Coronavirus

Hygiene is the key. My ex husband grew up in Cyprus during WW2, and while his father stayed in Nicosia, his mother took him to live in a village in the mountains for safety until the war was over.

There was only basic sanitation and no medicines, and she taught him from the age of about 2 to be extremely clean. He continued with this all his life. It sounds a bit gross but he washed out his nose every morning and also gargled each morning, and was continually washing his hands. I never knew him to have so much as a cold all the years I knew him, and he had never experienced 'flu and asked me what it felt like.

This is the way to go. And in between the hand washing, when we are out and about and can't get to a sink, then the hand gel is the next best thing.

If COVID-19 does not survive above 26C how is it surviving in Australia where temperatures can reach about 40C at the moment and are generally above 26C?

They have reported the first death in Perth.

From what I have been able to find online, it seems the CoVid 19 was brought in by a traveller from China and they have been trying to track down those infected on the plane and contacts before the person showed signs of infection. So, like in Brighton, it seems there may be a super spreader at large ( ie someone who has the virus but isnt showing symptoms or has mild symptoms.)

I dislike the phrase *super spreader*( I know it is the correct terminology) if a person is symptomless and going about their daily life and then find out that they have inadvertently infected others they must be absolutely mortified.

I know I would be in those circumstances.

With air travel today, you can change planes on route and go through multiple airports /airport lounges.

(I have AC and partner coming through schipol airport today, they have hand sanitizer, are going to be washing hands frequently and have got high quality respirator masks)

We are returning our GC to them later, I have no qualms about going in their home.

A vaccine available in 18 months won't be a lot of use if the virus spreads as fast as is feared. I worry (slightly) that the Doomsday scenario will be that the virus mutates every year like the flu virus does. Let's not think about that!

Callistemon If COVID-19 does not survive above 26C how is it surviving in Australia where temperatures can reach about 40C at the moment and are generally above 26C?
Exactly what I was thinking. They mentioned things might calm down here when the summer arrives but it's summer in the southern hemisphere now, and often much hotter than here.

Just been on the news another 12 have it and up to 33 now. There is one that contracted it here and they don’t know how!

Sorry make that 35.

And so it goes on.....
This is just the start.

Unfortunately there will be unscrupulous people who phone into work saying they are feeling ill and are going to self-isolate because they fancy a couple of weeks off work. I'm sure there will be people like that (scum). This will not help the situation.

cough

Kindly leave the forum Gaga ( you didn’t even cough into your elbow...disgraceful!) ?

I went out, out, today for the first time in a week. I was horrified at the number of people who cough or sneeze without covering their nose/mouth. Other than being dangerous, it's disgusting. I've never noticed before.

Gaga, I was in a cafe today. The person who was with their children sneezed all over the table. The children were sitting at said table. They hadn't got food or drink yet, but that table would be covered in germs. Sadly, you can't fix stupid.

The advice to cover your moth when you sneeze or cough, cough into the crook of your elbow etc., should not need to be repeated or given out as official policy; people should take these precautions/courtesies anyway, but sadly many do not. I was standing in the checkout queue at Boots some time ago and the man behind me sneezed, wet splatter onto my neck . I was so disgusted, went straight home, had a shower and washed my hair.

Our government thus far isnt providing instructions that I know of unless I missed the memo-

No government official will talk straight, only in circles, inserting more recent occurrences with each cycle- They will not be responsible and come out and say buy a couple of few weeks of necessities - It's our journalists who are providing instructions - Forbes, the NYT, NPR and so forth right on down to local news-

I went to the website of our state senators- Not so much as a notice was posted- Only a shared video of 2 senators telling us that our government and hospitals aren't prepared-

And that's it-

No doubt the government will announce closures- But not how to prepare for closures? Will they do it at the 11th hour and create widespread panic? Empty shelves?

No- It's our civic duty to plan and invest sensibly- In advance, without panic- There is tension, but it isn't with each other- It stems from lack of confidence in our government to provide instructions and be transparent rather than placating cowards-

At some point it's going to tip, and those that didn't plan will be left scrambling while those that represent us will take time off to play golf-

Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases

I cleaned my screen, GagaJo, just in case

I have an underlying health issue, I get bronchitis every Winter and work in a Primary School where children are the biggest germ spreaders. However, I will continue with my hand hygiene and hope for the best. Besides, "Don't take life too seriously, nobody gets out alive anyway".

Calliestemon - love the post. Immediately started singing it like Tony Hancock when he reads the posters in the waiting room whilst he's waiting to give blood! "A pint! That's an armful!". That's brought a smile to my face and cheered this thread up. Well done

Sorry to be a killjoy, but I have a serious question.

If we ARE unlucky enough to get it and get a bad case, what do we do? Will we phone 999 and get taken to hospital, put on ventilators etc, or will we just be left at home in isolation, to die?

If coming from an Un infected area of China, why would you need to self isolate?

China is 32 times the size of Italy, so Italy and self isolating makes far more sense.

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.

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

Evie thanks!
Perhaps we should make some posters.