Forum Topic

Fed-up with this rubbish.

So people over 70 are to be 'quarantined' in their homes for four months are they? Why does the government suppose that everyone over that age is in poor health and/or frail? That most certainly is not the case - there are people of all ages who suffer with varying health problems who may be vulnerable to this virus. We all need to be sensible and heed the hygiene advice, but surely those who have no symptoms should be allowed to live their lives as usual. We've so far survived Thatcher and Cameron, heralding another 10 years of Tory government and the huge damage to our NHS which is now coming back to bite Johnson on his a*se, we are not over the hill, knackered or clapped out, so please just give it a rest.............................

Vanessa Smith ● 1977d31 Comments

https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready/up-next?The NHS also does risk assessments...EPRRs or something like that.

Philippa Bond ● 1972d

Oh for the return of first world problems like which scent washing liquid!I hope all those selfish people stacking their trolleys high with multi everything heard that nurse this morning who on coming off shift found the shelves empty.  They are more worthy than many and should be getting special treatment.

Philippa Bond ● 1972d

'Some people will blame the Conservatives if the sun doesn't shine!'The government cannot be blamed for this pandemic, however, they do have to take their share where the mess that has been made of our NHS is concerned, after all apart from the coalition farce, although they were the major player in that, they've been in government for 10 years now. 

Vanessa Smith ● 1972d

They probably spent most of it in Tesco Osterley judging by the empty shelves yesterday evening. Even the dogs and cats are panic-buying judging by the empty pet food shelves. Mass insanity!

Mick Brent ● 1972d

I could not agree more.  Some people will blame the Conservatives if the sun doesn't shine!

Carol Jean Lamb ● 1972d

Just had a little news flash. An EXTRA £60000000.00 was spent on weekly shopping in the first week of March. That is EXTRA spending!

Nicholas Beard ● 1972d

Shops seem to be settling down a bit today - after all the selfish and stupid brigade's behaviour of the last few days. Surely people have grasped the fact that if we are to be taking precautions for some months then all this acting like people possessed and buying anything and everything is pretty pointless, there simply is no need.

Vanessa Smith ● 1972d

Going out to exercise will also allow people to meet up and chat at a distance, particularly in a wide area such as a park.  I like the National trusts move to open their gardens to all, for free.  I guess, that would include the wood around Osterley house.

Sarah Felstead ● 1972d

I think we will all be allowed to go outside and walk , and be sensible.  Anyway after a few weeks most of us will be going up the wall with isolation and boredom so will probably 'disobey' Government guidelines anyway.

Emma Renton ● 1972d

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dangers-of-vitamin-d-deficiency-highlightedDon't forget that when we are older we have reduced immunity.  The outgoing Chief Medical Officer Sally Davies highlighted this fact and that more of us in this country should be taking a Vitamin D during autumn and winter when we spend more time indoors.After a very draining and stressful time caring this was one of the problems I ended up with.  It is not something that you will be routinely tested for.  I was exhausted but after taking Vit D for a while I started to feel better.  It is supposed to increase your immunity and also help healing.  Think about it.

Philippa Bond ● 1973d

Beatrice’s wedding.  I feel so sorry for that girl!  One disaster for her after another.

Sarah Felstead ● 1973d

Just don't flush it.  Have you seen this week's Private Eye?  There are also reusable bum wipes.

Philippa Bond ● 1974d

and newspaper to fill the void of loo paper for those missing out on the mad acquisition of said rolled paper!

Jennifer Selig ● 1974d

And Beatrice's wedding postponed.

Susan Kelly ● 1974d

And EastEnders on hold.

Keith Iddon ● 1974d

Still at least we haven't got the Eurovision song contest plaguing us this year - there are a few up sides - if we care to look!

Vanessa Smith ● 1974d

Carry On and Be Sensible would be better.

Keith Iddon ● 1974d

Really? Of course I accept the older you are the more you are susceptible to various illnesses, BUT - you also have to keep a sense of proportion and try and live as you  normally do whilst being aware of what situations to avoid and what precautions you can sensibly take without going into panic mode. None of us has any control over this, or knows what is going to happen - even the experts - it's all uncharted territory. So if we can 'Carry On and Keep Calm' that's exactly what we should do.

Vanessa Smith ● 1974d

I found out one day when I ran for a bus I was slower than I Used to be. I REALISED I WAS OLD. No more all night parties. No more 40 mile bike rides. I accept it, ITS A FACT!

Nicholas Beard ● 1975d

It's also 'common sense' to accept, which you don't seem to be able to do, that an older person has a weaker immune system. Whether you like it or not, you can bluster and blah blah about the rights and wrongs, but our bodies weakens as we get older. This is not an opinion, btw. I am sure most older folks have enough common sense to understand that they are in the most vulnerable group, however many old age supermen you know.

Keith Iddon ● 1975d

From Yasmin Alibhai-Brown.'Old age will only be respected if it defends itself, maintains its rights, submits to no one, and rules over its domain until its last breath'.'Why should those over 70 quietly acquiesce to house arrest? The pandemic does require extraordinary measures and exceptional personal responsibility. Older people, are indeed,facing a deadly risk. But alarmists and ageists need to lay off. We oldies promise to keep ourselves and society safe by following guidelines but will not be objectified or scapegoated. Third age women are increasingly working and living hard. We are not ready to go gently into the dark night. Not yet, anyway.

Vanessa Smith ● 1975d

Many people in their 70s are still working and the pension age keeps increasing so I can see why they would find it so it difficult to accept this but  it has proved to be most dangerous for those who are older.  Many won't be aware of their underlying health conditions but many will be particularly ones that any cold or flu exacerbates.  This is no ordinary flu.We are underprepared so there are calls for more equipment for hospitals and to protect staff, and more staff.  Govt policy has not been to test everyone although the WHO believes in testing, testing, testing.  Many of us may have had it but managed to get by but recommendations are not to circulate for two weeks after symptoms have all disappeared.  We also don't know whether we can get it twice.We desperately need to protect and support our overworked medical staff.Please be thoughtful and reduce your social contact and keep on washing your hands and teach your children and grandchildren to cough into the crook of the arm rather than coughing your germs into your hand as I remember being taught as a child (with the best intentions).

Philippa Bond ● 1976d

Of course, the coronavirus itself isn't 'political', but the fact that the government intentionally ran the NHS down so much that it now doesn't have the capacity to deal with this epidemic, is.  Why are we so short of bed spaces, nurses, doctors, ventilators, etc..?  They didn't take any notice of the science and the experts when they were making cuts, but now they say they must 'follow the science' and 'do whatever it takes'!  Ironically, the Tories can now use this epidemic as cover for their impending self-made disasters - the economic collapse caused in reality by their damaging Brexit arrangements, and the poverty and suffering of the people caused by years of austerity and inequality.

Peter Evans ● 1976d

I quite often agree with you on many things Vanessa, but I think you have it wrong here.Over 70's are by far the most vulnerable group and are much more likely to suffer badly from it and also to pass it on as a far higher % of them will contract it.I feel for them, I am in my 60's and have one of the underlying health conditions and am s**t scared of contracting this virus and of passing it on, as responsible people should be.One of the main problems is that a large number of over 70's have carers or live in care homes where isolation is nigh on  impossible.These places will be petri dishes if nothing is done.We need to keep the petri dish as small as possible.

Keith Iddon ● 1976d

"Above all ignore individuals who make ridiculous comments."
Especially those who blame the current situation on the (in)action(s) of  one political party or another!

N V Brooks ● 1976d

What an absolutely stupid comment to make - 'Sounds from your post that if it was a Labour government that asked you to stay at home, that would be more acceptable.'I just happen to think that although accepting that the older generation are at more risk - life still has to go on, and not all people of a specific age can be categorised into one section. We are all individuals. There are many children and younger adults with severe health problems who may be at higher risk. I think it is a case of listening to the more sensible advice, stop flapping and concentrate on practising personal hygiene. Above all ignore individuals who make ridiculous comments.

Vanessa Smith ● 1976d

Remember out of 31 european countries we came 23rd for provision of ICU beds. Demand over the last 10 years for ICU beds has been increasing by 4% a  year however no increase in provision. The pound continues to fall against the €. Surely they should both be falling this will make our medication eg vacine if one is found more expensive.

Nicholas Beard ● 1976d

We don't have enough intensive care units because the NHS has been systematically run down and has thousands of vacancies.  Charing Cross etc go abroad to recruit because we can't/don't/haven't recruited and trained our own and can't retain them. Perhaps you haven't lived with or seen the conscientious staff overworked and guilt-tripped into working longer hours than the ridiculous ones they already work?  The platitudes of having put in more money than ever before (an increasing population  - not just newborns but the elderly) and the assertions that the NHS is safe.It's political ideology that has made this such a problem for us all.Everybody hangs onto the hope that it will just be like flu.  It obviously isn't in the elderly and those with existing health problems.  We need to try and keep ourselves as fit and well as possible.  Good luck folks.

Philippa Bond ● 1977d

Over 70's are the most likely to die from this virus. That's not government propaganda, that's a widely accepted fact. Sounds from your post that if it was a Labour government that asked you to stay at home, that would be more acceptable. This virus does not recognise political affiliation. Other countries are telling people of all ages to stay indoors, how do they cope? London is probably the most advanced city in the world when it comes to online deliveries, so how do other europeans manage? Neighbours, friends  family. This will take good will from everyone. Let's put political difference to one side, for once.

Frank DeWet ● 1977d

Well Sainsbury’s can’t cope with the home deliveries that we are being told we need to organise.  It will be 2 months by the time their new delivery slots become available.  I have a delivery pass and they got very hot under the collar when I said I wanted a 2 month refund - no can do apparently.  Got a slot with Tesco instead and we have linked up with the local milkman.If we catch it and survive then I suppose life will go back to normal.

Sarah Felstead ● 1977d

As all but one of those who has succumbed thus far was over 70 it is eminently sensible to ask those who may be at risk to voluntarily isolate themselves.
If you are otherwise fit and have no underlying health conditions then great but you can imagine the 'the government never told us we were at risk' posts and furore if they said nothing.

N V Brooks ● 1977d