News Coronavirus Thread

[CURVE]

The experience everywhere is that the initial cases are sporadic due to the transmission being driven by incoming travelers and those within one degree of separation. There is clearly a tipping point though where it is no longer an external threat but a community transmission one, which is where we are now. Hopefully, our measures work in diminishing the impact of that but the risk is huge. The USA has gone from 1,700 confirmed cases to 11,000 in a week so there is nothing magical that will protect wealthy western countries.

I hope your bell curve is right but it would be dangerous to assume. The idea that what I am talking about is worst case BS is just not supported by the facts:

1 month ago on the 19th of February Italy had 3 confirmed cases. They will have 40,000 plus confirmed cases in the next day or so and have already passed 3,500 deaths. This is a fact.

Confirmed cases in the USA have doubled in two days. This is a fact.

You keep comparing us to Italy which has been a disfunctional mess since WWII (I think they are up 60+ Presidents since 1945) and have an inadequate public health system. While ours isn't perfect, we still have one of the best public health systems in the world.

You also compare us to the USA, who have a incompetent President who all but ignored the early signs and is now lying to the American people to cover his arse. They also have a public health care system on the verge of collapse. Our PM has been over-reactive, if anything, in an attempt to win back public support after looking weak and incompetent during the 2019/20 bushfires season.

China, Italy and the USA also have greater populations than us and higher population densities (Italy's is more 200 people per kilometer squared, the USA is 87 and China's is 145, while Australia's is only 3.3) so the rate of the virus spreading will be far greater than in Australia.

In our larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane it may be a little different, but again an over zealous PM and the State Governments have probably played their part in reducing the number to manageable levels. I can't see us getting anywhere near the levels of Italy, China and the USA.

 

[DesertRoo]

I read something yesterday (May have been through a link on here) that we have one of the lowest actual savings in the world, it may be a good time to use some of those payments (not all) to build up a fail safe in case things do go more pear-shaped

But after everything, I am starting to think some Australians arent that smart...

It’ll be an extension of this

Hardship threshold | ASIC

Fair, strong and efficient financial system for all Australians.

asic.gov.au

If you’re not facing hardship I wouldn’t go near it.

 

[7577969923]

That is not necessarily a bad thing considering.

All spending is good spending at the moment.

 

[blackshadow]

And falling.

Currently at 4779 ,its lowest since January 2013. We have gone from 7121 in Jan. If we dip below 4000, it will be for the first time since the GFC.

Then it will be time to buy...

 

[Hojuman]

Wouldn't want to be a chinese tourist in ltaly once all this is over.

 

[Pykie]

Does that mean that there will be zero repayments for a period of months with the interest payments capitalised? That would be a huge recovery in the relationship between the banks and the public.

Yes, I imagine this. Akin to a development loan.

No way the banks waive mortgage's for a period of time.

Capitalised interest payments makes sense.

 

[Snake_Baker]

If people stopped spending money they didn’t have on shit they didn’t need, none of this would be an issue.

Borrowing thousands to go on holidays, to buy new cars, etc.

Very few understand the benefits of saving.

This runs contra to economic policy mate.

 

[Twinkletoes]

Figured i'd share my experience of the situation.

Working in a secondary school in the SE suburbs of Melbourne, I have exposure to 1300 teenagers and 150 staff, each day I work closely with 5 classes of approximately 50-60 kids in a team teaching environment. So thats 1450 possible contacts, around 300 direct contacts, and say 100 close contacts. Daily.

After work Monday I was not feeling great, came home and slept for 4 hours. When I woke I had a fever, chills down my back and legs, extremely sensitive skin, aches in elbows, hips and knees and a consistent dry cough like choking but unable to move anything. So put myself back to bed and slept for another 15 hours only waking with coughing fits.

Tuesday I spent in bed exhausted watching my temperature which was sitting somewhere between 38 and 38.6. The day was pretty much awake 2 hours sleep for 4. Alternating hot fever and chills. I was pretty much in jocks under a roof fan then huddled under blankets shivering.

Wednesday I called my GP explained the symptoms and went for an appointment, no suprise, fever, irritated throat, cough, you have a virus.

Have you been overseas ..... no
Been in contact with anyone overseas .....no
Are you a healthcare worker .... no

You do not meet the criteria for testing so go home and rest.

So now it's Friday, my fever has finally broken and im able to face food again. Still have a consistent but intermittent cough which is mostly clear fluid I assume draining down my throat.

The plan is to return to work Monday amongst 1450 people.

I was not tested, I have no idea what I had, I am now out of sick leave. Usually I wouldn't think twice about returning to work.

In this environment I'm not so sure.

Would you want me working in your kids classrooms?

Sounds like my family’s symptoms Snow. Still at home myself (but mainly to socially isolate, given that I’m in the high risk group if I contract the big one) and have missus Toes and our son home sick as dogs. I’m mostly better. Daughter’s back at school and fine.

Anyway, as I stated a million posts ago, Mrs Toes managed to get in for a swab test despite not qualifying (said she was a health worker). It was more for my benefit given the risk it poses to me.

Results came back this morning and it was clear. No Covid-19 for us at this stage, despite the fact we’ve all been knocked for six by whatever’s been the actual virus we’ve endured.

Good luck mate. [emoji106]

 

[ferball]

Wouldn't want to be a chinese tourist in ltaly once all this is over.

Yeah. Or a worker.

 

[Del191229]

Just watch people spend this money on frivolous shit.

Some will sure, that's the point, but for lots of people it will be the difference between homelessness or not.

 

[Del191229]

Does that mean that there will be zero repayments for a period of months with the interest payments capitalised? That would be a huge recovery in the relationship between the banks and the public.

No idea, will need to wait and find out.

Given we've just effectively bailed them out (for now) it is the least they can do.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

This runs contra to economic policy mate.

Yes it does.

However, economic policy doesn’t take into account an international pandemic that has created chaos around the globe.

 

[ferball]

Sounds like my family’s symptoms Snow. Still at home myself (but mainly to socially isolate, given that I’m in the high risk group if I contract the big one) and have missus Toes and our son home sick as dogs. I’m mostly better. Daughter’s back at school and fine.

Anyway, as I stated a million posts ago, Mrs Toes managed to get in for a swab test despite not qualifying (said she was a health worker). It was more for my benefit given the risk it poses to me.

Results came back this morning and it was clear. No Covid-19 for us at this stage, despite the fact we’ve all been knocked for six by whatever’s been the actual virus we’ve endured.

Good luck mate. [emoji106]

Glad you're better, hope the missus and Young fella are on the mend.

 

[Hojuman]

The hoarding and panic buying has been a disgrace and something we should be ashamed of.

Being a sole carer for an 85 year old and being immunocompromised myself, something as simple as having hand sanitiser becomes very important at times like now.

She's got a rasping cough this morning. The glands are up in my throat. GP appointment via phone this arvo.

Fair to say I'm as worried as fu**.

How you going Grogg ?

 

[SMaturin]

I have work for some of you as my financial advisor. PM if you’re interested.

 

[Snake_Baker]

Sounds like my family’s symptoms Snow. Still at home myself (but mainly to socially isolate, given that I’m in the high risk group if I contract the big one) and have missus Toes and our son home sick as dogs. I’m mostly better. Daughter’s back at school and fine.

Anyway, as I stated a million posts ago, Mrs Toes managed to get in for a swab test despite not qualifying (said she was a health worker). It was more for my benefit given the risk it poses to me.

Results came back this morning and it was clear. No Covid-19 for us at this stage, despite the fact we’ve all been knocked for six by whatever’s been the actual virus we’ve endured.

Good luck mate. [emoji106]

Great stuff.

Most likely Influenza A, which is what I think I have had (or some type of bad cold).

Runny nose, sore throat, slight lethargy, some expectorant, but no fever or breathing issues. It's on the decline now, but still the smart move is to isolate because of the compounding factors.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Great stuff.

Most likely Influenza A, which is what I think I have had (or some type of bad c.

Runny nose, sore throat, slight lethargy, some expectorant, but no fever or breathing issues. It's on the decline now, but still the smart mocve is to isolate because of the compounding factors.

Similar to my symptoms. Started with a sore throat, then congested, then coughing. Getting over it now.

No fever/breathing issues/Coronavirus.

 

[7577969923]

You keep comparing us to Italy which has been a disfunctional mess since WWII (I think they are up 60+ Presidents since 1945) and have an inadequate public health system. While ours isn't perfect, we still have one of the best public health systems in the world.

You also compare us to the USA, who have a incompetent President who all but ignored the early signs and is now lying to the American people to cover his arse. They also have a public health care system on the verge of collapse. Our PM has been over-reactive, if anything, in an attempt to win back public support after looking weak and incompetent during the 2019/20 bushfires season.

China, Italy and the USA also have greater populations than us and higher population densities (Italy's is more 200 people per kilometer squared, the USA is 87 and China's is 145, while Australia's is only 3.3) so the rate of the virus spreading will be far greater than in Australia.

In our larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane it may be a little different, but again an over zealous PM and the State Governments have probably played their part in reducing the number to manageable levels. I can't see us getting anywhere near the levels of Italy, China and the USA.

I agree with some of what you are saying. I am very glad that we don't have that idiot Trump in charge.

I don't know how you can in the same sentence accuse the PM and State Governments of being overzealous and give them credit for keeping numbers manageable. That is contradictory.

The population density thing is a red herring unless you live in the country. Our major cities have enough density for this thing to spread and it is in all of our cities.

The biggest enemy Australia has in a situation like this is complacency. If we just assume that there are reasons why Italy and the USA are worse than Aus and we could never be facing what they are, then we are stupid. We might have better health systems but every system has a limit. Victoria, for example, has about 700 to 800 respirators available in total. Once they are all occupied and there would never be a time when they are all free, the mortality rate will surge.

 

[Snake_Baker]

Yes it does.

However, economic policy doesn’t take into account an international pandemic that has created chaos around the globe.

It's not as if I live by it myself Andy, but this "bubble" thing has them shitting bricks, virus or no virus.

 

[Snake_Baker]

The population density thing is a red herring unless you live in the country.

Bull. Shit.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

It's not as if I live by it myself Andy, but this "bubble" thing has them shitting bricks, virus or no virus.

For sure.

And those who are financially prudent will be sitting pretty when this shit falls apart.

 

[giantroo]

 

[7577969923]

I have work for some of you as my financial advisor. PM if you’re interested.

I have some fantastic opportunities in Nigeria I'd like to suggest for you. With so much volatility in the markets, you really should be looking at alternative asset classes.

 

[SMaturin]

I have some fantastic opportunities in Nigeria I'd like to suggest for you. With so much volatility in the markets, you really should be looking at alternative asset classes.

Talk to me your highness

 

[krakouers]

Can we get rid of these people as a start?

Queen makes London escape amid coronavirus fears
Tiffany Bakker with AAPNews Corp Australia Network
Friday, 20 March 2020 3:34AM

The Queen and Prince Philip have headed to Windsor in a bid to stay free of the coronavirus, as the monarch told Britons the royal family is ready to “play its part” in beating the deadly infection.

The 93-year-old left her London residence for Windsor Castle, accompanied by her beloved corgi-mix, Candy, who sat on her lap.

The long-reigning monarch was joined at Windsor by her husband Prince Philip, 98, who flew by helicopter from his home of Wood Farm at Sandringham in Norfolk, amid an anticipated lockdown of London.

The couple left for Windsor for their annual Easter break, a week earlier than planned.
Buckingham Palace said the changes were “a sensible precaution”.

And in a statement to the nation, the Queen paid tribute to medical workers, scientists and the emergency and public services who are fighting the pandemic, and stressed everyone has a “vitally important part to play as individuals” – today and in the coming months.

In her statement, the Queen said the royal family would play its part as Britain rises to the challenge of overcoming the coronavirus pandemic.
“Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge,” the 93-year-old monarch said in a message to the nation.
“You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”

On Tuesday, the Queen announced she had cancelled her annual garden parties and several other events, and would head to Windsor Castle, west of London, on Thursday (local time).
The Queen’s message went on: “As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.

“We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.”

At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.”
She added: “We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals – today and in the coming days, weeks and months.”