Coronavirus
Apr 3rd 2020, 7:16 pm
#1156
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,338
Re: Coronavirus
This pandemic, as time from the Spanish Flu pandemic, very simplistically demonstrates is a one in a century event. But this really is a probability and there's nothing to prevent a new viral pandemic ocurring next year, or even now.
This virus attacks lung function and has highlighted the need for mechanisms that assist lungs to absorb oxygen, in this case the much vaunted ventilator.
There's no way to know what useful piece of technology will be needed the next time nature decides to take on the human species.
What is evident is that the virus needs to spread from individual to individual in order to generate a 'pandemic'.
It's not clear to me why low tech items like face masks and gowns haven't been stockpiled in sufficient quantity to provide protection to medical staff during a period that would be defined by a long term pandemic.
These items aren't particularly exciting, but they have been shown to be absolutely necessary in excessive quantity.
If I still lived in the UK I might wonder why disgusting amounts of money have been wasted on a pair of useless aircraft carriers, nuclear powered submarines etc etc, when there's a real need for simple things like a few buildings full of beds that can be used in an emergency. This failing isn't confined to the UK alone. Like the current pandemic, it infects political decision making worldwide.
"Ahhh.." I hear you say, "Nobody saw this coming, so there's nobody at fault."
But this isn't true. We have armies of people who game play the next world war in order to anticipate the needs therefrom and this is driven by the profit motive under the false guise of protecting the population. Where were those game playing experts examining the next global health threat?
I suspect that there existed a small army of Joe Bloggs's shouting from the rooftops of their sheds in the UN that they'd seen evidence of the pandemic starting but such news doesn't win elections or fatten wallets and was ignored.
This virus attacks lung function and has highlighted the need for mechanisms that assist lungs to absorb oxygen, in this case the much vaunted ventilator.
There's no way to know what useful piece of technology will be needed the next time nature decides to take on the human species.
What is evident is that the virus needs to spread from individual to individual in order to generate a 'pandemic'.
It's not clear to me why low tech items like face masks and gowns haven't been stockpiled in sufficient quantity to provide protection to medical staff during a period that would be defined by a long term pandemic.
These items aren't particularly exciting, but they have been shown to be absolutely necessary in excessive quantity.
If I still lived in the UK I might wonder why disgusting amounts of money have been wasted on a pair of useless aircraft carriers, nuclear powered submarines etc etc, when there's a real need for simple things like a few buildings full of beds that can be used in an emergency. This failing isn't confined to the UK alone. Like the current pandemic, it infects political decision making worldwide.
"Ahhh.." I hear you say, "Nobody saw this coming, so there's nobody at fault."
But this isn't true. We have armies of people who game play the next world war in order to anticipate the needs therefrom and this is driven by the profit motive under the false guise of protecting the population. Where were those game playing experts examining the next global health threat?
I suspect that there existed a small army of Joe Bloggs's shouting from the rooftops of their sheds in the UN that they'd seen evidence of the pandemic starting but such news doesn't win elections or fatten wallets and was ignored.
After all if the national emergency was of a diffferent nature we might be decrying the running down of our armed forces.
Although there was someone on R4 yesterday who had been involved in a large government’war game’ about a pandemic. He was surprised how little action had been taken as a result of that.
Apr 3rd 2020, 7:30 pm
#1157
Listen to the Music
Joined: Mar 2013
Location: Fraser Valley BC
Posts: 4,712
Re: Coronavirus
but if there were warehouses full of stockpiles of this stuff, and no pandemic would there be questions/investigations/condemnation of the waste of NHS resources on unnecessary equipment when people are dying on waiting lists, etc?
After all if the national emergency was of a diffferent nature we might be decrying the running down of our armed forces.
Although there was someone on R4 yesterday who had been involved in a large government’war game’ about a pandemic. He was surprised how little action had been taken as a result of that.
After all if the national emergency was of a diffferent nature we might be decrying the running down of our armed forces.
Although there was someone on R4 yesterday who had been involved in a large government’war game’ about a pandemic. He was surprised how little action had been taken as a result of that.
Unlike the military fighter jet or latest missile, a gown is a gown, there's no need to invest in the newest gown available.
These ideas aren't new. When I was young I remember there being an Isolation Hospital nearby, a realisation that some diseases carried social risks and the local authority was prepared for it. However the advent of immunisation etc meant that such amenities closed.
I wouldn't worry about funding for the military, there's too much cash involved to 'run'down' their slush fund.
Apr 3rd 2020, 7:51 pm
#1158
Tea Drinker
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Posts: 5,387
Re: Coronavirus
This pandemic, as time from the Spanish Flu pandemic, very simplistically demonstrates is a one in a century event. But this really is a probability and there's nothing to prevent a new viral pandemic ocurring next year, or even now.
This virus attacks lung function and has highlighted the need for mechanisms that assist lungs to absorb oxygen, in this case the much vaunted ventilator.
There's no way to know what useful piece of technology will be needed the next time nature decides to take on the human species.
What is evident is that the virus needs to spread from individual to individual in order to generate a 'pandemic'.
It's not clear to me why low tech items like face masks and gowns haven't been stockpiled in sufficient quantity to provide protection to medical staff during a period that would be defined by a long term pandemic.
These items aren't particularly exciting, but they have been shown to be absolutely necessary in excessive quantity.
If I still lived in the UK I might wonder why disgusting amounts of money have been wasted on a pair of useless aircraft carriers, nuclear powered submarines etc etc, when there's a real need for simple things like a few buildings full of beds that can be used in an emergency. This failing isn't confined to the UK alone. Like the current pandemic, it infects political decision making worldwide.
"Ahhh.." I hear you say, "Nobody saw this coming, so there's nobody at fault."
But this isn't true. We have armies of people who game play the next world war in order to anticipate the needs therefrom and this is driven by the profit motive under the false guise of protecting the population. Where were those game playing experts examining the next global health threat?
I suspect that there existed a small army of Joe Bloggs's shouting from the rooftops of their sheds in the UN that they'd seen evidence of the pandemic starting but such news doesn't win elections or fatten wallets and was ignored.
This virus attacks lung function and has highlighted the need for mechanisms that assist lungs to absorb oxygen, in this case the much vaunted ventilator.
There's no way to know what useful piece of technology will be needed the next time nature decides to take on the human species.
What is evident is that the virus needs to spread from individual to individual in order to generate a 'pandemic'.
It's not clear to me why low tech items like face masks and gowns haven't been stockpiled in sufficient quantity to provide protection to medical staff during a period that would be defined by a long term pandemic.
These items aren't particularly exciting, but they have been shown to be absolutely necessary in excessive quantity.
If I still lived in the UK I might wonder why disgusting amounts of money have been wasted on a pair of useless aircraft carriers, nuclear powered submarines etc etc, when there's a real need for simple things like a few buildings full of beds that can be used in an emergency. This failing isn't confined to the UK alone. Like the current pandemic, it infects political decision making worldwide.
"Ahhh.." I hear you say, "Nobody saw this coming, so there's nobody at fault."
But this isn't true. We have armies of people who game play the next world war in order to anticipate the needs therefrom and this is driven by the profit motive under the false guise of protecting the population. Where were those game playing experts examining the next global health threat?
I suspect that there existed a small army of Joe Bloggs's shouting from the rooftops of their sheds in the UN that they'd seen evidence of the pandemic starting but such news doesn't win elections or fatten wallets and was ignored.
Apr 3rd 2020, 9:29 pm
#1159
Oscar nominated
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Moncton, NB, CANADA
Posts: 50,810
Re: Coronavirus
...If I still lived in the UK I might wonder why disgusting amounts of money have been wasted on a pair of useless aircraft carriers, nuclear powered submarines etc etc, when there's a real need for simple things like a few buildings full of beds that can be used in an emergency.....
Apr 3rd 2020, 9:55 pm
#1160
Yo
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 24,474
Re: Coronavirus
The US is now projecting total deaths at 100-200,000 (heard 240,000 too) although that does imply a 'end date'. I can't say I've seen a similar such projection for the UK. I've heard "we're hoping to keep deaths below 20,000" but no real range. Anyone know the Canada equaivalent?
Apr 3rd 2020, 9:57 pm
#1161
Listen to the Music
Joined: Mar 2013
Location: Fraser Valley BC
Posts: 4,712
Re: Coronavirus
I'm no better than any other. Like most, if not all, voters I haven't been shouting about impending pandemics, but then I've not offered myself for a position of governmental responsibility.
We hear time and again from political leaders that the first responsibility of government is to protect the nation and this argument is used to spend vast amounts on the bright shiny things. History will note that no political party paid it any attention because it didn't enter the national consciousness, but that's no excuse.
And, yes, I'm speaking from hindsight. Perhaps this'll learn 'em though.
Last edited by dave_j; Apr 3rd 2020 at 9:59 pm.
Apr 3rd 2020, 10:03 pm
#1162
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Coronavirus
The US is now projecting total deaths at 100-200,000 (heard 240,000 too) although that does imply a 'end date'. I can't say I've seen a similar such projection for the UK. I've heard "we're hoping to keep deaths below 20,000" but no real range. Anyone know the Canada equaivalent?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toron...ions-1.5519575
"Provincial health experts say they expect COVID-19 could kill 3,000 to 15,000 people in Ontario over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, the ramifications of which could last up to two years."
Apr 3rd 2020, 10:10 pm
#1163
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Coronavirus
BC Ferries is laying off 1,400 people and cutting service, they have seen massive drop in demand.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...-bay-1.5521120
They are also cutting a pretty major route.
"A statement Friday said BC Ferries is seeing an 80 per cent drop in passengers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To save money, the corporation said it is suspending service on the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay route linking West Vancouver and Nanaimo for 60 days."
City of Vancouver is going to provide meals and cleaning services to 21 SRO's in an effort to prevent an outbreak within the DTES.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...dtes-1.5521008
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...-bay-1.5521120
They are also cutting a pretty major route.
"A statement Friday said BC Ferries is seeing an 80 per cent drop in passengers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To save money, the corporation said it is suspending service on the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay route linking West Vancouver and Nanaimo for 60 days."
City of Vancouver is going to provide meals and cleaning services to 21 SRO's in an effort to prevent an outbreak within the DTES.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...dtes-1.5521008
Apr 3rd 2020, 10:56 pm
#1164
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Coronavirus
53 new cases, 4 more deaths, for a total of 35 deaths now, number of patients in hospitals has dropped.
4,399 acute care beds available for COVID-19 patients largely because they cancelled 11,276 non-urgent elective surgeries between March 17 and April 2.
498 active cases.
641 recovered cases.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...alls-1.5509133
Vancouver convention center should be ready for patients if needed soon, the province may not need to even use it, but better to have it set up and ready rather than wait until its needed, very proactive on the part of the government.
https://vancouversun.com/news/covid-...-by-wednesday/
4,399 acute care beds available for COVID-19 patients largely because they cancelled 11,276 non-urgent elective surgeries between March 17 and April 2.
498 active cases.
641 recovered cases.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...alls-1.5509133
Vancouver convention center should be ready for patients if needed soon, the province may not need to even use it, but better to have it set up and ready rather than wait until its needed, very proactive on the part of the government.
https://vancouversun.com/news/covid-...-by-wednesday/
Last edited by scrubbedexpat091; Apr 4th 2020 at 12:28 am.
Apr 4th 2020, 1:30 am
#1166
Tea Drinker
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Posts: 5,387
Re: Coronavirus
53 new cases, 4 more deaths, for a total of 35 deaths now, number of patients in hospitals has dropped.
4,399 acute care beds available for COVID-19 patients largely because they cancelled 11,276 non-urgent elective surgeries between March 17 and April 2.
498 active cases.
641 recovered cases.
4,399 acute care beds available for COVID-19 patients largely because they cancelled 11,276 non-urgent elective surgeries between March 17 and April 2.
498 active cases.
641 recovered cases.
Apr 4th 2020, 3:25 am
#1167
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Coronavirus
This guy is an idiot. BC Solicitor General even called him an idiot.
https://globalnews.ca/news/6777373/b...site-hospital/
My question is if he thinks this is a hoax/doesn't exist, why does he wear a mask in parts of his video?
https://globalnews.ca/news/6777373/b...site-hospital/
My question is if he thinks this is a hoax/doesn't exist, why does he wear a mask in parts of his video?
Apr 4th 2020, 3:52 am
#1168
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,612
Re: Coronavirus
This guy is an idiot. BC Solicitor General even called him an idiot.
https://globalnews.ca/news/6777373/b...site-hospital/
My question is if he thinks this is a hoax/doesn't exist, why does he wear a mask in parts of his video?
https://globalnews.ca/news/6777373/b...site-hospital/
My question is if he thinks this is a hoax/doesn't exist, why does he wear a mask in parts of his video?
Apr 4th 2020, 6:44 am
#1169
Yo
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 24,474
Re: Coronavirus
Ontario says their projected models show 3,000 to 15,000 people dying, and that is just one province. Not sure if Canada has a projected model for the country as a whole.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toron...ions-1.5519575
"Provincial health experts say they expect COVID-19 could kill 3,000 to 15,000 people in Ontario over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, the ramifications of which could last up to two years."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toron...ions-1.5519575
"Provincial health experts say they expect COVID-19 could kill 3,000 to 15,000 people in Ontario over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, the ramifications of which could last up to two years."