COVID-19

What do you mean? Scared of the virus or the probable hysterical outcome? I've been out cycling today, Skipton to Leeds and back, the towpath was full of oap's enjoying p&q without a care in the world. Leeds was dead.

 

Linda Lusardi back on page 3, mission accomplished.

 

Boris needs to stop protecting the insurance companies!!

If he wants people to stop going to pubs, clubs and restaurants then he needs to close them.

Telling people to stop going to these places won't work for many and they will still go.

 

I don't think most people around this area are taking this virus seriously enough. Supermarkets full of people stocking up on toilet rolls, tins and dried foods with no consideration for the fact they're jostling with people that could be carrying the virus. Wetherspoons full of folks enjoying food and beer. Whilst I applaud the Dunkirk spirit it's time we woke up. I lost 90% of income as of tomorrow but I don't care. I'm battening down the hatches for a tough few months. Let's hope we all see each other when it's all done. Good luck to all. I'll get back in my Anderson shelter now.

 

I think we will be in for a sharp shock very soon. Our current mortality rate is tracking higher than Italy’s was at this same stage and they went lockdown in northern Italy quite quickly. Once the nhs gets overwhelmed then we will know about it. 2 to 3 weeks we could be at crisis point if it carries on, particularly in London

 

I think we will be in for a sharp shock very soon. Our current mortality rate is tracking higher than Italy’s was at this same stage and they went lockdown in northern Italy quite quickly. Once the nhs gets overwhelmed then we will know about it. 2 to 3 weeks we could be at crisis point if it carries on, particularly in London

Oh and good luck with work etc. Hope it works out for you

 

Schools are to remain open across Easter, to look after the children of key workers and vulnerable children.

 

What's worrying is that northern Italy has a high percentage of OAPs. If our mortality rate is higher, well we're fecked.

 

Id read that but who’s expected to work. A lot of staff have holidays and pay is pro rata’d for that? I think anyway. might be a nice thing for the government to say but not sure it’s practical

 

It will happen. Schools are being compelled to do this. Additional funds are being sought to pay teachers and support staff to provide cover on a rota basis.

It has been suggested to staff that they take their own kids into school to facilitate this. Can't wait to tell my ten year old that she has to go into a different school for Easter.

 

Whats the thinking behind it though? What are we gaining from it? If it’s to benefit the kids who are on plans etc then are they going to remain open every school holiday in the future?

 

It is a good question. I can see it from the perspective of facilitating 'key workers', effectively providing free child care .

With regard to vulnerable children, I think the view is that they will even more at risk in the current situation. Going forwards, I think it does raise the question of whether these children should be put back into chaotic and dysfunctional settings during school holidays.

 

Or will it make the government realise that underfunding key areas and councils etc is having a severe impact on these children?

The worry for me is after this has all passed we will see austerity but under a different name to pay for all of this

 

Or will it make the government realise that underfunding key areas and councils etc is having a severe impact on these children?

The worry for me is after this has all passed we will see austerity but under a different name to pay for all of this

 

Not sure they will be able to. I think this is shining a light on the inequality in our society.

Arguably there is a parallel with the Second World War. The country came together, broadly, resulting in the country voting for the party best placed to continue that.

 

I hope you’re right.

 

I think the countries are just taking it in turns to announce things, so decisions are made for the whole of the UK but are announced in turn so it looks like the other bits have some power

 

Me too.

But there are some seismic changes happening. The idea of a universal income was derided not so long ago, but I suspect that will happen in some form or other very soon.

 

Absolutely spot on !!!!

 

I think it is a too complex system, and costly, to set up overnight.