Discussion Coronavirus

[saintsrfreak]

Who cares about why it is 500 and not 499 or 501. The ban was on static gatherings of over 500 people and the obvious major events with well over that figure like the Rugby, AFLW, AFL, Cricket, and Grand Prix were all canned which is a good thing.

Like you said, the aim is to slow the spread. So if you stop events that attract tens of thousands of people, that slows the spread.

If you want us all to become recluses then sure ban 500 people gatherings, ban less than 100 people gatherings because of the reasons you mentioned.

There needs to be a balance between slowing the spread as much as possible but also not interfering or controlling people's lives.

Like I said, it's impossible to stop and you proved my point with your pub example.

So where would you like to draw the line? Do we ban pubs now? Do we ban gatherings of 10 people? What about gatherings of more than 5 people? And if you have a number for me could you explain how you came to that number? Why the magic number?

Well they need a number. 500 makes sporting events impossible to attend which is what they want. Many people are going to get cv but for health system to not fall apart they need to spread the cv over a long period time. What would be your ideal number. If it’s more than one then you can get it. They have to pick a number that you manage. It will change as more get it

Coronavirus: Spain and France announce sweeping restrictions

Spain sharply restricts citizens' movements while France has closed non-essential public places.

www.bbc.com

Two of the EU's biggest states, Spain and France, have followed Italy in announcing emergency restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

In Spain, people are banned from leaving home except for buying essential supplies and medicines, or for work.

With 191 deaths, Spain is Europe's worst-hit country after Italy.

In France, where 91 people have died, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and most shops are now shut.

Italy, which has recorded more than 1,440 deaths, began a nationwide lockdown on Monday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Europe is now the "epicentre" of the pandemic.

WHO head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged countries to use aggressive measures, community mobilisation and social distancing to save lives.

This is where Europe is at now, and I think it's realistically where we're heading as well. Wouldn't it be better to get ahead of the curve and implement these aggressive measures before we have mass casualties?

 

[plugger66]

Coronavirus: Spain and France announce sweeping restrictions

Spain sharply restricts citizens' movements while France has closed non-essential public places.

www.bbc.com

This is where Europe is at now, and I think it's realistically where we're heading as well. Wouldn't it be better to get ahead of the curve and implement these aggressive measures before we have mass casualties?

Well if it happens it happens but until I’m told otherwise I’m living my life as normal as I can. If I feel a cold coming on I will stay home on my own

 

[George]

Coronavirus: Spain and France announce sweeping restrictions

Spain sharply restricts citizens' movements while France has closed non-essential public places.

www.bbc.com

This is where Europe is at now, and I think it's realistically where we're heading as well. Wouldn't it be better to get ahead of the curve and implement these aggressive measures before we have mass casualties?

Get ready for a recession then.

 

[triggering bro]

 

[gringo2011]

Funny how Rugby is being played this weekend in front of fans, but tomorrow crowds over 500 are banned. How fair dinkum are they?

They had a massive Hillsong event on in Sydney that should spread it pretty well. I don't want to be cynical but Scomo belongs to the church putting it on with tens of thousands attending and they held off until it was over.

 

[From 45]

Get ready for a recession then.

It already is technically

 

[Diehard Saint]

What is also inevitable is the spread of this virus.

We cant expect people to be couped up in their homes for months until this thing dies down or we find a vaccine.

I am generally pretty hygienic (thanks OCD!) but I can't stop myself from getting it because I have to get on with my life. I catch public transport to work, I am in an office full of people that also catch public transport. Lets say my workplace tells us all to start working from home, OK, fine. Now I have to go to the supermarket, where a thousand people have been in and out of during the day. I have to get out of my house for any reason - now I am open to catching it from whoever I walk past.

I agree completely that we need to be more aware of our hygiene and be cautious of our surroundings, but you'd go absolutely insane if you were living your life in fear like that. It's impossible to stop.

And with the meet up from the cheer squad, well they aren't forcing anyone to go. And we've all been advised (the general public) by people who know more about this than we do, that gatherings of under 500 people is okay. I think Australia is already putting in steps to slow the spread by cancelling events like the Grand Prix, the Super Rugby, and no crowds at the AFL, AFLW, Cricket. This is a much more effective and important measure for the broader community than a dozen people watching the football at the pub.

Really what I meant is symptoms can be so minor that no one knows if they are healthy or not and can then inadvertently infect other people.

There’s a difference between living in fear and being extra careful for a month or two. Personally, I have an 88 year old mother and I won’t be taking any risks I don’t need to, to protect her. I’d rather watch at home with friend or two than in a pub with 50 - 499 people. (And really, why is 500 “safer” than 520? - it’s an arbitrary figure.)

I’m not hysterical or afraid, just prudent. In actual fact I think it’ll be a moot point because I’m expecting they’ll cancel.

 

[gringo2011]

Ok but then businesses fall apart. We need to look at it short and long term. Do we really want every restaurant shut? Do we want no local sport at all? Do we shut every single shop? Tge government and the head medical person has determined 500 at the moment. I work on my own 5 days a week. See probably one person when I get lunch. For my mental health I need to get out on the weekends. I’m sure there are many tge same

I'm already bored.

 

[Joffaboy]

Coronavirus: Spain and France announce sweeping restrictions

Spain sharply restricts citizens' movements while France has closed non-essential public places.

www.bbc.com

This is where Europe is at now, and I think it's realistically where we're heading as well. Wouldn't it be better to get ahead of the curve and implement these aggressive measures before we have mass casualties?

Incorrect. We are at the same point in the cycle as Europe except it isn't winter.

China and Europe have bought us time and anybody who knows me will know I am no fan of the Libs but.

1) They were one of the first to ban China travellers

2) Extended that to Korea then Iran and Italy.

3) Europe is the epicentre now, the govt has now enacted pre emptive measures to slow the virus and not have a 1000 new cases a day as we come into flu season.

We could still go down the Italy path but China and Korea are showing a rapid decline, if these measures and the public health measures are successful, we may well not have the same crisis as Europe.

 

[From 45]

Incorrect. We are at the same point in the cycle as Europe except it isn't winter.

China and Europe have bought us time and anybody who knows me will know I am no fan of the Libs but.

1) They were one of the first to ban China travellers

2) Extended that to Korea then Iran and Italy.

3) Europe is the epicentre now, the govt has now enacted pre emptive measures to slow the virus and not have a 1000 new cases a day as we come into flu season.

We could still go down the Italy path but China and Korea are showing a rapid decline, if these measures and the public health measures are successful, we may well not have the same crisis as Europe.

This virus isn't seasonal.. People are of the belief that it will calm down when it gets warmer and it will accelerate when it gets colder. Mers is a prime example that it circulates fine in hot temperatures of the middle East. No one knows what it will become. This is just the beginning and this is going to be around for several months regardless of the seasons.

 

[George]

Really what I meant is symptoms can be so minor that no one knows if they are healthy or not and can then inadvertently infect other people.

There’s a difference between living in fear and being extra careful for a month or two. Personally, I have an 88 year old mother and I won’t be taking any risks I don’t need to, to protect her. I’d rather watch at home with friend or two than in a pub with 50 - 499 people. (And really, why is 500 “safer” than 520? - it’s an arbitrary figure.)

I’m not hysterical or afraid, just prudent. In actual fact I think it’ll be a moot point because I’m expecting they’ll cancel.

I get all that, but surely there's comes a point when we realise we can't really contain it despite our best efforts. 500 people is an arbitrary figure, but as I've said to others here, where do you draw the line? What is an acceptable number? Because if you are around only one other person you are still a chance of getting it.

 

[Joffaboy]

This virus isn't seasonal.. People are of the belief that it will calm down when it gets warmer and it will accelerate when it gets colder. Mers is a prime example that it circulates fine in hot temperatures of the middle East. No one knows what it will become. This is just the beginning and this is going to be around for several months regardless of the seasons.

No virus is seasonal, however it has been the case we have 'flu' season where a number of rhino and corona viruses circulate more readily.
Due to the heightened hygiene awareness the knock on effect may well be less cold and influenza cases this year.

If seasons have nothing to do with it and as we are at the same point of the virus cycle as Europe that a health official suggested on the ABC the other day, its a reason to be quietly confident that we may dodge the crisis in Europe and maybe go down the HK/Singapore route.

 

[CALL ME SNAKE]

I knew buying " The Streak " DVDs was gonna come in handy one day.

I'm just gonna put that bad boy on continuous play for the season.

 

[saintsrfreak]

Incorrect. We are at the same point in the cycle as Europe except it isn't winter.

China and Europe have bought us time and anybody who knows me will know I am no fan of the Libs but.

1) They were one of the first to ban China travellers

2) Extended that to Korea then Iran and Italy.

3) Europe is the epicentre now, the govt has now enacted pre emptive measures to slow the virus and not have a 1000 new cases a day as we come into flu season.

We could still go down the Italy path but China and Korea are showing a rapid decline, if these measures and the public health measures are successful, we may well not have the same crisis as Europe.

China and South Korea have slowed it through social lockdown and hugely extensive testing, respectively.

 

[George]

It already is technically

We'd make sure of it if we followed Europe.

 

[From 45]

No virus is seasonal, however it has been the case we have 'flu' season where a number of rhino and corona viruses circulate more readily.
Due to the heightened hygiene awareness the knock on effect may well be less cold and influenza cases this year.

If seasons have nothing to do with it and as we are at the same point of the virus cycle as Europe that a health official suggested on the ABC the other day, its a reason to be quietly confident that we may dodge the crisis in Europe and maybe go down the HK/Singapore route.

This isn't like a normal flu so it's not seasonal. You should watch joe Rogan podcast with Michael osterholm. Absolutely fascinating ..

 

[triggering bro]

I get all that, but surely there's comes a point when we realise we can't really contain it despite our best efforts. 500 people is an arbitrary figure, but as I've said to others here, where do you draw the line? What is an acceptable number? Because if you are around only one other person you are still a chance of getting it.

They are staggering the outbreak to flatten the bell curb so hospitals & medical centres are not overwhelmed. The alternative is to apply BAU & see people in their homes & streets dying because they cannot access medical attention.

The inevitable is full lockdown like we have/are witnessing in Asia & parts of Europe. This is full pandemic mode where no one works except essential businesses (hospitals, police, food shopping stores, pharmacies, etc), full border closures, in some cases closure of suburbs/districts, all events/sport cancelled, schools/edu facilities closed.

Post pandemic it will then get to a point where the damn wall breaks & we will all have to allow for the outbreak to spread & unfortunately many will die. But at least it will be somewhat staggered & many lives saved as a result of previous decisions being made.

This is not a myth or fear mongering. It is literally happening right now in many countries around the world. No overreacting by the govt, if anything a more structured & aggressive approach is required. The financial toll will be massive but there comes a time where we way up money vs lives otherwise it’s only the strong who survive.

Personally I am young, fit & healthy & not at risk of the virus. I’m not concerned about my health one iota. I am concerned about contracting the virus & passing it onto the vulnerable hence why I support safe hygiene practices & self isolation unless completely essential to be out & about. I can cop “not going to the pub or public sporting event” to support others less fortunate.

 

[triggering bro]

This isn't like a normal flu so it's not seasonal. You should watch joe Rogan podcast with Michael osterholm. Absolutely fascinating ..

Im a massive JR fan however everything I’ve read suggests the virus is most aggressive in colder climate hence why it’s anticipated Australia spikes in the next few months.

 

[From 45]

Im a massive JR fan however everything I’ve read suggests the virus is most aggressive in colder climate hence why it’s anticipated Australia spikes in the next few months.

TB I encourage to watch it. He explains it perfectly. How this guy hasn't been the major spokesman for this virus is beyond. He's been studying infectious diseases for decades he also predicted this. He knows what he's talking about. And he clearly states this is not seasonal and the public have been totally mis informed .

 

[NarklesHelmet]

They are staggering the outbreak to flatten the bell curb so hospitals & medical centres are not overwhelmed. The alternative is to apply BAU & see people in their homes & streets dying because they cannot access medical attention.

The inevitable is full lockdown like we have/are witnessing in Asia & parts of Europe. This is full pandemic mode where no one works except essential businesses (hospitals, police, food shopping stores, pharmacies, etc), full border closures, in some cases closure of suburbs/districts, all events/sport cancelled, schools/edu facilities closed.

Post pandemic it will then get to a point where the damn wall breaks & we will all have to allow for the outbreak to spread & unfortunately many will die. But at least it will be somewhat staggered & many lives saved as a result of previous decisions being made.

This is not a myth or fear mongering. It is literally happening right now in many countries around the world. No overreacting by the govt, if anything a more structured & aggressive approach is required. The financial toll will be massive but there comes a time where we way up money vs lives otherwise it’s only the strong who survive.

Personally I am young, fit & healthy & not at risk of the virus. I’m not concerned about my health one iota. I am concerned about contracting the virus & passing it onto the vulnerable hence why I support safe hygiene practices & self isolation unless completely essential to be out & about. I can cop “not going to the pub or public sporting event” to support others less fortunate.

Spot on.

As a small business owner like many of us, of course a recession isn’t something you take lightly and it will hurt me and many people.

But the real issue is the health of the elderly and vulnerable. It is looking dire for them right now. Haven to tighten our belts economically for 12 months will mean nothing if it means saving some of the lives of our elderly parents and relatives and others who are vulnerable.

This is like nothing the world has had to deal with for decades.

 

[George]

They are staggering the outbreak to flatten the bell curb so hospitals & medical centres are not overwhelmed. The alternative is to apply BAU & see people in their homes & streets dying because they cannot access medical attention.

The inevitable is full lockdown like we have/are witnessing in Asia & parts of Europe. This is full pandemic mode where no one works except essential businesses (hospitals, police, food shopping stores, pharmacies, etc), full border closures, in some cases closure of suburbs/districts, all events/sport cancelled, schools/edu facilities closed.

Post pandemic it will then get to a point where the damn wall breaks & we will all have to allow for the outbreak to spread & unfortunately many will die. But at least it will be somewhat staggered & many lives saved as a result of previous decisions being made.

This is not a myth or fear mongering. It is literally happening right now in many countries around the world. No overreacting by the govt, if anything a more structured & aggressive approach is required. The financial toll will be massive but there comes a time where we way up money vs lives otherwise it’s only the strong who survive.

Personally I am young, fit & healthy & not at risk of the virus. I’m not concerned about my health one iota. I am concerned about contracting the virus & passing it onto the vulnerable hence why I support safe hygiene practices & self isolation unless completely essential to be out & about. I can cop “not going to the pub or public sporting event” to support others less fortunate.

I'm not advocating we go BAU, I'm just saying if people think that 500 people is not okay then please provide a number and tell me why it is okay.

If we apply strict measures like Italy we will enter a full blown recession. Small business around the country will not cope without people buying from them. If we apply the same measures as Italy I would say the rate of suicide in this country would be at an all-time high. People would struggle to cope financially from the after effects of such measures. So people can say lives mean more than money right now but this country is already under financial strain, if we go into recession the stress and pressure it will put on millions of Australians will be felt not just for months but for years.

There needs to be a balance between still pumping money into the economy but also keeping people safe. At the moment, 500 people seems to be what health authorities suggest is a safe number. They know more about it than I do. It was obviously enacted so the government could ban crowds at sporting events and concerts, or anything else that would attract big crowds. If our situation worsens I'm sure that number will change.

 

[saintsrfreak]

Im a massive JR fan however everything I’ve read suggests the virus is most aggressive in colder climate hence why it’s anticipated Australia spikes in the next few months.

I think the misconception some has is that it will die off in warmer seasons, when really it will be less transmissible but there's no sign that it would just go away.

 

[Diehard Saint]

I get all that, but surely there's comes a point when we realise we can't really contain it despite our best efforts. 500 people is an arbitrary figure, but as I've said to others here, where do you draw the line? What is an acceptable number? Because if you are around only one other person you are still a chance of getting it.

We cannot contain, but we can try limit it as much as possible. You’ve seen how it’s worked in places like Singapore and South Korea, and how it hasn’t in Europe.

Hospitals are not quickly fitting in as many important surgeries as possible now in order to free up beds later just on a whim.

It may be necessary to catch public transport, it may be necessary to go into a work situation if you can’t do so remotely, but it’s not really necessary to hang out in large groups socially. For what hopefully will be a short period of time in the general scheme of things.

In much of Europe they’ve closed restaurants, cinemas, coffee shops, bars etc. Surely we do as much “social distancing” as we can now to try and avoid those extremes later and avoid placing huge burden on our medical health people and facilities.

The school I work at was closed three days last week and will be further extended for another week - not because we have had any positive case, but because there has been one ( only one ) with someone returning from the States, at our brother school which has a lot of families in common. That’s two primary, two high schools and an early learning centre all closing. That’s being pro-active and believe me involves a whole lot of work for the staff learning how to teach remotely etc etc. it’s a huge hassle, but it’s pre-emptive and precautionary, and that’s what it should be about right now.

So no, it’s not illegal to go out in large crowds right now, but limiting to small gatherings of your friends is surely the sensible thing to do?

 

[Mowman]

We'd make sure of it if we followed Europe.

Whether we follow Europe or not we are having a recession, most likely already in it

 

[plugger66]

I'm not advocating we go BAU, I'm just saying if people think that 500 people is not okay then please provide a number and tell me why it is okay.

If we apply strict measures like Italy we will enter a full blown recession. Small business around the country will not cope without people buying from them. If we apply the same measures as Italy I would say the rate of suicide in this country would be at an all-time high. People would struggle to cope financially from the after effects of such measures. So people can say lives mean more than money right now but this country is already under financial strain, if we go into recession the stress and pressure it will put on millions of Australians will be felt not just for months but for years.

There needs to be a balance between still pumping money into the economy but also keeping people safe. At the moment, 500 people seems to be what health authorities suggest is a safe number. They know more about it than I do. It was obviously enacted so the government could ban crowds at sporting events and concerts, or anything else that would attract big crowds. If our situation worsens I'm sure that number will change.

Exactly. Whether you like scomo or not he is listening to the experts. Without being rude I doubt we experts on here. And if these experts don’t ban people going to pubs clubs restaurants etc then I will continue to go. Others can choose not to. Neither are breaking rules. The moment they say you can’t do then I will stop