Media Coverage of COVID -19

[DB]

Are they for real? Meanwhile, the latest YouGov poll has found that 57% of people don't want any relaxation of the rules over Christmas. What a suprise!

I bet if you told those 57% that this means they can't see their parents / children / grandchildren over christmas it would come as a surprise to some of them and they would be outraged. There seems increasingly to be a disconnect between the restrictions which lockdown enthusiasts think other people should have to follow, and those they are prepared to follow themselves.

 

[DustyBin]

I am literally done with all this. I have no idea what idiots still think we need more in the way of restrictions, bit its time to lock them indoors and cut their Internet connections....

It's almost too easy to apply George Orwell quotes to the current situation, but this one seems particularly pertinent:

“Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” (George Orwell, 1984).

Like I say, almost too easy, but it's scary how his visions have been realized!

 

[Richard Scott]

It's almost too easy to apply George Orwell quotes to the current situation, but this one seems particularly pertinent:

“Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” (George Orwell, 1984).

Like I say, almost too easy, but it's scary how his visions have been realized!

Sure we're not living out 1984 currently?

 

[MikeWM]

Like I say, almost too easy, but it's scary how his visions have been realized!

In 1984, at least the proles could go to the pub...!

 

[DB]

Sure we're not living out 1984 currently?

That and Kafka's 'The Trial' - the government's collective blaming of the population without specifying what they have actually done is very reminiscent of this.

 

[adc82140]

Are they for real? Meanwhile, the latest YouGov poll has found that 57% of people don't want any relaxation of the rules over Christmas. What a suprise!

That's good news. That 57% can stay at home and spend their Christmas on their own watching repeats of Only Fools And Horses, nicely creating their own little firebreak, whilst the other 43% of us can enjoy ourselves. Everyone's a winner.

 

[Darandio]

More coverage of the next in the long line of cockups. The constant incompetence is truly staggering to the point it seems as though it's being done on purpose. We couldn't even organise a piss up in a brewery, a brewery overflowing with free beer that didn't make it out because the pubs were closed.

Covid: Chaotic start for travellers' Covid testing system

The Test to Release programme is supposed to cut quarantine times for people arriving in England.

www.bbc.co.uk

Test to Release, a new system meant to cut quarantine times for travellers arriving in England, has been beset with problems on its first day.

Travellers are allowed to end self-isolation early if they pay for a coronavirus test and get a negative result five days after arriving.
The government picked 11 firms to carry out the private tests.
However, some of the largest Covid test providers were not included and many on the list have hit problems.
The BBC understands that the Department for Transport did not accredit the larger operators who provide Covid tests at scale, because they ran out of time. Instead, smaller operators were given accreditation.
When the scheme launched on Tuesday morning, some test providers were overwhelmed with the sheer volume of demand from the public. One supplier has pulled out completely.

'Tears'​

SameDayDoctor asked to be withdrawn from the programme after being inundated with requests for tests.
It posted a message on its website stating: "Unfortunately we have been so overwhelmed with requests for Test to Release that we cannot answer any more emails nor take any more bookings."

Another approved provider, Axiom, said it couldn't take bookings but an update would be available "soon", while another, Medicspot, told visitors to its website to register their interest.
Dr Laurence Gerlis, chief executive of SameDayDoctor, said he was initially delighted to have made the approved list.
"Getting on that list was the hardest thing I have ever done," he said. "The paperwork was so thorough it took a full week. I was so proud to have been accredited and to be able to help. We went live at 7pm on Monday but were so overwhelmed it was clear we would struggle.
"Four hours later I emailed the government and asked to be taken off the list. We were inundated.
"I actually ended up in tears. We had to let so many people down. People had been relying on getting the test in order to come out of quarantine for all sorts of reasons. One of the most upsetting things I heard was a patient saying they needed the test because they knew this Christmas visit would be the last one they would be able to spend with their mother."

 

[bramling]

Tell me about it, I'm pretty resilient but I do feel like I'm being gradually ground down. Maybe that is actually the intention, to what end though I've no idea. I don't believe a word the government says and I really wouldn't be suprised if there is a hidden agenda here. I'm more comfortable with the idea that they're simply incompetent beyond belief, but they can't really be, not to this extent surely?

I’m likewise feeling extremely drained now, which is quite strange considering life is currently simply a work/home/work/home cycle. I’m not normally one to be worn down, and my work/finances are solid, however I’m really concerned for what we’re going to have left at the end of this.

I do tend to go more with incompetence than conspiracy, it’s quite clear BJ is simply a fraudulent dumb fool whose experience of normal life extends no further than Etonian life. I suspect 2021 is going to be the time when they try to slip in nasty things off the back of all this.

It’s now like a cult following for some people. Social media is full of all sorts of rubbish like “we need to follow the rules and if we don’t we risk moving to a worse tier”, or “save the NHS”. Whilst I don’t think this is 1930s Germany, I can see how that was able to be manipulated in with populist support, and in particular detractors being flamed.

 

[adc82140]

I’m likewise feeling extremely drained now, which is quite strange considering life is currently simply a work/home/work/home cycle. I’m not normally one to be worn down, and my work/finances are solid, however I’m really concerned for what we’re going to have left at the end of this.

I do tend to go more with incompetence than conspiracy, it’s quite clear BJ is simply a fraudulent dumb fool whose experience of normal life extends no further than Etonian life. I suspect 2021 is going to be the time when they try to slip in nasty things off the back of all this.

It’s now like a cult following for some people. Social media is full of all sorts of rubbish like “we need to follow the rules and if we don’t we risk moving to a worse tier”, or “save the NHS”. Whilst I don’t think this is 1930s Germany, I can see how that was able to be manipulated in with populist support, and in particular detractors being flamed.

'tis also the time of year. Dark evenings, cold weather etc. I find after the 21st is psychologically better as at least it's getting lighter every day. Turn off the news for a few days. Certainly cut down on the social media. Putting it bluntly, the bulk of the public are morons. They always have been and always will be. Social media has just given every idiot a voice.

I took a couple of weeks off this section of the forum when things got a bit heavy (it was just prior to the November lockdown).

Combined it worked.

 

[DB]

I do tend to go more with incompetence than conspiracy, it’s quite clear BJ is simply a fraudulent dumb fool whose experience of normal life extends no further than Etonian life. I suspect 2021 is going to be the time when they try to slip in nasty things off the back of all this.

It's easy to believe the incompetence defence for Johnson (and Hancock), but what is harder to credit is that the peoeple in the shadows who are presumably telling them what to do are equally useless and incompetent.

 

[bramling]

'tis also the time of year. Dark evenings, cold weather etc. I find after the 21st is psychologically better as at least it's getting lighter every day. Turn off the news for a few days. Certainly cut down on the social media. Putting it bluntly, the bulk of the public are morons. They always have been and always will be. Social media has just given every idiot a voice.

I took a couple of weeks off this section of the forum when things got a bit heavy (it was just prior to the November lockdown).

Combined it worked.

The thing which hacks me off is that there’s little escape. Switch on the TV and it’s Covid everywhere, even if one avoids the news there’s still things like irritating adverts about how “we must all follow the rules”, although at least they no longer do the creepy Whitty one. Work has been similarly overrun with Covid nonsense, then of course there’s the constant sour atmosphere over masks.

I’d be happy to settle for some rural walks, but even this has been sour recently as all the footpaths round here have been churned up by a combination of the wet weather and higher than normal footfall!

I have plenty of things to keep myself occupied with at home so am fortunate in that respect, but I’m even losing motivation on that front now as I feel tired all the time.

 

[DustyBin]

I’m likewise feeling extremely drained now, which is quite strange considering life is currently simply a work/home/work/home cycle. I’m not normally one to be worn down, and my work/finances are solid, however I’m really concerned for what we’re going to have left at the end of this.

I do tend to go more with incompetence than conspiracy, it’s quite clear BJ is simply a fraudulent dumb fool whose experience of normal life extends no further than Etonian life. I suspect 2021 is going to be the time when they try to slip in nasty things off the back of all this.

It’s now like a cult following for some people. Social media is full of all sorts of rubbish like “we need to follow the rules and if we don’t we risk moving to a worse tier”, or “save the NHS”. Whilst I don’t think this is 1930s Germany, I can see how that was able to be manipulated in with populist support, and in particular detractors being flamed.

You're right, whilst we're not in 1930's Germany territory yet, I've been genuinely suprised at how the majority of people have been controlled and manipulated so easily. A climate of fear, paranoia, distrust and resentment has been created amongst the population. Whether this was the intention or not I don't know but if it was they've executed it perfectly. Lets go with the sheer incompetence explanation for the government's actions, cock-up after cock-up, and all the majority can do is blame each other....

 

[bramling]

You're right, whilst we're not in 1930's Germany territory yet, I've been genuinely suprised at how the majority of people have been controlled and manipulated so easily. A climate of fear, paranoia, distrust and resentment has been created amongst the population. Whether this was the intention or not I don't know but if it was they've executed it perfectly. Lets go with the sheer incompetence explanation for the government's actions, cock-up after cock-up, and all the majority can do is blame each other....

Well, Cummings allegedly has anarchist beliefs, so one does wonder if there’s something more sinister at play. I go more with an Eton mess though.

I would kill for Mrs T to be in office now. Whatever one thinks of her, the scientific background combined with a relatively down-to-earth early life would have been invaluable.

 

[DB]

Well, Cummings allegedly has anarchist beliefs, so one does wonder if there’s something more sinister at play. I go more with an Eton mess though.

I would kill for Mrs T to be in office now. Whatever one thinks of her, the scientific background combined with a relatively down-to-earth early life would have been invaluable.

I'm no fan of her type of politics, but I agree she would have handled this much more competently - but then, so would Blair. Every other PM between Thatcher and Johnson would probably have made a better job of it than Johnson has done (even Cameron)!

 

[adc82140]

The thing which hacks me off is that there’s little escape. Switch on the TV and it’s Covid everywhere, even if one avoids the news there’s still things like irritating adverts about how “we must all follow the rules”, although at least they no longer do the creepy Whitty one. Work has been similarly overrun with Covid nonsense, then of course there’s the constant sour atmosphere over masks.

I’d be happy to settle for some rural walks, but even this has been sour recently as all the footpaths round here have been churned up by a combination of the wet weather and higher than normal footfall!

I have plenty of things to keep myself occupied with at home so am fortunate in that respect, but I’m even losing motivation on that front now as I feel tired all the time.

I don't watch live TV. It's all on the SkyQ, so I can spin through the ads.

If you haven't already, get a good set of walking boots. I'm doing the Thames Path at the moment. It's like a quagmire in places, but still passable with waterproof boots.

I'm also cracking on with a huge backlog of DIY jobs, and the model railway has had a lot of work done this year.

 

[yorksrob]

Much as I like outdoor walks, I almost caught a cold last week through there not being anywhere indoors to sit. I suppose I could have sat in a shop for a while !

I saw on the news today that some of the medical types were not only calling for the xmas "relax" to be binned, but also for a stricter beyond tier 3 to be introduced (not that there's much left to enjoy in tier 3 anyway. I had some fish and chips walking along the prom last week - I'm sure they'll manage to ruin that soon enough).

 

[kez19]

Much as I like outdoor walks, I almost caught a cold last week through there not being anywhere indoors to sit. I suppose I could have sat in a shop for a while !

I saw on the news today that some of the medical types were not only calling for the xmas "relax" to be binned, but also for a stricter beyond tier 3 to be introduced (not that there's much left to enjoy in tier 3 anyway. I had some fish and chips walking along the prom last week - I'm sure they'll manage to ruin that soon enough).

The thing is regarding even stricter restrictions - just why? These are the people that should know how to solve a problem but its pretty clear they don't. I wonder if any of them know how to change a light bulb or wiring?

On the other it wouldn't surprise me that Joe Public is landed with more restrictions and well.... the politicians and all that have a jolly Christmas!

Maybe is now the time that those in the media spectrum actually start to turn on these people (no chance in hell though!)

 

[DB]

Maybe is now the time that those in the media spectrum actually start to turn on these people (no chance in hell though!)

The Daily Mail and the Telegraph have gone for them a few times in the past few months, but they seem to be following the approved narrative on the mutant version of the deadly killer virus.

 

[kristiang85]

More coverage of the next in the long line of cockups. The constant incompetence is truly staggering to the point it seems as though it's being done on purpose. We couldn't even organise a piss up in a brewery, a brewery overflowing with free beer that didn't make it out because the pubs were closed.

Covid: Chaotic start for travellers' Covid testing system

The Test to Release programme is supposed to cut quarantine times for people arriving in England.

www.bbc.co.uk

It's embarassing.

For comparison, I did a lot of travelling last month, and I used Turkey as my 'base' as they have a brilliant traveller testing system. You rock up at Istanbul airport and go to the testing area, where three companies offer identical testing services. You take a number and the next free one calls you up. Here you register, pay £25 and then go for a test. Then you wait in the airport bar for a couple of hours, after which the result is available online. Then you go up and get a stamped printout of your test to take to check in. It's cheap, efficient and reliable. And they've been doing it since July/August I think. I did it three times over the course of four weeks, and each time I had my result within the two hour mark.

Compare that to the UK, a supposed established global hub, where we still can't get these basics right, and we charge an absolute fortune. It's shameful.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Dec 2020 ==

You're right, whilst we're not in 1930's Germany territory yet, I've been genuinely suprised at how the majority of people have been controlled and manipulated so easily. A climate of fear, paranoia, distrust and resentment has been created amongst the population. Whether this was the intention or not I don't know but if it was they've executed it perfectly. Lets go with the sheer incompetence explanation for the government's actions, cock-up after cock-up, and all the majority can do is blame each other....

Quite. Yesterday I took a trip into London to go to the office for the last time and have a couple of Christmas drinks (+substantial meal) with friends. I was walking down the path near work when someone crossed the road towards me. I stayed walking straight on the pavement, and just moved to go past them as they went in front of me. Next thing I know, he starts yelling at me 'Stay away, you know you can't be within 2 metres of me!".

What is the world coming to?!

 

[kez19]

The Daily Mail and the Telegraph have gone for them a few times in the past few months, but they seem to be following the approved narrative on the mutant version of the deadly killer virus.

I wonder how long that will last then gun for them again, its strange come to think of it as guess who else has jumped the bandwagon today on a new strain discovered in Glasgow.... Nicola Sturgeon!

Sturgeon confirms new Covid strain found in Glasgow with nine cases identified

The First Minister announced the latest development during her weekly lockdown review at Holyrood.

www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed a new strain of Covid blamed for outbreaks in the south-east of England has now been found in Scotland.


The First Minister said nine cases had been identified in the Greater Glasgow & Clyde health board region - which covers a large geographic area in the west of the country - this week.


During her weekly lockdown review at Holyrood, the SNP leader said: “While the initial analysis of it suggests that it may be more transmissible, with a faster growth rate than existing variants, that is not yet certain.


“It may instead be the case that it has been identified in areas where the virus is already spreading more rapidly.”

Surely it can't be me that finds this a bit of a coincedence, London is a hot spot (supposedly for the new strain) and suddenly today - Glasgow has one, what did COVID do just decide to mutate over the weekend and be at 2 places at once?

Of course I forgot -- prepare for media onslaught of fear once more! I can't decide if this is becoming more like Corrie or any of the other soaps out there but politicians and media alike love this, as I said before this will be played out for so long and the public will turn on them all (but I doubt they see that train coming).

 

[kristiang85]

Surely it can't be me that finds this a bit of a coincedence, London is a hot spot (supposedly for the new strain) and suddenly today - Glasgow has one, what did COVID do just decide to mutate over the weekend and be at 2 places at once?

There are over 12,000 identified mutations since the outbreak began - if you want to find one to make a thing of it in the media, it's relatively easy.

 

[kez19]

There are over 12,000 identified mutations since the outbreak began - if you want to find one to make a thing of it in the media, it's relatively easy.

I agree but they (politicians/media) must think the public have their heads zipped up their back not to know this.

 

[adc82140]

The Daily Mail and the Telegraph have gone for them a few times in the past few months, but they seem to be following the approved narrative on the mutant version of the deadly killer virus.

Scary words like "mutations" sell papers. Nothing to do with any narrative. You credit the print media with too much intelligence.

 

[Richard Scott]

I agree but they (politicians/media) must think the public have their heads zipped up their back not to know this.

Unfortunately some of them do.

 

[kez19]

Unfortunately some of them do.

Welcome to the dumbed down society!

 

[VauxhallandI]

Wouldn’t it be good if people like Farage could direct their coverage on to this farce rather than the ones he chooses. Maybe there’s no cash in it for him.

We need a voice

 

[philosopher]

They also think 65% want mandatory masks outside. There's few things in the world I'd trust less than YouGov polls.

If 65% want mandatory masks outside, then why do I not see 65% of people wearing masks outside. Where I am at best it is 20%.

Something tells me a lot are lying in these polls.

 

[DB]

If 65% want mandatory masks outside, then why do I not see 65% of people wearing masks outside. Where I am at best it is 20%.

Something tells me a lot are lying in these polls.

It was the same with masks inside - a lot allegedly though they should be worn, but until it was mandated hardly any actually wore them.

 

[Urobach]

COVID-19: Don't hesitate to leave your home if there is a flood despite coronavirus fears, officials warn

Local emergency response teams have been training for managing evacuations in a COVID-safe way.

news.sky.com

Residents are being warned not to hesitate to leave their homes if they are at risk of winter flooding, in spite of fears over COVID-19.

The warning comes from the Environment Agency (EA) after last February was the wettest on record and thousands of homes were flooded.



Winters are generally likely to get wetter because of climate change, although the Met Office said it is too soon to say how the rain will fall and how severe it will be in the UK in January and February next year.

Image: A person walks barefoot through a flooded street in Bosham, West Sussex. File pic

Planning is under way in case flooding causes a threat to life during the pandemic, and there are plans for how to move people in a COVID-safe way, the EA said.

Some 25 miles of temporary flood barriers and 250 high-volume pumps are ready to be deployed, while 1,500 military personnel and 6,500 EA staff are trained to handle any floods this winter.




Local emergency response teams have also planned for managing evacuations in a COVID-safe way.


During previous floods when people have been asked to leave their homes, emergency shelters have sometimes been set up in local buildings such as village halls and sports centres.

Under coronavirus rules, you are allowed to find shelter with others in the event of a flood.

John Curtin, executive director of operations at the EA, warned: "What we don't want is people's hesitancy to leave if their life is in danger from an immediate flood, worrying what the COVID risk is.

Image: There are plans in place for managing floods during the pandemic

"If you need to go and stay with family or friends temporarily due to flooding you will not be in breach of coronavirus laws which allow for exceptions including to escape the risk of harm.

"You should still take precautions to try to minimise the risk of transmission of the virus during this time, but if your stay is necessary no action will be taken against you."

He urged people to check if they are at risk from flooding and to protect any keepsakes such as old photographs in advance.
Will Lang, who is the head of civil contingency at the Met Office and advises the government on severe weather, said he believes going through such a rare occurrence as a pandemic has generally made people more risk-aware.

"I think it's probably down to what we've been through with COVID," he said.

"People in general are probably more aware of their own risks and risk to families and communities.

"They probably have more understanding of risk as presented by government and science and actually we may be in a better position to understand it and that could well include weather and flood risk in the future."

Unfortunately the article doesn't explain whether you should leave your house if it catches fire

 

[DB]

COVID-19: Don't hesitate to leave your home if there is a flood despite coronavirus fears, officials warn

Local emergency response teams have been training for managing evacuations in a COVID-safe way.

news.sky.com

Unfortunately the article doesn't explain whether you should leave your house if it catches fire

The fact that they feel a need to actually state this shows just how brainwashed people have become.

And best of luck with enforcing physical distancing if a load of unfortunate people get flooded out and end up in a sports hall for a few days.