Coronavirus

The random cases which have occurred when the person has had no known contact with anyone from overseas or other contacts is puzzling.
Anyone incubating the virus for two weeks or more can be in contact with an awful lot of people in that time, especially if they use public transport, eat in a restaurant or go shopping. I don't think there is any way to keep this virus under control, we can only protect ourselves with hygiene measures.

I did read that the Italian doctor who saw an early (1st?) case did not follow protocol and sent the man away with treatment for flu. In the end he was seen 4 times, of course giving the virus a good chance to get a grip in the local community. The police did an start an investigation into the initial handling although I have not heard anything since.

I don't think it is Callistemon. We would probably find more if everyone was randomly screened (impossible I know).
I think it must prove extremely difficult to locate, or even be aware of every single and casual contact, and as I mentioned before, many may be symptomless, or have minor symptoms.
Many of us travel through hubs such as airports, stations and busy urban sites.
I dont feel too alarmed or anxious, the majority of us by the law of averages, even oldies, will be ok. It makes sense if you have risk factors, to avoid crowded areas where possible. Thankfully children seem less at risk.

I do think it would be better if people were made fully aware that the number of cases include those who have recovered.
I heard someone making this same point on Question Time on Saturday . Then in my Times this morning, there was a break down of the number of cases in the uk ; by Brighton 6 (Includes the super spreader ).Surely this would give a truer picture?.

It travels in pizza.

The random cases which have occurred when the person has had no known contact with anyone from overseas or other contacts is puzzling.

Does anyone know why Italy is such a hotspot?

I did think it could just have been that they were particularly active with testing but that wouldn't explain the number of confirmed cases here that are almost all recently returned from Italy.

The latest four to be confirmed in the last hour or so have all returned from Italy, as had the doctor at Mount Vernon hospital and the teacher in Wimbledon.

Thanks, Calli and nanaK.

merlotgran it is the ITV Studios, Maidstone

I think it could be the ITV Studios, merlot

merlot, try not to worry so much (if you possibly can) I know it's not easy.

Four more cases have been confirmed now. One is a film studio worker which makes me hope it's not Pinewood where DGD1 works. It's not clear whether he lives in Kent or works there.

Unless there is random screening, which would be expensive and inappropriate, it cannot be judged how far the virus is spreading in the community at present, as many will not become ill enough to be tested I would think.

Australia's screening process seemed to be better than ours too.

Over in Australia they now have 33 cases and 2 people in Sydney who had not left Australia. I think we can assume the genie is well and truly out of the bottle.
I agree with someone who posted this The virus will spread because people are too lazy or too ignorant to follow healthy practices.

If the schools are kept open then the parents can continue to work and the grandparents won't all be put at risk

But that just puts teachers at increased risk doesnt it? Not all of them no doubt will have been anywhere near the CoVid 19 hotspots. Not all teachers are young either. There are those over sixty I think.

Mike Pence indicated that the decision to close schools will be left to states and communities to decide, and the same goes for businesses-

I imagine parents will have to remain at home if schools and childcare facilities close? Probably a lot of answers to that matter could be found on Mumsnet?

Callistemon, the U.S. is vulnerable to all kinds of weather and natural disasters that could interrupt water supply- If one were to occur during a pandemic, and stores were closed, people could be left without water until?

Our infrastructure is old, water mains break and sometimes household pipes freeze when not properly insulated - A lot could happen- Better to be prepared and have water on hand than to do without it-

If we reach the point where schools are closed this will just make the problem worse because their elderly grandparents will have to look after them, putting them at much greater risk. Symptoms are apparently very mild in babies and children but get progressively worse as you get older. If the schools are kept open then the parents can continue to work and the grandparents won't all be put at risk.

I do hope water will still come from the tap as we very rarely buy bottled water, rosecarmel.

Perhaps one of those portable water filtering gadgets might be useful? But why would we need bottled water?
I know it was distributed because of the floods recently though.

Callistemon, yes, defo! Bring some humour into life, that's my motto.

GagaJo, you're not a killjoy-

If you think you have symptoms you're supposed to call 111, you'll be instructed what to do-

I imagine the first step is getting tested- But if in distress call 999- Or have someone drive you to hospital if you can't do it yourself-

Evie thanks!
Perhaps we should make some posters.

Someone was kind enough to point to this page from the Department of Homeland Security:

www.ready.gov/pandemic

Pandemic

Before a Pandemic

Store a two week supply of water and food.
Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.

Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.

Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference. Get help accessing electronic health records.

Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

During a Pandemic

Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Practice other good health habits.

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Associated Content
About Human Coronavirus (CDC) (link)
www.flu.gov (CDC) (link)
Emergency Preparedness & Response (CDC) (link)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (link)
Last Updated: 02/05/2020

Both my daughters who live in different towns miles apart have both today got some coranavirus connection. DGD1 goes to the school next door from the 2nd school in Berkshire with a confirmed case. Another child connected by marriage goes to the first school in Berkshire with a confirmed case. DD2 has had her office deep cleaned over the weekend after a staff member has been isolated after returning from Italy and becoming unwell.