/
Some people take Echinacea supplements. Anything that boosts health and vitality is a plus, if it tastes good and protects from disease too then that's a bonus.

I think garlic needs to be eaten raw in order to receive the benefits, possibly the same with onions?

I love both-

suziewoozie, employers could be open to huge financial claims for negligence should they keep workplaces open in the face of this virus being even possibly on a site whatever Public Health England may advise.

In the above, any risk assessment drawn up in regard to maintaining operations even when an infection is only suspected in an enclosed workplace could never come within the parameters laid down for such assessments by the Health & Safety Executive, and in that liability on the employer would, without doubt, be forthcoming.

Likewise, any employee self-isolating where an employer operates a Bradford type system of absenteeism could find themselves liable to penalty points being placed against them under that system, and in that loss of wages or salary, written warnings or even a loss of job could be forthcoming.

It may not be that the employer wishes the above to happen, but such absentee systems must always apply to all employees equally, or the employer becomes liable to action being taken against them.

As we have been finding out in the last three days, there are so many scenarios in the situation that this country now faces in regard to employers, employees and personal health protection that it could very quickly get beyond the control of any single or joint body or government.

If you get an email that says canned ham can cause Corona flu..
Just delete it because it's Spam

I'm crying ..

How old are you ananimous? Why do you think it’s OK to disrupt thread after thread with your pathetic childish posts?

Oil giant Chevron has asked 300 staff not to come into its office in Canary Wharf "for the time being".

I heard on local news that Chevron's contingency plan is for one third of staff to work from home, one third remain on site, and one third to re-locate to a different site.

Sounds a good idea in theory to mitigate against any outbreak at their HQ.

It’s a concern isn’t it? Our daughter had a child in school yesterday who had returned from Italy with symptoms and the headteacher sent the child home as a precaution and the classroom area was given a deep clean. This child may well just have an ordinary cough, cold & temperature. In the meantime people will worry.

I think there’s a fine line between the media giving out sensible information and whipping stories up to ratchet fears. We need to keep a sense of perspective but there is still underlying anxiety about this situation. Could this be the pandemic that scientists fear or is it going to be containable and pass by soon? The ‘flu virus goes away in the warmer months - will this?

Not being flippant, but what does self-isolating actually entail? Does it mean you remain indoors only, or can you walk about in your garden say?
In Tenerife, it seems some are staying in their rooms, others are using the sun beds.

Haven’t read the full thread so apologies if this has been discussed already, but I’ve read the quarantine period could be as much as 24 days.
I wonder if this is true? & if so, why are WHO still saying 14 days?

People are beginning to panic and stockpile provisions. Who can self isolate for up to 21 days without supplies?

Wash your hands for 20 seconds several times a day. Stop touching your face.

I’m avoiding reading about it or watching news items as I think it’s hyped up.

Keep calm and carry on!

I’m not a panicking type, but since Gdcs of 3 and 4 are at pre-school/reception 5 days a week, and they have a new sister not quite 2 months old, I did wonder whether the school had issued any advice or instructions. Especially since they’ve just had half term and northern Italy is popular for half-term skiing.

Less likely I know with younger ones, but some families do start them very young.
I do think it odd that the school has evidently said nothing, and not asked parents whether they’ve been anywhere relevant - not according to dd anyway, and she says there would have been a general email if so.

Self isolating

You should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window to outside that can be opened, separate from other people in your home. Keep the door closed. Use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household, if available. If you have to share these facilities, regular cleaning will be required.

If a separate bathroom is not available, consideration should be given to drawing up a bathroom rota for washing or bathing, with the isolated person using the facilities last, before thoroughly cleaning the bathroom themselves (if able or appropriate*). Ensure the isolated person uses separate towels from other household members, both for drying themselves after bathing or showering and for hand hygiene purposes.

If you live in shared accommodation (university halls of residence or similar) with a communal kitchen, bathroom(s) and living area, you should stay in your room with the door closed, only coming out when necessary, wearing a facemask if one has been issued to you.

If you share a kitchen with others (such as university halls of residence or similar), if possible avoid using it whilst others are present. If this is not possible then wear a facemask if you have been issued with one. Take your meals back to your room to eat. Use a dishwasher (if available) to clean and dry your used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them by hand using detergent and warm water and dry them thoroughly, using a separate tea towel.

There was some very sensible advice on local radio yesterday. The speaker was an expert in viral infections and had advised international on containing infections.

He said the virus is spread by "droplets", the virus can remain active for up to 8 hours on surfaces. He said wearing a mask is not any help as they are only effective for around 15 minutes - the only masks which are effective are those which filter the air. He advised washing hands frequently, avoid touching your face

Wearing a mask stops you transferring infection from hands to mouth OW. Other experts agree on this.

The advice above is from NHS website.

How old are you ananimous? Why do you think it’s OK to disrupt thread after thread with your pathetic childish posts?

I enjoy reading her posts. Far more entertaining and intelligent than your own dear.

Really?

Yes, the only masks that help are N95 certified filtration masks. 3M make them. But they are not designed for long periods of use and hard to get hold of unless you know someone working in an manufacture/industrial field.

The main problem is, they are dificult to breathe in and not suitable for long periods of time.

Basically getting by with faith. My husband is considered in the vulnerable category and the authorities saw fit not to quarantine our family members who were evacuated from China because they were clear on all tests. We are overjoyed to have them here and living in the moment.

Reading about the cluster of cases in Italy, it seems that one man had contact with medical services 4 times before he was tested. In the interim he has passed on the virus to numeet contacts including medical staff. They are investigating hospital procedures at the moment. There's an article in the Guardian with the details. I guess that this is a textbook case on how to spread the disease.