Manky Monkey Motors

Here in Spain we're in lockdown mode,  meant to be starting Monday but we got stopped by the police on the way to our place ( still busy renovating and not moved in 😥) told us that only one person was allowed to leave  home for food/medicines/ fuel..no police on the way back to the rental house?  Have you seen the statistics for normal FLUE  deaths etc compared to Corona 🤬?
On a different note..any one have suggestions regarding the EARTH ROD  when using a solar system?

I keep saying the same about the corona/flu numbers. Does anyone, anywhere actually know a single person who's died? It seems a massively over the top, unprecedented reaction. Of course, Royal Mail have already threatened a couple of staff with disciplinary action if they stay home. To date, we're still working as normal, sorting & delivering stuff people have literally licked to every house in the country.

It is annoying, we’ve just had to cancel our honeymoon / Texas mega trip due to the us going on lockdown.

Hopefully get the dosh back through insurance but the other half is a bit gutted over it

Not surprised!
I'm wondering if I'll be able to travel to New York in June.

You never know, things may be a lot different by then.  Who knows what kind of different, but still...........

BBC - "Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Separating fact from fiction"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/51929628

Well you know Royal Mail,that was to be expected. Just go in with it and shut the whole office down. Senior management don't seem to have two brain cells to rub together.

I'm thinking of the NHS staff, and others in the care community...……...


BBC article - "Coronavirus: NHS staff 'at risk' over lack of protective gear"

Sobering reading...…...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51950276

Heard "PPE" has an alternative meaning

PPE - PLEASE PROVIDE EQUIPEMENT

I'm not a conspiracy nut, (although I find conspiracy theories hugely entertaining), but England has 106 recorded deaths. Northern Ireland has just announced it's first.
One.
More people die from sock related injuries per year than that, (In 2003, 11,788 people were taken to hospital following accidents while putting on socks, tights or stockings).
The health experts tell us the virus is highly contagious, but also say almost everyone will recover completely, suffering no more than they would with a common cold. Some may contract the virus but suffer no symptoms at all.
So why the mass hysteria? Why are countries sealing their borders & imposing Draconian restrictions?
France has announced that citizens will be punished with fines if found outside their homes without a written permit.
Syria has brought in mobile phone spying laws, allowing them to monitor the movements of anyone deemed to have the virus & to send warning text messages to anyone they come into contact with.
Where are the photos of virus sufferers laying in hospital beds? Has anyone seen photos of a single virus funeral? Mourners in face masks? Surely that's just the sort of stuff the media are normally all over.
I am beginning to wonder if there's more to it than we're being told.

Well I too have been hearing about many different theories regarding this virus, my daughter in law works as a nurse in Bournemouth hospital and as of yesterday they hadn't received one single diagnosis of it?  My opinion changes every day but it does seem like the government's are hiding something or are really scared of it and decided to react with these measures?
Just look how boris Johnson has been looking these past few days, shock and worn out?  I must say his two sidekicks seem to be candid as possible with their answers?  I see in the UK  every one is still taking every thing off the shelves at supermarkets?  That doesn't appear to be the same here in Spain and Italy?  I will attempt to get out for some provisions later?  Unfortunately the internet has been out of action for many due to the demand (apparently? )  so I am not sure if and when you get this post?

Something strange is going on, but not a clue what.
News agencies always emphasise "underlying health issues". While this is understandable, the repeated use of that exact phrase suggests Gov. interference.
If it gets worse, not sure there will be many 'virus funerals'. More likely that the bodies will be taken direct to crematoria.

It just feels like we're being prepared for something much worse, but then I watch far too much science fiction -I'm waiting for the announcement that an asteroid is going to hit the Earth & wipe out half the population.

Aha!

https://www.ibtimes.com/nasa-spots-4-asteroids-headed-earth-weekend-2943375

22 March - What a NHS Consultant Anaesthetist from Frimley in Surrey has said and his personal family sacrifice...………. see images

last part...….

Re the Hospital this Consultant works at.

Certain (poss all?) Covid 19 front-line staff have had their standard 12 hour shifts extended to 13hrs, and they're being required to shower before going home (1 shower for a team).


Update releases from this Foundation Trust
https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/news/

This letter was co-ordinated by the Doctors’ Association UK who advocate for frontline doctors. As of Sunday 22nd March the letter had garnered 6300 signatures.

Sobering indeed...………..


https://www.dauk.org/news/sundaytimeslettertoborisjohnsonppe

Yes. I think we will go into total lockdown on Thursday with only key workers being allowed out of their homes. Same for petrol stations. Only fuel will go to key workers.

I think the stress on elderly lives being at risk has made other age groups complacent. Hopefully, now we are getting more news items about younger people ending up on ventilators, they will take this virus more seriously.

There is a call for people to show their appreciation for health workers on the 26th March at 8pm. See pic below. Personally I think all key workers would prefer we left food on the shelves in supermarkets, so when they eventually get there after long shifts, they can at least put together a reasonable shop. Still a nice gesture though.

Hope all on Manky and their families are well and stay well.

JJ  :-*

Well that's it then -Boris has just announced a total lock-down for "at least 3 weeks".
Essential workers only allowed to go to work, (I'm assuming that includes me as a Postman, although I think I'm phoning in sick tomorrow morning -I've had a persistent phlegmy cough for about a week & have now lost my voice, but no fever or aching muscles etc).
One person per car allowed to shop for food or medical supplies as infrequently as possible.
No social gathering at all.
It's going to be a l-o-n-g Summer.
Keep safe everybody. x

things are just as crazy over here in aus , states closing borders and if you do have to its 14 isolation and fill in a arrivals form with where you are staying . they are also talking about tracking mobile phones so they know if you leave before the 14 days  . super markets are just getting back to having most things on the shelf but toilet rolls  ??? worst case for us we are headed into winter  :P

Yeah. It’s done nothing but rain and now lockdowns happening it’s gonna be a blessing heatwave.

Unsure if my work will close as we can’t work from home, so I guess I’ll be able to get out on the bike to and from work still

Such a weird time. My 94 year old landlady lived through the 2nd World War & says it was nothing like this. There was rationing but at least you could still go out & go about your life.
I've just phoned in sick to work. I'm on holiday for 2 weeks after this week anyway, so won't be back at work until mid April.
I'm wondering if I can get away with still going to my garage as I drive straight there, see no-one while I'm there & drive straight back.

Document from the government entitled

"Guidance - Full guidance on staying at home and away from others - Published 23 March 2020"


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

For ref. List of key workers -

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

Just been listening to the World Health Organisation press briefing.
It took 67 days for the first 100,000 cases to appear.
11 days for the next 100,000.
4 for the next.

That's scary.

The other halfs just mailed me and said police are stopping people on the way out of her work (peteresfield) who are heading home to portsmouth to check what they are doing - ie a day out at the beach

I reckon you would be ok andy - just say you are heading out to do your 1 hour of exercise

Yeah, after spending the whole day indoors today, I definitely need to get out tomorrow, even if it is just for a walk. I'm no athlete, but usually walk around 10 miles a day at work. If I'm off for the next 3 weeks, (1 week sick, plus 2 annual holiday), I'm going to feel so stodgy I won't want to go back.

my work is commercial kitchen repairs. with all the restaurants and cafes getting shut down i've lost half my work.
fortunately (?) another guy in the same field is high risk of dying if he gets it so is sending all his work to me. so im "OK" for now financially.
doing a lot of hand washing and not sharing my pen

It's amazing how far this thing has spread, & so quickly.
It's impacted absolutely everybody.

We are mental at work still. When I left today there were still 200 orders on the board to be picked and shipped.

Feeling very lucky at the moment to be working somewhere that is making money. Some of the calls from customers are getting a bit weird though - one guy phoned up asking if we were open, which, yes we are I have answered the phone. He then got a complete cob on that he couldn’t come in to order something as we are on lockdown (no customers allowed in) and he should be too. So he then proceeded to question why we were open and told me we aren’t essential, which is a weird thing to say to someone you want to buy from?

It’s only been half a week and people are losing their minds!

:)
I have to drive to Aldershot tomorrow to pick up a hub for my Pop from an engineering firm. I wondered about the whole staying at home thing, but realised if I don't retrieve it now, they might get shut down & I could be waiting months for it.

Sorry, but it made me laugh :)

I heard that as soon as Charles found out, he jumped in his chauffeur driven car to visit the Queen while he was still infectious. Camilla was driving.  ;D

Okay, I said Thursday was going to be a lockdown. I reckon they made it earlier because, as Andy mentioned, the exponential impact this virus is having is just unbelievable. Three days can see a lot of infections.

Hope some of you stood on your doorsteps and applauding the NHS at 8pm tonight. I was the only one in my cul de sac. I cheated a bit. I loaded up a soundtrack of cheering and clapping and upped the volume to 11 via my Bluetooth speaker. It was great to hear others from around the way. I know it's only a gesture but perhaps the fact that people did it, will get back to our NHS workers and they'll get a lift knowing they are appreciated, especially with all the s**t and let's face it, danger, they are dealing with.

There is a petition online at the moment asking the gvt to up medical staffs wages. I'll post that separately.

Andy, I didn't realise your landlady is still with you. She must be a tough old lady. What a great age. My Mum's 88, it would be great to have her here for another 6 years. Mind you having COPD through bad asthma all her life (she's never smoked), if this virus gets her she won't stand much of a chance.

Stay safe everyone.  :-*

The applause was impressive to hear...………...

Yes, everyone applauded in my road & others I know in Basingstoke have said their areas did too. I was in bed, having an early night :)
I'm not politically minded at all, but after years of successive governments shutting down chunks of the NHS, I hope the message got back to them that it's an essential service that could be called on for emergencies like this at any time.
Didn't MPs recently applaud themselves for successfully blocking a pay rise for NHS staff?

Everybody alright?

Yep. Keeping busy.
Hoping everyone else is safe and well.

:) I'm bored, bored, bored.
Maybe it's time to write that escapist fiction I've always fancied having a go at. Or maybe finally try out my new roller skates :)
Apparently we had a flurry of snow on the other side of Basingstoke this morning.
I'll take a walk to my garage later -a 20 minute walk from home, mainly to get some exercise, but I'll potter for an hour or two while I'm there, then walk home again, (safer for my old landlady than staying home all day I think).

From The Doctors Association UK – The voice of frontline doctors.
https://www.dauk.org/


Some posts from the past few days up to 30 March (day this MMM post was posted) This is what our front line NHS & carers are dealing with. Spare them all a thought.
Concerns relating to PPE appears to very conspicuous................


https://www.dauk.org/news/lbcsamanthabattrawdenppe

https://www.dauk.org/news/dailymirrorppe

https://www.dauk.org/news/ppeincarehomestelegraph

https://www.dauk.org/news/borisjohnsontestspositivecovid

https://www.dauk.org/news/ppetelegraph

https://www.dauk.org/news/ppeandscrubsshortagecnn

https://www.dauk.org/news/lackofppe

With your history of falling over and the related potential health consequences ! ! ! ? ? ?  ;)

 "Or maybe finally try out my new roller skates"
Suggest you lock those skates away Andy. The NHS has enough problems at the moment.

"In other news, a man in Hampshire had his rollerskates forcibly confiscated, for the good of the Nation". :(

 ;D

Tony, that is dire reading. If Joe Public can go and buy a substantial mask from Screwfix, why can't the Gvt buy up all their stock.

Mind you I was reading that Germany, which for some reason is not getting hit as badly, did not rush to help Italy with PPE and is not rushing to help provide Spain with kit now. Spain are experiencing very high numbers of infections. So much for a solid, let's support each other EU. Ironically, it's China that is sending PPE and ventilators to stricken countries. In the meantime, scientists believe China understated the virus' infectiousness and are still understating the overall number of deaths by a wide margin. All very worrying.

Warning - foul language alert

I just wish that everybody who could would ...

https://youtu.be/8BA9eTXwGIk

Or if you prefer a slightly lighter version ...

https://youtu.be/Aa9Bx7OWqnk


JJ   ;D

Cracking video!


PPE raises its head again.

From the BBC news website 1st April entitled

"Coronavirus: Southend Hospital staff could 'limit work' over protective equipment"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-52118437

Meanwhile in Spain, north of Alicante, as of yet ive not heard of any cases locally?  But we are up in the mountains in COMPLETE isolation about 7 minutes drive down to the town..which is even quieter than normal with the police patrols occasionally being spotted?  Supermarkets are fine and one only allows a few people at a time, and they spray your hands and trolleys before you go in..
And it's nice to finally be in our humble abode (still not finished 😥) and receiving internet again..had nothing for the first 3 weeks 😱..although we only have Netflix on our TV..and won't get anything sorted till it's over? 😪😓😯😁
I have been getting lots of conspiracy theories via WhatsApp though?
And my girls back home tell me what's going on at Bournemouth hospital

Terminology

From the Royal College of Nursing, an explanation of coronavirus and the new strain of coronavirus causing COVID-19.

https://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/infection-prevention-and-control/novel-coronavirus

The Doctors Association UK – April 1st – still chasing PPE

https://www.dauk.org/news?month=04-2020

https://www.dauk.org/news/2020/4/1/daukguardiannhsstaffgagged



From the website Nursingnotes

https://nursingnotes.co.uk/news/workforce/lack-ppe-nurses-put-families-patients-risk/

Thursday 2nd April 8pm– Clap for Carers again at for those who would like to join in.

https://clapforourcarers.co.uk/

hello all.
just to let you know im still about and me and mine are ok.
i have no work. all my booked event jobs got cancelled and all filming has stopped. i dont think i have been self employed long enough to qualify for help so down the crack i go  ::) :D
glad to see everyone is ok.
stay in stay safe.

Bugger  :(
Nice to see you mate -just wish it was under better circumstances.

been keeping an eye on the forum but wasnt building anything. had some time so thought id say hello. ;D

Hellooo :)
It's been quiet lately, but it's nice to know people are O.K -ish.

COVID-19 and what it can cost our NHS staff.


Posted 4th April.


Coronavirus: Nurse Areema Nasreen (mother of three) dies with Covid-19
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-51952607

Coronavirus: Nurse Aimee O'Rourke (mother of three) dies after Covid-19 diagnosis
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-52151231

Coronavirus: Coming 5,000 miles to die for the NHS
Dr Amged El-Hawrani and Dr Adil El Tayar - two British-Sudanese doctors - became the first working medics to die of coronavirus in the UK.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52152375

Coronavirus: 'Living legend' doctor Alfa Saadu dies from Covid-19
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-52126029

Coronavirus: Essex GP Dr Habib Zaidi with 'textbook symptoms' dies
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-52040991

From the BBC News website - Nurse deaths 'inevitable' from coronavirus

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-52165167


Part of the text from the website


It is "inevitable" more health workers will die from coronavirus, the UK's largest nursing union has said.

Theresa Fyffe, director of the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland, was speaking after the deaths of nurses Aimee O'Rourke and Areema Nasreen, who had both tested positive for the virus.

She said the circumstances of both deaths had to be reviewed and protocols for frontline staff examined.

England's chief nurse Ruth May has also raised fears over more deaths.

It comes amid reports that up to 30 nurses are off sick with coronavirus at Southend Hospital in Essex.

My fervant hope is that when this "plague" is eventually defeated by dedicated heroes such as this, their selfless dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten, and that those that fulfill similar roles in the future, are not only remunerated in line with their worth, equipped in the most suitable manner available, to ensure their own safety! but are also granted the respect they so richly deserve, and I am afraid it will take more than a round of applause at 8.00pm, once a week, to achieve that! So a prayer for those present heroes then, and a promise for all who will follow in their footsteps, that they will not be let down again, Morrag.

Morrag, I totally agree with you but I'm afraid that the reality is within a very short time everyone will be back to NORMAL... greedy,selfish, money grabbing, indifferent, and the government will turn round and say " all the monies have gone, none left for nurse's "
And give themselves a raise 🤬😪

A few news items from the Beeb

Coronavirus: 'We're on our knees' says nurse (04-04-2020)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-52165515/coronavirus-we-re-on-our-knees-says-nurse?intlink_from_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fhealth&link_location=live-reporting-map

Coronavirus: The NHS workers wearing bin bags as protection (05-04-2020)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52145140

Coronavirus: Five London bus workers die, union confirms (04-04-2020)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-52169002

Coronavirus: Two Pentonville Prison staff members die (05-04-2020)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-52169957

None left for nurses – let’s bl***y well hope not.

And give themselves a pay rise – more like The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority giving a pay rise.

It used to be that Parliament decided on pay for MPs, however, since 2011, following the 2009 expenses scandal and lengthy criminal investigations, it’s The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority that set the pay levels, (a system designed to take the issue out of political control) with MPs salaries automatically linked to the Office for National Statistics' calculation of average public sector pay.
https://www.theipsa.org.uk/publications/consultations/review-of-mps-pay-and-pensions/

A bit of background as to the whys and wherefores.
From the link below
https://www.politics.co.uk/reference/mps-pay-and-expenses

A point to ponder – what would the salary of our NHS staff, emergency service staff and 'key workers'' look like if it were addressed in a similar manner............…  ;)

Here’s a video from inside an NHS Intensive Care Unit which gives us mere mortals an insight as to what our NHS staff are dealing with.

Coronavirus: Inside an ICU fighting Covid-19 (06-04-2020)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-52190961/coronavirus-inside-an-icu-fighting-covid-19



COVID-19 and what it can cost our NHS staff.

Coronavirus: Nurse at Liverpool's Aintree Hospital dies (06-04-2020)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-52180033

Corornavirus: Tributes paid to 'caring' midwife Lynsay Coventry (06-04-2020)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-52177526



Coronavirus: Why healthcare workers are at risk of moral injury (06-04-2020)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52144859

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-52220174

Shush! Might give Andy an idea for another project now his other one is nearly finished.  ::) ;D :P

A moving video Tony, also frightening. The only good thing in this case were the masks and shields on show but of course not all critical care staff have them plus like they said, it's difficult to work in them for too long at a time. They are all doing a great job and they have been brilliant through all this.

I suppose some NHS staff deaths were to be expected but it doesn't make it any easier. Both my Mum and my Sister worked at the Manor Hospital where the nurse died. They didn't know her but my Mum was talking to someone who did. Ironically, it seems in this case she was exposed to it while away from the hospital but ended up in their ICU. It must have been extra difficult caring for a colleague.

The news about how many have died working on public transport has been shocking too. I was looking at some research into data so far and men are more likely to be critically ill than women and the number of non-white people critically ill is 35.2% even though they only make up around 14% of the population. I think this is down to many Asians living in extended families. More infected once 1 is infected. I think this is why Birmingham is also leading the County list. Just shows how easily and quickly this virus spreads. For once, some of us should be especially grateful that we live alone!  :-\

Stay Safe All.  :-*

As for the buried Pop this was a very common occurrence in 1960/1961.
The introduction of the MOT in 1960 meant that thousands of cars were suddenly taken off the road. So many, that scrapyards started to charge or even refuse to take them.
My Aunt buried a Ford Model A two door sedan at the end of her garden. :o
Stay safe folks.

Chevy Rick has mentioned it happening in the past, to motorbikes too. Though it has, I still can't imagine it happening. It was hard enough burying that body let alone a car. Oops :-X. I've said too much.

Edited 21/04.

Update on Pop.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8240655/Mystery-1950s-Ford-Popular-unearthed-garden-solved.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ico=taboola_feed_mobile_news

From the beeb

Coronavirus: Remembering the NHS workers who have died (11 April 2020)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52242856


Coronavirus: Front-line NHS staff 'at risk of PTSD' (12 April 2020)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52258217

More from the Beeb

Coronavirus: Remembering the NHS workers who have died (16th April)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52242856


Coronavirus: Concern over protective kit guidance change (18th April)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52335561

It's heart breaking Tony. We've never seen the NHS tested to such an extreme, where staff have to risk their own lives on a daily basis (and the lives of their families). Up until now, for people working in the NHS, on transport or in the many other key roles continuing at the moment, their main risk has been violence from those they had to interact with. At least they could see that coming. With Covid-19, there is no way of knowing. Let's just hope the lockdown is working and the infection rate and deaths soon drop consistently.

More worrying, are the recent reports that immunity for those already infected is not a given and antibody tests are not as rosy as they had hoped. Without a proven vaccine, the future around the world remains bleak.  :-\

I hope everyone on here, along with our families, continues to stay safe.
JJ  :-*

There was talk on the radio today of British researchers believing they were close to finding a vaccine.

I do wonder, if we'd had 6 months to prepare for this would we be ready? Seems all to easy to blame the government, the beeb an itv are trying to outdo themselves at it. I think we, as a country have got really good at finding reasons not to rush to do anything - allways pausing to asses and quantify risk, thereby adding to that risk - it's all I hear in work sometimes.
Stopped watching the news, but if the radio's on it's all the same stuff - bah, sometimes wants to make you spit.

Well it seems we blame the government over most things, as do every other country?  Why? Because most politicians have not got a clue and pass the buck down to overworked departments?
Here in our part of Spain after weeks of lockdown, yesterday (st George's day 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍) I received a text asking for my location so that the local authorities can deliver our covid 19 kit ( hand gel and masks/gloves),apparently us up in the hills are known as "the Scattered Ones "...😂 made me laugh

Yeah - but have you ever investigated who the members of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority are?   A lot of them are MPs, that's who.

Joe Public can't.  When they were talking the other day about everyone having to wear face masks, I thought I'd see how easy it is to get them.  And it's not, in fact it's just about impossible, apart from some which are made by companies jumping on the bandwagon and about as much use as tying a bandana round your face.  I couldn't find any proper masks - medical OR industrial - in stock anywhere.
Plus I've read that masks intended for use when painting are not adequate against the virus anyway as the virus particles are smaller that paint particles.

Since yesterday, I am self quarantined, as a result of symptoms relayed to 111, me for the next 7 days, to see what transpires >:( and my wife for 14 days, ho hum it's a waiting game then, Morrag.

What symptoms do you have mate?
I've had a persistent cough for almost a month now. Just can't shake it.
Take care. xp

Unless it's a new, dry cough,that you have, the concern is more for persistant high temperatures, i.e over 37 Degrees, general back ache, and red rashes on the legs, all of which I have unfortunately, but as there is NO treatment for Covid 19, please be aware and careful. You are only a "boy" compared to me Andy ;) and it appears us old geezers are more vulnerable. There are many more possible symptoms, but rather than me get it wrong, better to ring 111 if in doubt, Morrag

Take care mate

On the subject of 111, I have had occasion to use them three times, in the past two weeks and contrary to some misguided comments, have found them brilliant, both with sound advice, and Doctors when needed, 😇Morrag

Hope you are doing okay Morrag and your symptoms haven't worsened. Hope your wife is still free of symptoms too. JJ

Hope it all comes to nothing for you and your wife, all the best

Hope you are both OK morrag.
 Same goes for all fellow monkeys out there.

So far so good for me, i'm a bin man and drive the lorry's with a two man crew, so there's three of us in a lorry. So far in our depot no one has or caught the virus that any of us knows about.

Definitely noticeably more people out & about & more traffic on the roads in the last week.
I liked it when it was eerily quiet.

weve had our restrictions "eased"
in western Australia, its fewer then 60 active cases with only a few new cases, due to returning travelers
we now can gather in groups of up to 10

That's great. 778 deaths today here in Britain, but apparently it could be 50% higher as they're not including deaths in care homes, only those in hospitals.

Where did you hear that Andy?  Sounds rather daft/stupid/suspicious too me? Don't the people in care homes count then?
Apparently ( BBC  ::)) said the Spanish lockdown will be easing from the 4th may starting with the islands?

BBC News.
They issue numbers for care home deaths seperately from hospital deaths, (different authority I think), & the care home figures take longer to collate so there's a delay in the total figure. The government say they're addressing this & will issue a combined total.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52478085

There is so much false news about, I’m seriously concerned about the truth in all these figures 😱

Well folks, end of my weeks internment, and glad to say that it's now been decided that the symptoms I started with were generated by a form of cellulitis, an infection of the lower level of skin. That is treatable fortunately, unlike the other, so a result then. Many thanks for all your concern, and once completed, feel sure the various treatments prescribed, will get me back on my feet. TTFN, Morrag.

good news! huzzah

That is good news :)

Congratulations matey :)

well done sir, up and at them, pesky germs  ;D

Phew!

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.

This year, it the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.


https://www.rcn.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/nurses-day

https://www.icn.ch/what-we-docampaigns/international-nurses-day

I knew there was a nurses' day, but didn't know it was Ms Nightingale's birthday.

Glad to hear you're alright Morrag, well in regards to Covid-19 anyway. Like you say, the other should be sorted via the medication.

Haven't been on here for ages. You'd think with things as they are they'd be plenty of time to do things like pop in here but I haven't even felt like reading, which has been something of a surprise. Ennui is the word which sums it up I think. This past week though I've been really busy sorting stuff out and I've got loads of stuff!  :o Even did some gardening this morning. Unheard of.  :D

You'd think everything was back to normal now with the number of people on the beaches and in the New Forest. I'm still mainly indoors. Had a click and collect the other day so had a ride out but with 30 mins to go to the latest I could pick it up, the car wouldn't start. Flat battery. Fortunately I bought a power pack that's been in the car since January. On my second attempt it started the car. My car battery is so difficult to get to and you can only access the positive anode so I attached the negative to the metal chassis and hoped for the best. Have since recharged it and put it back in the car. I bought the best I could afford. It is 1500A Peak 20000mAh for up to a 7.0L Diesel vehicle. It should have been £65 but there was 15% off. Anyway, I'm pleased with it. Plus it's a torch, emergency beacon and has charger cables for usb-c and micro usb. Better than carrying that power pack I used to have. It was good (until it stopped working!) but bulky.

Oh well, I'll have a quick read and I'll be off. Stay safe everyone, especially as the scientists say the R number is rising again in some areas.

JJ xx

Thanks for that Jay Jay, but must admit I'm a trifle peeved today, an understatement you will appreciate! as I have been following the protest marches around the country, by TV of course! and I am left gobsmacked as  to what our Health Care workers must be thinking in regard to their heroic efforts, some paying the ultimate price,when they see the joking 2 mtrs distancing rules being ignored, as well as many other aspects of this "shut down". I accept the importance of dealing with the racial inequalities in this world, but come on people, can not this current round of very obviously just protests, be delayed until we are 'out of the woods' with this evil plague?....please!!... :'( :'(...Morrag

OOps, loaded twice!!

I'm with you Morrag but I just don't watch the news or read papers, and when I see it on Facebook I just scroll by, because I just can't deal with it.  I get stressed and that starts palpitations and then I have to take extra beta blockers.  

Sorry if I upset you BG, not intended, but It really weighs heavily on me, all that sacrifice..........................

No, you haven't upset me!!  I'm just saying that's my way of dealing with it - you might try it!

Reply

Nope BG thats not me....

I think it's utter madness. Even before these groups were acting irresponsibly, we had so many people packed on beaches or in the New Forest or in parks. That's one of the reasons our road decided to stop the Thursday applause because people were risking their health by doing the above but then clapping for the key workers who've been risking their health/lives to look after us and keep the UK going. Hypocrisy. Plus even worse, a lot of those down the beaches etc were getting paid regardless, while the NHS and key workers were slogging away for similar pay!

These Black Lives Matter demonstrations here are not helping anyway. They won't make any difference to what is happening in America and even there, a lot of black people are saying the outcry about the recent police related deaths is just hypocrisy, because black people don't get up in arms when black people kill black people and that happens a lot more than police related deaths. They also point out the irony of those demonstrating/rioting/looting causing more damage to property belonging to black people, so exactly how are they proving BLM when they are not respecting them themselves?

It has been quite interesting hearing well known (and not so well known) black Americans speaking out about the whole thing. A lot of them aren't impressed with white people either, acting like they fully understand. Too many people are jumping on this bandwagon to push their own agenda or demonstrate their 'woke' social awareness, whether they are or not. I think they're scared they'll be perceived as being on the 'wrong' side if they don't speak out or change their avatar to reflect BLM. A lot of those who are most outspoken are Democrats. It's also quite interesting that it was the Democrats who supported slavery and it was the early Republicans (Lincoln was their 1st President) who brought about its abolition. That doesn't get mentioned much.

I think it's right the policeman involved in the recent death should be prosecuted, as surely kneeling on someone's neck should be something that should never happen, in any country, even if the person being restrained is a criminal. My father was a policeman and I have family in the police now and the majority of the police do a fantastic job in difficult circumstances but there is no room for thugs in the police (regardless of what colour they are) and those that choose this career as a way of domineering others should be sacked as soon as they show their true colours (preferably, they never get accepted in the first place).

Like you Bobbi, I try not to watch the news - even before BLM demonstrations or even Covid-19. One, it's too depressing and nowadays you just don't know what is really true or what slant has been placed on the 'facts'.  :(

I agree with you entirely JJ.
I try to keep this forum non political but it's hard to avoid the craziness in the world at the moment.
Kneeling on a suspect's neck is apparently a regulation Police manoeuvre in the States -continuing that hold until the person dies hopefully isn't.
Many American Police forces' training programmes take as little as 8 weeks. 2 months from first applying for the job, to walking around the streets with a gun. So I guess a "wrong 'un" must slip through the process quite easily.
I have friends in the Bronx, (one of the 5 New York boroughs). The wife has taken the kids & gone to stay with friends upstate while the husband stays to defend their home. Shops & businesses were being looted 2 streets away from them last time I spoke to him. Amazingly, they're Trump supporters.
When the President has to hide in a bunker from his own people -sorry, when he decides he ought to "inspect" the bunker, maybe there's something wrong.
Apparently the Twitter brigade are denouncing anyone who shops in Sainsburys as an anti black fascist now because the slave trader statue that was toppled in Bristol at the weekend, (did you see the film of protestors jumping on it, screaming, as if they thought it was a real person?!), is being removed & placed in a museum owned by the Sainsbury family.
I truly loathe the human race.

Harsh as it seems guys..I was hoping that the covid 19 virus was going to be the CULLING process this planet needs?  Unfortunately it would have been taking the good with the bad?
At least it stopped the violent protests and political BS for a while, but now it's back to normal and I am pretty sure it's going to escalate very fast now..so start stocking up( in a responsible manner of course ?) Your food supplies 😨

The World is now indeed truely nuts!! Today the episode of Fawlty Towers, with "....don't mention the.....",which was voted the the best series EVER! by the BBC viewers in 2000, was pulled by....yep, by the BBC! go figure, the thought police have won people. For those that haven't, read Orwells "1984", for those that have....read it again!....it's arrived, Morrag.

I was planning to return to New York in a couple of weeks time. No planes flying & all sorts of border controls so I can't go, but it's just as well as I'd have found myself in the middle of the race riots.
My life at the moment consists of going to work, going to my garage & going to sleep.

It was UKTV who pulled that episode.  They said it was in order to 'review' the episode.  It's believed that they are negotiating with the BBC who have a copy of that episode without the references to niggers and another racial slur I've forgotten.  The 'don't mention the war' bit will remain, that's not racial.

Since the panic level about Covid-19 has reduced a bit I sent for some masks and a visor. I figured if it's coming back at some point I had better be more prepared. I bought 50 masks for just under a tenner and they arrived in a couple of days in a sealed bag. The top has a metal strip so you can mould it around the bridge of your nose. My Mum paid £1.65 each for some masks from her local chemist about a month ago. She says they are exactly the same. Bit of a difference in price! I think others are thinking of doing the same as me because since my order arrived the delivery date has jumped 2 months. Hopefully I'll never need them and if that's the case then that's fine by me.

I wore one today as I had to take some stuff to my children. I even got to hold my new grandson. I probably shouldn't have but I'm counting him as my bubble! Only the 4th time I've seen him and only the 2nd time I've held him and he's nearly 5 months old! As he was premature (and only 3lb 10ozs) he was in an incubator so it was purely look but don't touch. Fortunately, he was at least born before the hospitals were inundated.

Not trying to be political Andy just saying how I feel. All the demonstrations at the moment RE BLM or even the 'Stop the Lockdown' ones going on around the world are driving me crackers. Either people don't care about their health or they must just think they are immune. I just think all the hospital workers must wonder why they bothered putting their lives on the line, why they stayed away from their families and why they worked their socks off. If I was one of them I would feel like saying to those who get infected because they didn't social distance 'Sod you, I'm not treating you. You did this to yourself'. Obviously our NHS staff are very dedicated and wouldn't withhold treatment but all these large groups mingling as they are, must surely be causing a lot of resentment.

Meanwhile the press are either saying the UK lockdown was too late or there shouldn't even have been a lockdown or the Gvt should be getting everyone back to work or it's not safe for people to go back to work! Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Could the Gvt's actions in regards to Covid-19 been improved, definitely but I'm sick of the point scoring by people who didn't have to make those decisions. Why not just concentrate on improving things for everybody? It would be great if the media found a more positive focus. Lift our spirits not make us more demoralised. Funnily enough on the Guardian website today I was reading about the anti lockdown demonstrations in the US. The Guardian were highlighting the fact that medical workers in their scrubs were making a point of how stupid these people were by standing in a line (social distanced and masked) to remind the other demonstrators why lockdown was needed. Because those demonstrating about lockdown were mainly Trump supporters, the Guardian were pointing out the lunacy of demonstrating without taking into account social distancing measures etc but when it comes to the BLM demonstrations, no such point is made. At least be consistent. Personally, I'm peed off with both groups (not the medical workers). I just can't believe how irresponsible they all are.

As for BLM, knee jerk responses during a pandemic to a situation that will still be relevant once this is over should be nipped in the bud. Once the pandemic is truly over then people can peacefully demonstrate as much as they want. I'm pretty sure racism in all its forms will be around for a while yet. In fact, I think I can pretty much predict that the behaviour of some demonstrators, the acts of vandalism and the inflammatory speeches will rile up a lot of people who probably wouldn't have given the subject much thought before. I know a lot of people, including me, are already upset that someone had the gall to say Churchill was as bad as Hitler! As someone pointed out, there would be a lot of us either dead or living in a Nazi hell if Hitler had won the war and had his Aryan Race. Churchill was one of the reasons that didn't take place.

Like I said, not trying to be political just really fed up of everything in the world at the moment and just trying to articulate the way I feel. I would like the world to see less vitriol and for its population to apply more common sense. :)

Stay safe everyone.

BTW if you like Michael McIntyre and you fancy a smile then watch this:

https://youtu.be/LEr_84HJbgk

Michael McIntyre. if he was a statue I'd pull him down!! :o :o :o :o

Wot he said!   ^^^^^^^^^^

Yes I'd pull his statue down too 😁..JJ I always enjoy reading your posts because you obviously take your time in writing down your thoughts and you have a lot to say, and often in big words 😁,I know that you are just venting and getting it off your chest, but I wouldn't worry about any of it, you cannot do a thing to stop it in any case?
The modern world has grasped this technology of communication and instead of bringing us together it's causing divisions..unfortunately if the people using it are to stupid to realize they are being manipulated for whatever reasons then that's their problem..if you don't go to silly demonstrations etc,you won't get attacked or catch a disease, just concentrate on your new grandchild, because he makes you happy..the world he's going to inherit will be far different to ours..regardless of anything us old codgers say or do?  Yes watching the TV will evoke strong emotions in us all, but you know what since we moved into our house in Spain we cannot receive UK TV only Netflix or Amazon..and I don't miss it especially the poxy news channels..I came here for my health and I'm glad to say its improved tremendously unlike my Spanish 🤣 and fingers crossed next year we will have a lovely furnished townhouse for any of you guys to come out to stay, Mates Rates for Monkees of course 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😎

 ;D
I agree -I havn't owned a TV for years, but seem to know more about current World events than most of my mates who spend their evenings glued to the box.
I lodge with a little old lady who watches daytime TV every day & worries about all sorts of stuff. I often ask if any of it's ever directly affected her life -it never does. Just enjoy your own little corner of it all & try to ignore the rest.

The TV is never off in our house as Mike is an addict.  He mostly watches old war films and even more ancient westerns that he probably watched last week but has forgotten.  But he does watch every news bulletin and Corona update, fortunately I'm so used to ignoring it that it mostly goes over my head, or there's always something that needs doing elsewhere.
My philosophy is exactly what Stinkey said, it won't make any difference if I do or don't watch it!

Here're a couple of interesting articles (from the BBC website) relating to our amazing NHS staff


Coronavirus: NHS staff 'need similar support to soldiers'
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52938923

The mental health crisis looming in ICU
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53022212

Morrag, you meanie. Funny though.  ;D

Yes Stinkey, I am more likely to use ten words when four will do. Even my texts are like formal letters, as I cannot bring myself to use abbreviations.  ::) :D Glad you're feeling healthier in your new home.

Terrible about Reading Forbury Gardens stabbings. A Libyan asylum seeker has been named as the suspect in  the attack. Victims were just enjoying the sun.  >:(

I was up early this morning to watch the Summer solstice sunrise live online. Stonehenge was closed this Summer solstice due to Covid-19 (but re-opening 5th July I think it said). Bit disappointing, firstly there was no sun to rise at that time (well not visible) and the camera wasn't focused on the Heel Stone anyway. As I was up, I then joined those watching the Summer solstice annular solar eclipse online. Not visible to us otherwise. It does not coincide very often. The next time it does, it will be June 21st 2039.

I eventually saw the ring of fire in Sirsa, India. Very beautiful but fleeting. Lasted only seconds. Here's a screenshot I took just as it happened. The moon only blocked 99.4% of the sun, hence the solar ring. Even more fascinating was a computer simulation of the moon's umbra crossing speedily over the Earth. Its size and shape changed as it did so.  :o

I feel a Johnny Cash song coming on ... 🙂

Stay safe all. JJ  :)

Interesting Tony. Let's hope that's the worst they will experience.

Found this on the BBC news website 24 Oct 2020, entitled "Covid: The NHS workers 'still recovering' as second wave looms".
IMHO, makes interesting reading…………

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-54623919

I have a relation that works in the heart department of the big hospital here in Plymouth. He has constantly said there is no shortage of PPE. The trouble is the bean counters don’t want to use it all up. There are two artic trailers in the yard full of it.