Topic: Re: COVID-19 FACTS and INFO ONLY

[Zeb]

This is not live yet but will be next week (23/3 onwards). It's an online therapy service which is going to offer free 20 minute sessions, by Skype, FaceTime or on the telephone, for those who are struggling with being isolated during this. It's run by professional therapists, and they're also looking for more volunteers who the expertise to help.

https://www.thehelphub.co.uk/

Grauniad story about it.

[classycarra]

Some positive news about capacity building of testing (hopefully some detail of the antibody test to confirm those who have recovered from infection should come in the next few weeks)

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/testing-for-coronavirus-covid-19-will-increase-to-25-000-a-day

The increased capacity is expected to be ready within 4 weeks, with highest-priority cases being tested first.

The announcement follows a meeting at Downing Street last night (Tuesday 17 March), where the Prime Minister and Health Secretary promised industry leaders that they would be given whatever support they need to help government increase testing capabilities across the country.

The Prime Minister also called on companies to work with the government to rapidly develop a test to establish whether people have developed immunity. This will help get NHS and other critical public sector staff back to work as fast as they can.

The increased testing will also include developing a point-of-care swab test outside of hospitals, so people with suspected symptoms can quickly find out if they have coronavirus.

The UK has one of the most sophisticated public health systems in the world and was one of the first countries outside China to have assured testing capability for the novel coronavirus.

Over 50,000 tests for coronavirus have already been completed. It is anticipated that, with increased capacity to 25,000 daily, testing levels in the UK could soon exceed that in China.

Last week, the NHS and PHE increased testing to 5,000 a day and that number continues to increase. By next week it is hoped that testing will increase to 10,000 per day.

Since the end of February, there has been a robust surveillance programme in place. PHE is testing a sample of the population to help us understand the level of virus circulating in the community.

This robust surveillance determines what proportion of the population is affected – and is used by modellers to estimate where we are in the pandemic and to assess the impact of the measures that have been taken.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

Public safety is my top priority, and radically ramping up testing for coronavirus is a key part of our plan to protect lives. We are already among the best in the world for coronavirus testing and today we are launching a national effort to increase our testing capability even further.

Our aim is to protect life, protect the most vulnerable, and relieve pressure on our NHS – so it is right that we prioritise testing for those most at risk of severe illness. We will always do the right thing at the right time, based on the best scientific advice, and will do whatever it takes to protect life.

Professor Sharon Peacock, Director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said:

This is a timely boost to the UK’s testing capacity, which is a vital element in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. By working together with industry we can increase the country’s testing ability – allowing us to better map the spread of infection in the community and to protect our healthcare workers on the frontline of our response.

[kavah]

For the first time since the coronavirus crisis began, China on Thursday reported no new local infections for the previous day, a milestone in its costly battle with the outbreak that has since become a pandemic, upending daily life and economic activity around the world.

Officials said 34 new coronavirus cases had been confirmed, all involving people who had come to China from elsewhere.

In signaling that an end to China’s epidemic might be in sight, the announcement could pave the way for officials to focus more on reviving the country’s economy, which nearly ground to a halt after the government imposed travel restrictions and quarantine measures. In recent days, economic life has been resuming in fits and starts.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/coronavirus-news.html#link-160694bb

[Zeb]

Turn2Us have updated their benefits calculator, and will keep updating as and when more changes come in. Works out what you're entitled to and could claim.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/Benefits-and-Coronavirus

[Robinred]

Haven’t seen this elsewhere (apologies if I missed it). Makes sense that unidentified carriers have been responsible for spreading the virus. Seems very relevant to us given how belatedly our Government got a comprehensive testing regime prioritised.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/scientists-say-mass-tests-in-italian-town-have-halted-covid-19?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[soxfan]

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/-LKVUarhtvE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/-LKVUarhtvE</a>

[24/7]

Ouch. Some staggering figures in this video.....

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-51962813/india-must-prepare-for-a-tsunami-of-coronavirus-cases

'India must prepare for a tsunami of coronavirus cases'

Dr Ramanan Laxminarayan, director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy has warned that India could soon be dealing with a "tsunami" of coronavirus cases.

Speaking to the BBC's Rajini Vaidyanthan in Delhi, Dr Laxminarayan said that if the same mathematical models applied in the US or UK were applied to India, the country could be dealing with about 300 million cases, of which about four to five million could be severe. India has already implemented a series of wide-ranging measures to slow the spread of the virus.

Official figures show the country has 149 active cases, but many public health experts worry that the country has conducted far too few tests.

Video by Sanjay Ganguly

[TheShanklyGates]

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus

Very useful site for those who wish to keep track of the latest figures.

[redbyrdz]

Don't know if that has been posted yet - a pretty detailed simulator, developed by epidemiologists in Germany
http://covidsim.eu/

[reddebs]

[emoji3482][emoji3544] Those of you with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma can contact your GP for a 'Rescue Pack'. It gives you a 5 day supply of a corticosteroid (prednisolone) and a 5 day supply of an antibiotic (usually amoxicillin or doxycycline) which can be started immediately if you develop any breathing issues.

Please share!

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[Wabaloolah]

A handy comparison guide for symptoms if people are concerned

[12C]

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/full-list-50-new-liverpool-17954869

A full list of the schools acting as hubs for kids of key workers.
Apologies for the crappy Echo website

[Zeb]

Government Guidance for employees:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees

Worth taking note of if you need to isolate because of own symptoms or someone else in your household's:

Proof of sickness

If you have COVID-19 or are advised to stay at home, you can get an ‘isolation note’ by visiting NHS 111 online, rather than visiting a doctor. For COVID-19 cases this replaces the usual need to provide a ‘fit note’ (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) after 7 days of sickness absence.

Isolation notes will also be accepted by Jobcentre Plus as evidence of your inability to attend.

[Zeb]

National Debtline has done a helpsheet for anyone worrying about financial stuff. Covers everything from what benefits may be worth chasing to advice on bills.

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/coronavirus-advice-and-support/help-and-advice.aspx


Citizens Advice version is here and also covers things such as living day to day with social distancing:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you

[Zeb]

The difference between self-isolation and social distancing. (ITV Wales News)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/zqBOiyBbWnE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/zqBOiyBbWnE</a>

[Zeb]

Will be letters and/or text messages going out to people but Government are now telling the most at risk people to stay at home for the next 12 weeks. This is who are being asked to do that.




https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-new-measures-to-protect-people-at-highest-risk-from-coronavirus

The guidance for people at the highest risk is:   

Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;

Do not leave your house for at least 12 weeks starting on Monday 22 March.

Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces e.g. family homes, weddings, parties and religious services.

Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact.

Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.

Do use telephone or online services to contact your GP practice or other essential services as and when you need.

And what they're doing to support all those people:

A raft of new measures, including a helpline for the most in need of support, have been set out for those considered to be extremely vulnerable due to their medical conditions, so people know exactly how to care for themselves and others in the coming months.   

It was also announced that a new Local Support System will make sure those individuals self-isolating at home and who are without a support network of friends and family will receive basic groceries. Community pharmacies will support those who need help getting their medicines delivered. 

The Government is working with a partnership of the groceries industry, local government, local resilience and emergency partners, and voluntary groups, to ensure that essential items can start to be delivered as soon as possible to those who need it. The people identified as the most vulnerable in their communities will be contacted directly – including in person where necessary - as a priority.

Members of the armed forces, already in local communities helping Local Resilience Forums and local councils on their coronavirus response plans, will support this effort and are at the heart of local planning in response to this crisis.   

[Red-Soldier]

This gets updated every few days with the latest data.

Hopefully, it helps to inform and calm some nerves.

https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/covid-19-coronavirus-infographic-datapack/

[soxfan]

CDC offers online triage for coronavirus testing

A online bot nicknamed Clara is acting as triage for healthcare providers in the US as demand for coronavirus testing continues to surge.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is offering a "Coronavirus Self-checker" for people concerned they may have symptoms of the disease as it sweeps through the country.

As of Saturday night, a total of 323 people infected with the disease had died in the United States, with 25,740 cases confirmed.

The CDC says its bot is to help users make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care and "is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions, including COVID-19."
The electronic guide introduces itself as "Clara" on the CDC's website.

Clara asks a series of questions to establish the level of illness being experienced by the user or the person they are asking questions on behalf of, whether for example they are gasping for air or suffering from shortness of breath.

It also establishes their location within the US, whether they are in a long-term care facility and if they have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.

Recommendations range from calling 911 immediately to staying at home and calling their health care provider within 24 hors. Clara also points to the relevant state's health department for further advice.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/22/health/cdc-self-checker-coronavirus-bot-trnd/index.html

The CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker is HERE: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html

[kavah]

Lost Sense of Smell [and or taste] May Be Peculiar Clue to Coronavirus Infection

...“We really want to raise awareness that this is a sign of infection and that anyone who develops loss of sense of smell should self-isolate,” Prof. Claire Hopkins, president of the British Rhinological Society, wrote in an email. “It could contribute to slowing transmission and save lives.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-symptoms-smell-taste.html?action=click&module=News&pgtype=Homepage

[Zeb]

Some useful advice and details on what to do if you can't cover utility bills, whether pre-payment meter or standard credit meter.

Ultimately, suppliers will deal with issues on a case-by-case basis, so the best thing you can do if you have to self-isolate or are struggling to pay your bill due to coronavirus is to contact your provider as soon as you can. Suppliers have asked customers to use email and online chat where possible, to keep phone lines open for the most vulnerable.

If you can't leave home to top up at your usual shop, Ofgem suggests you arrange for a trusted person to take your card and do it for you (try to have minimal contact with them), and leave your meter box unlocked if it's outside your home. And if you can afford it, and you're not self-isolating already, energy firms are encouraging people to try to top up a little more than usual each time to build up some credit.

We know that won't work for everyone, so we've details below on what each provider has committed to so far.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/energy-firms-move-to-help-customers-unable-to-top-up-due-to-coro/

[Alan_X]

This gets updated every few days with the latest data.

Hopefully, it helps to inform and calm some nerves.

https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/covid-19-coronavirus-infographic-datapack/

The problem with that is that every case is fatal. You might only have mild symptoms but unless you take care you will pass it to someone vulnerable.

[jillcwhomever]

Lost Sense of Smell [and or taste] May Be Peculiar Clue to Coronavirus Infection

...“We really want to raise awareness that this is a sign of infection and that anyone who develops loss of sense of smell should self-isolate,” Prof. Claire Hopkins, president of the British Rhinological Society, wrote in an email. “It could contribute to slowing transmission and save lives.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-symptoms-smell-taste.html?action=click&module=News&pgtype=Homepage

This is a really interesting bit of information. I suffer from my sinus an awful lot, losing your sense of smell happens if you suffer badly with Sinusitis. In fact it happened to me yesterday. It'll be interesting to see what other information they pick up from this.

[Trada]

NEW RULES ON STAYING AT HOME AND AWAY FROM OTHERS

The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.
When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection. That is why the government is now (23 March 2020) introducing three new measures.

1. Requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes
2. Closing non-essential shops and community spaces
3. Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public

Every citizen must comply with these new measures. The relevant authorities, including the police, will be given the powers to enforce them – including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

These measures are effective immediately. The Government will look again at these measures in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows this is possible.

1. STAYING AT HOME
You should only leave the house for one of four reasons.
● Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
● One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
● Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
● Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

These four reasons are exceptions - even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

These measures must be followed by everyone. Separate advice is available for individuals or households who are isolating, and for the most vulnerable who need to be shielded.

If you work in a critical sector outlined in this guidance, or your child has been identified as vulnerable, you can continue to take your children to school.

2. CLOSING NON-ESSENTIAL SHOPS AND PUBLIC SPACES
Last week, the Government ordered certain businesses - including pubs, cinemas and theatres - to close.

The Government is now extending this requirement to a further set of businesses and other venues,

including:
● all non-essential retail stores - this will include clothing and electronics stores; hair, beauty and nail salons; and outdoor and indoor markets, excluding food markets.
● libraries, community centres, and youth centres.
● indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, arcades and soft play facilities.
● communal places within parks, such as playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms.
● places of worship, except for funerals attended by immediate families.
● hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use (excluding permanent residents and key workers).

3. STOPPING PUBLIC GATHERINGS
To make sure people are staying at home and apart from each other, the Government is also stopping all public gatherings of more than two people.
There are only two exceptions to this rule:
● where the gathering is of a group of people who live together - this means that a parent can, for example, take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home.
● where the gathering is essential for work purposes - but workers should be trying to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace.
In addition, the Government is stopping social events, including weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies. This will exclude funerals, which can be attended by immediate family.

DELIVERING THESE NEW MEASURES
These measures will reduce our day to day contact with other people. They are a vital part of our efforts to reduce the rate of transmission of coronavirus.
Every citizen is instructed to comply with these new measures.
The Government will therefore be ensuring the police and other relevant authorities have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings where people do not comply.

They will initially last for the three weeks from 23 March, at which point the Government will look at them again and relax them if the evidence shows this is possible.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

[Zeb]

Nice one Trada.

-----

Been asked a few times on the main general thread, this is the current definition of key workers from the Government. Correct as of time of this post.

Health and social care
This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.

Education and childcare
This includes childcare, support and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach.

Key public services
This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting.

Local and national government
This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response, or delivering essential public services, such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies.

Food and other necessary goods
This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines).

Public safety and national security
This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.

Transport
This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.

Utilities, communication and financial services
This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.

From guidelines to schools Link

[Red-Soldier]

The problem with that is that every case is fatal. You might only have mild symptoms but unless you take care you will pass it to someone vulnerable.

That's simply not true, hence the flatterning the curve diagram and all the advice about social distancing/isolation/hygiene.

The majority of the cases are mild, thats a fact, and if you don't come into close contact with anyone, practice good hygiene etc, then you wont pass it to someone vulnerable.

We all need to take action though, as although only a very small percentage of the population are at a real risk of dying from it, we are all capable of contracting and spreading it.

The current global fatality rate for confirmed cases is just under 5%, similar to the UK.  Italy and Spain are around 10% and 8% respectively.

[Wabaloolah]

A doctor friend of mine has sent me this it's an app that allows them to track people showing symptoms of the virus. They want people to fill it in even if you are currently well

https://covid.joinzoe.com/

[Alan_X]

That's simply not true, hence the flatterning the curve diagram and all the advice about social distancing/isolation/hygiene.

The majority of the cases are mild, thats a fact, and if you don't come into close contact with anyone, practice good hygiene etc, then you wont pass it to someone vulnerable.

We all need to take action though, as although only a very small percentage of the population are at a real risk of dying from it, we are all capable of contracting and spreading it.

The current global fatality rate for confirmed cases is just under 5%, similar to the UK.  Italy and Spain are around 10% and 8% respectively.

You missed my point. We need to get people away from the mindset that for most it’s just a mild illness. While that’s true, if you get it and pass it on the next person, or the next after that could die.

It’s not a mild disease, it’s a fatal disease that uses fit and healthy people as the carrier to infect the people it kills. 

[Red Beret]

From the Because Science YouTube channel, an easy to understand guide for making your own hand sanitizer.  I hope this is the correct place to share.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/0C6dqKev_s4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/0C6dqKev_s4</a>

[Armin]

I'm somewhat obsessively collecting links... Here's some of the sites I've found most useful:


Our World in Data - the best visual representation of current data. Updated daily.
They worked on this video, best 8 minute primer I've seen
Stat Coronavirus coverage
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center - excellent collection of articles. Also teamed up with The Lancet on a dashboard to track the virus.
CDC US agency heading their response.

[Red-Soldier]

You missed my point. We need to get people away from the mindset that for most it’s just a mild illness. While that’s true, if you get it and pass it on the next person, or the next after that could die.

It’s not a mild disease, it’s a fatal disease that uses fit and healthy people as the carrier to infect the people it kills.

No I didn't:

That's simply not true, hence the flatterning the curve diagram and all the advice about social distancing/isolation/hygiene.

The majority of the cases are mild, thats a fact, and if you don't come into close contact with anyone, practice good hygiene etc, then you wont pass it to someone vulnerable.

We all need to take action though, as although only a very small percentage of the population are at a real risk of dying from it, we are all capable of contracting and spreading it.

The current global fatality rate for confirmed cases is just under 5%, similar to the UK.  Italy and Spain are around 10% and 8% respectively.

[Zeb]

Transcript of Sunak's speech today. Waiting on further details, advice is to wait on the webportal for this to be opened (scheme starts in June and will then be backdated) not to phone HMRC to ask for details.

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/chancellor-outlines-new-coronavirus-support-measures-for-the-self-employed

So, to support those who work for themselves, today I am announcing a new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

The government will pay self-employed people, who have been adversely affected by the Coronavirus, a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits over the last three years, up to £2,500 a month.

This scheme will be open for at least three months – and I will extend it for longer if necessary.

So I’ve taken steps to make this scheme deliverable, and fair:

* to make sure that the scheme provides targeted support for those most in need, it will be open to anyone with income up to £50,000.

* to make sure only the genuinely self-employed benefit, it will be available to people who make the majority of their income from self-employment

* and to minimise fraud, only those who are already in self-employment, who have a tax return for 2019, will be able to apply

95% of people who are majority self-employed will benefit from this scheme.

HMRC are working on this urgently and expect people to be able to access the scheme no later than the beginning of June.

If you’re eligible, HMRC will contact you directly, ask you to fill out a simple online form, then pay the grant straight into your bank account.

And to make sure no one who needs it misses out on support, we have decided to allow anyone who missed the filing deadline in January, four weeks from today to submit their tax return.

Self-employed people can access the business interruption loans.

Self-assessment income tax payments, that were due in July, can be deferred to the end of January next year.

And we’ve also changed the welfare system so that self-employed people can now access Universal Credit in full.

A self-employed person with a non-working partner and two children, living in the social rented sector, can receive welfare support of up to £1,800 per month.

[Zeb]

Shelter's asking tenants to take note of the fact that even if they get served notice that they *cannot* be evicted at the moment. Here's the government's summary of why:

To ensure all renters are clear on the full package of support that is currently available to them, we are bringing this together into one place.

From today (26 March 2020) landlords will have to give all renters 3 months’ notice if they intend to seek possession (i.e. serve notice that they want to end the tenancy) – this means the landlord can’t apply to start the court process until after this period. This extended buffer period will apply in law until 30 September 2020 and both the end point, and the three month notice period can be extended if needed. This protection covers most tenants in the private and social rented sectors in England and Wales, and all grounds of evictions. This includes possession of tenancies in the Rent Act 1977, the Housing Act 1985, the Housing Act 1996 and the Housing Act 1988. After three months if the tenant has not moved a landlord needs to apply to court in order to proceed.

From tomorrow (27 March 2020) following a decision by the Master of the Rolls with the Lord Chancellors agreement the court service will suspend all ongoing housing possession action – this means that neither cases currently in the or any about to go in the system can progress to the stage where someone could be evicted. This suspension of housing possessions action will initially last for 90 days, but this can be extended if needed. This measure will protect all private and social renters, as well as those with mortgages and those with licenses covered by the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. This will apply to both England and Wales.

Tenants are still liable for their rent and should pay this as usual. If they face financial hardship and struggle to pay this, support is available. In the first instance they should speak to their landlord if they think they will have difficulty meeting a rental payment, and in this unique context we would encourage tenants and landlords to work together to put in place a rent payment scheme. However we have also put specific measures in place:

We are working with the Master of Rolls to strengthen the pre-action protocol requirement and also extend this to the private rented sector. This will help landlords and tenants to agree reasonable repayment plans where rent arrears may have arisen.

We have already made £500 million available to fund households experiencing financial hardship.

As part of the workers’ support package, the Chancellor announced the government will pay up to 80% of a worker’s wages, up to a total of £2,500 per month, where workers are placed on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Both Universal Credit and Housing Benefit will increase and from April, Local Housing Allowance rates will pay for at least 30% of market rents in each area.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-support-available-for-landlords-and-renters-reflecting-the-current-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

[soxfan]

A really good resource on dozens of COVID-19 questions and answers about how we as individuals should proceed daily.

https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/

[Medellin]

Apologies if this has already been posted..

New 10-minute coronavirus test developed in Liverpool

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/new-10-minute-coronavirus-test-17993380#ICID=Android_EchoNewsApp_AppShare

Use the app.

[Medellin]

Graph from the BBC..

[TSC]

Copied from the fast moving thread;

Quote from: TSC on Yesterday at 06:18:05 PM
Northern Ireland just confirmed it completed an extensive order for PPE equipment today in partnership with the rep of ire.  I would assume this is via the large purchase of same being undertaken by the EU on behalf of all member states.

Health is obviously devolved so NI can make this decision.

I’ve not seen any clarity on whether or not the UK (GB) will partake of same, given it can while transition (brexit) period applies. Anyone know any more on this?

Quoting myself for context.  Re the above, Aer Lingus has began to fly to China to pick up PPE for Ireland (north and south)

https://simpleflying.com/aer-lingus-beijing-flights/

Meanwhile in the UK, due to the government apparently refusing to take part in the substantial purchase of PPE by the EU for its member states (why Aer Lingus is flying back and forth to China to pick up Ireland's requirement), we reportedly have the PM asking Trump for ventilators.  Couldn't make this shit up;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZGJvATDmaY

[TSC]

Expert reaction to questions re 'Viral Load' from this week;

https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-questions-about-covid-19-and-viral-load/

[TSC]

Below is an interview with a major Ventilator manufacturer in Germany.  Some points to note;

Global demand obviously outstrips supply (this obviously relates to one company but same may apply to others globally).
Worrying reading for all obviously, particularly the USA and to a lesser extent the UK
Reference to profiteering going on re some who snapped up supplies at an early stage to sell on.

https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-ventilator-manufacturer-absolutely-mission-impossible-a-549d1e18-8c21-45f1-846f-cf5ca254b008

[Zeb]

Nice information portal from a semi-government UK scientific group UKRI. Will be added to over time but provides sourced easy to read articles on a range of subjects from how the virus spreads to the science behind vaccines.

https://coronavirusexplained.ukri.org/en/

[Zeb]

There's some useful advice and links in this 'how to better get by with this lockdown thing' drawn up by people who understand mental health and wellbeing issues.

The coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak is going to have an impact on everyone’s daily lives, as the government and the NHS take necessary steps to manage the outbreak, reduce transmission and treat those who need medical attention.

It may be difficult, but by following guidance on social distancing, or staying at home, you are helping to protect yourself, your family, the NHS and your community.

During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you. Everyone reacts differently to events and changes in the way that we think, feel and behave vary between different people and over time. It’s important that you take care of your mind as well as your body and to get further support if you need it.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19