The Sunday Times article. Can anyone defend Johnson after reading this?

Just remember this is a new virus about which we know very little even now. At the start we knew virtually nothing except it was more dangerous to elderly and vulnerable people.

What would you define as 'the start' Chestnut? And who are 'we'? Because you can be absolutely sure that the scientists knew a great deal; it's their job to know...

We knew, before the end of January that the virus had a dangerously high infectivity rate; about the same as that of the Spanish flu. But the PM and government were clearly too busy with bonging for Brexit to be bothered about little details like that...

From the article:

Start
On Friday, January 17, its report noted the “worrying” news that three cases of the virus had been discovered outside China — two in Thailand and one in Japan. While acknowledging many unknowns, researchers calculated that there could already be as many as 4,000 cases. The report warned: “The magnitude of these numbers suggests substantial human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out. Heightened surveillance, prompt information-sharing and enhanced preparedness are recommended.”
By now the mystery bug had been identified as a type of coronavirus — a large family of viruses that can cause infections ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars). There had been two reported deaths from the virus and 41 patients had been taken ill.
The following Wednesday, January 22, the government convened its first meeting of its scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage) to discuss the virus. Its membership is secret but it is usually chaired by the government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, and chief medical adviser, Professor Chris Whitty. Downing Street advisers are also present.
There were new findings that day with Chinese scientists warning that the virus had an unusually high infectivity rate of up to 3.0, which meant each person with the virus would typically infect up to three more people.

One of those present was Imperial’s Ferguson, who was already working on his own estimate — putting infectivity at 2.6 and possibly as high as 3.5 — which he sent to ministers and officials in a report on the day of the Cobra meeting on January 24. The Spanish flu had an estimated infectivity rate of between 2.0 and 3.0, so Ferguson’s finding was shocking.

End

Of course Gove would refute the article. He's one of the disgusting corrupt government liars.

Lemongrove knows everything Lucca

Indeed MaisieD. I also can't forgive his time as Education Secretary - hopeless but also very destructive. A well developed trait amongst the Tories, evidenced by what is unfolding before us, for those who have eyes to see it.

Reading various papers might give someone an inkling of their political bias!! I guess that's how Lemongrove 'knows'!

I find it all utterly depressing.

How on Earth have we got where we are with such a lazy buffoon for PM and totally incompetent people as ministers.

I can’t recall a time when the U.K. has been so poorly served by its government.

Time was when ministers were found to have lied they resigned. Not any more. They lie with impunity with a depressing amount of the population jumping to their defence.

I suppose we have the government we deserve.

Where are all the " old hands " who know about these things ?
Scientists, Doctors ?
Asian 'flu pandemic was stopped in its tracks after 70,000 Americans had died and one to 4 million worldwide before a vaccine was up and ready in 1957. Everyone was offered the vaccination in two stages of 2/3 weeks apart.

Sadly, the scientist responsible for this and dozens of other vaccines died in 2005. The vaccine was set up within 4 months. Maurice Hilleman and his vaccine saved many lives

Early detection is key so it's down to the scientists to do their job and for politicians to butt out until they know what they're talking about.
Ordinary 'flu kills but nobody is isolated ?

3,500 died that year from influenza in the UK.
It was rare in 1957 for an epidemic to become a pandemic !

Interestingly, survivors of the Spanish 'flu in their 70's/80's were found to have antibodies against the Asian 'flu.

Not really sure what your point is, EV

That competence is missing this century MaizieD.

Be honest, how far have we come in 63 years ??

Not sure I'd be quite so harsh as that, EV. Perhaps some things are more difficult to find a vaccine for than others are?

After all, they've been researching the common cold for as long as I can remember (which includes the last century) and no-one's managed to come up with a vaccine for it yet...

Given that this government missed 3 opportunities to buy PPE, spent $20million on tests that don't work and still aren't publishing the real figures for deaths in the UK how can anyone regard them as competent?
It was interesting to read the article and the evidence for Boris as an ineffective PM. Lazy, incompetent and incapable of taking things seriously it's how he's always been.

No one on earth has got everything right in this situation, of course unfortunate mistakes have been made, everywhere. It certainly beggars belief, by a long shot, that any other UK party would have done much, if any better. They may not have made the same mistakes, of course we will never ever know and isn’t hindsight wonderful, but for sure mistakes would have been made

Jabberwok, I can read too thanks. It means I can “think” a paper has certain political leanings. It does not mean I know! There are elements of Tory And labour in the Times and Sunday Times. “in my opinion”
MaizieD. Yes it would appear so. I must remember my place.....

trisher you cannot blame the U.K. Government for the fact that China supplied faulty tests!!!! There are several European Countries who have also purchased faulty tests/PPE from China.

The published figures each day are for deaths in hospital, the deaths at home/care homes are collated and published by ONS.

The Times is a staunchly Tory paper. It’s clear on this thread that Tory voters and ‘fans’ of Boris Johnson are taking a ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil approach’. He is not the Messiah, he is just a very naughty boy and this time thousands of people will die as a result!

EllanVannin are you serious with your comment that there is nothing new about this virus, it was called Corona in the ‘60?

Coronavirus is a group of viruses. It includes the common cold and all flu viruses. Covid19 is a completely new virus. It is also another Coronavirus!

Politicians chose their advisors who reflect their own opinions. i watched Peston interview MH who said there was no reason to wear masks - as per the experts.

Peston later interviewed a specialist (sorry, I don't recall his name) who explained why wearing masks was essential. Apparently even when we talk we release moisture which breaks up into smaller drops within a short distance of the body, thereby spreading. So wearing of masks prevents the spread of moisture and so protects other people, even though they do not protect ourselves. That makes sense to me.

Stella. I agree but I think this is a staunchly Tory forum.....
Dare to criticise at your peril!

Its what most people knew all along. He was never fit to be the PM. They missed a huge chance for things to be different with Corbyn. I don't care what people say, Johnson and Co were always in it for the money, I would much rather have a man who won awards for peace in control of things.

Lucca - we must talk sense to Tories LOL!

It's interesting how the Tories on here are sticking up for the government and the rest aren't. Luckily it's not quite as bad as America where the right are now waving guns and demonstrating about the continued lock down in some states - just because Trump has said lock downs are no longer necessary.

If watching Nurses like my daughter wearing a carrier bag worth 10p on her head is ok with you, then you have problems. The Tories had chance after chance to put things into place, we're a bloody Island for goodness sake, we could have shut it all down and saved thousands of families from heartache!! If you think differently, thats fine, but I have seen people die, I have watched two of my friends being taken from their homes in body bags, and my daughter sobbing her heart out because my grandchildren think she will die without the proper equipment.
The Tories have so much blood on their hands.

Er.....yes but why LOL?

Stella14 Good luck with that. They won't be listening.