Coronavirus

[Matt N]

Italy has warned today their hospitals are struggling with numbers needing beds. And only a tiny tiny proportion of the population are infected.

As for death rates and 80% being mild...... So says China. Do we trust them? News is coming out they knew about this month's ago. The lab which reported the genome has been quietly closed down and sciences around the world are finding parts of the sequence are missing.

We don't hear much from survivors except how their experience was certainly not mild.

I think we'll be over 1000 cases within the next few days and the deaths will start. We need to close down the UK completely. No one in or out until we can control this.

Numbers in China are back on the up now done travel restrictions have been relaxed. This is not under control.

The fact that 8 of our 35 cases have already recovered suggests that while it's no small matter, coronavirus certainly isn't anywhere near the lethal killer that the likes of ebola were, or even on the level of other similar viruses like SARS or MERS.

Also, with regards to China; the WHO themselves have said that China have been far more cooperative than they were during past outbreaks, like the SARS outbreak of 2003. Add to that the fact that other researchers from other countries are backing up what everyone is saying about the relatively low death rate and mild symptoms in most cases.

 

[GaryH]

The fact that 8 of our 35 cases have already recovered suggests that while it's no small matter, coronavirus certainly isn't anywhere near the lethal killer that the likes of ebola were, or even on the level of other similar viruses like SARS or MERS.

At the moment........ But what happens when the hospital's have no beds free. There is only a finite supply in the UK and given each patient will occupy the bed for around 3 to 4 weeks and 90% of people infected will have some form of pneumonia (even mild cases) then we will see the death rate go up and recoveries not keep pace.

People are thinking this is nothing to worry about at the moment because the numbers are low. What we are seeing at the moment is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[Matt N]

At the moment........ But what happens when the hospital's have no beds free. There is only a finite supply in the UK and given each patient will occupy the bed for around 3 to 4 weeks and 90% of people infected will have some form of pneumonia (even mild cases) then we will see the death rate go up and recoveries not keep pace.

People are thinking this is nothing to worry about at the moment because the numbers are low. What we are seeing at the moment is just the tip of the iceberg.

People could always isolate themselves at home and have specialist staff come to visit them.

To see how the virus spreads long-term and a long-term sign of the death rate, I think we should look at what China's stats are like, as the disease has been spreading there for 2 months now. Quite a substantial number of people have recovered from the illness in China, so I don't think it will end up being a major killer along the lines of Ebola, or even SARS/MERS.

Current data around the world seems to suggest a mortality rate of between 1 and 4%, and I'd imagine that countries with less stable health systems will be the worst hit. For all the NHS' apparent flaws, it's definitely a very stable health system compared to others around the world, so I'd imagine the UK might fall towards the lower end of this range. I think the countries to be concerned for are poorer countries in continents like Africa, where it could have a catastrophic impact if it breaks out badly.

Of course I'm not saying that I'm not worried about COVID-19, because I definitely am. But what I mean is; some places online are making it out to be like the 21st century equivalent of the Black Death, and I don't think it will be anywhere near that bad provided the current containment efforts continue.

Out of interest, for those of you who were alive during other major pandemics (e.g. swine flu 2009, HIV 1980s), was there this level of fear around? Were the media reports quite so worrying?

 

[GaryH]

The hiv adverts and fear of catching it scared the hell out of me! So I guess the campaign worked

 

[bluesonichd]

I convinced myself I had hiv as a kid. Even tho I was only 12.
Stupid government adverts.

Then again I’m trying to not convince myself the runny nose I have at the moment isn’t full blown corvid19

 

[Matt N]

If some of the top Conservatives' comments and things I've read online are true, then I think we could have a similar campaign for coronavirus before long.

In terms of my past experiences with major outbreaks of disease, the only other major one I remember was Ebola, which broke out when I was about 11 or 12. I was absolutely terrified that I was going to get it and die from it at the time, but those fears turned out to be unfounded as only 1 case was ever recorded in Britain and they didn't die from it. I also vaguely remember people talking about swine flu, but I don't really remember it much as I was only 6 at the time. Out of these two, COVID-19 seems more comparable to swine flu than Ebola, because it has far greater spread than Ebola, but a far lower death rate (current COVID-19 death rate is between 1 and 4%, Ebola's was around 40-50%)

 

[GaryH]

I convinced myself I had hiv as a kid. Even tho I was only 12.
Stupid government adverts.

Then again I’m trying to not convince myself the runny nose I have at the moment isn’t full blown corvid19

Thats one thing with Covid19 - you dont get a runny nose or sneezes. Starts with fever, then intense muscle aches and feeling no energy, then shortness of breath. The second week is when it either goes away or gets worse very quickly

 

[bluesonichd]

Knowing my luck. I’ve got the mutated form of it



It’s cross my mind now tho wether or not to go to Towers open weekend

Can never be too safe.

 

[Matt N]

Speaking of deadly illnesses; while everyone's on about coronavirus, I just saw this article about a different disease that seems to have slipped under the radar, and a third of Brits could potentially have it:
https://apple.news/Ai2kZt4G1ToC6V8aYL4--Xg
Now I know this is completely different to COVID-19, but it does put things into perspective a little.

Also, while I'm posting, it might interest you all to know that the case in Surrey that everyone is trying to trace the contacts of was a man in his 80s, apparently.

 

[bluesonichd]

Authorities keep saying wearing face masks do nothing to prevent you catching it.
Yet ever news reporter on the tv I see wearing a mask

 

[delta79]

At the moment........ But what happens when the hospital's have no beds free. There is only a finite supply in the UK and given each patient will occupy the bed for around 3 to 4 weeks and 90% of people infected will have some form of pneumonia (even mild cases) then we will see the death rate go up and recoveries not keep pace.

People are thinking this is nothing to worry about at the moment because the numbers are low. What we are seeing at the moment is just the tip of the iceberg.

By the time it get to that level Civil contingencies would of been activated.
Hotels, college and university accommodation would be 'borrowed' for extra beds.
Personnel and supplies would be a bigger issue. Military Field medics and members of volunteer medical societies would be used to fill care needs.

Sent from my SM-J600FN using Tapatalk

 

[Jb85]

I was one of the few that caught swine flu during the epidemic. Whilst I have never been so ill in my whole life m, it didn’t seem as scary as this. To me I still feel there is something we’re not being told. To my memory the government certainly didn’t act the way it has with this, nor did other countries.

it’s very hard to self isolate when you live with others, especially children. and I think this is where the biggest risk is to our population. We don’t have enough beds / units to quarantine people on true isolation. If you live with people, there is still a risk of passing it on even if you try your hardest. And I doubt that the family members will self isolate as well. Meaning there is even more risk of this spreading

 

[GaryH]

Totally agree with Jb85. China is covering up. I strongly believe this virus is man made in the lab in Wuhan The fact they have closed down the lab working on the genome and refused to fill in some of the blanks in the sequence as being asked by scientists world wide, which in turn slows down progress on a vaccine is very suspicious.

Infection rate in China is creeping up again the past few days. WHO are unsure why but I think authorities have been relaxing some of the quarantine rules so obviously numbers will once again increase. This is one hell of a contagious virus.

I also caught swine flu when that happened and remember never feeling so ill, and absolutely soaking the bed with sweat to the point I could wring the bedsheets like a wet towel. Two things I fear with this virus (1) trying to get medical help and none being available at your time of need and (2) the pneumonia which 90% of infected people will experience.

Referring back to Italy, currently 50% of infected cases need hospitalisation. 50%!!!!!! 6% currently critical condition on a ventilator and 18% are in ICU.

Self isolating as you say is very difficult when you are a family. I've been thinking of this myself, wondering do I go put myself in the shed in the garden, in the loft, somewhere far away from my family, but I think given its incubation period, it would be impossible to not give it to loved ones.

Have to say the number of people I have seen coughing and sneezing without covering their mouths has really annoyed me recently. Thinking about this virus, if everyone coughed into a tissue, binned it and then washed their hands this virus wouldnt circulate.

... just waiting to see how many more cases we will get today. Given there are 2 people out there undetected at the moment then I'm guessing its going to be around 50 extra today.

 

[DiogoJ42]

I've seen some claims that the DNA of Corona was actually based on that of HIV. Intentionally, in the lab, of course. Citation needed.

Meanwhile, there are some images doing the rounds of a book called "The Eyes of Darkness", by Dean Koontz, published in 1981. In it there is mention of a manmade virus called "Wuhan-400", developed in a bioweapons lab in Wuhan, that escaped in 2020. It spread round the globe via animals, killed with pnumonia like symptoms, and was resistent to all treatments.

The person who showed me this at work seemed paniced. I told him to go look up the old "Illuminati" card game, then get back to me if he hadn't blown his brains out.

 

[Alsty]

I really can't lose any sleep over this. I think some people in this thread are working themselves into a panic which ultimately is achieving nothing.

I think it's inevitable that it will spread to the wider populace but what can you do about it? Just take sensible precautions as much as you can and hope for the best. All the posturing about infection rates, death rates, detection rate, how it spreads, etc ultimately means nothing as none of us are in a position to control it.

Ideally if person-to-person spread in the UK can be minimised during the winter months then that will help reduce the pressure on the NHS, but there's no way to do it perfectly.

 

[bluesonichd]

I can’t cope with the anticipation of it all.
Someone just give me the virus now and get it over and done with
I dont like waiting.

 

[GaryH]

So the question is

Is a sensible precaution not to go to crowded areas. In which case, does that mean AT? Standing in queue lines next to people... harnesses touched by god knows how many hands and fingers that day.... sitting in restaurants or on the monorail with others?

Is anyone not thinking of going this year because of this?

 

[MellowPasta]

So the question is

Is a sensible precaution not to go to crowded areas. In which case, does that mean AT? Standing in queue lines next to people... harnesses touched by god knows how many hands and fingers that day.... sitting in restaurants or on the monorail with others?

Is anyone not thinking of going this year because of this?

I’m not going to put off visiting theme parks (unless they intentionally close)

I have to use the London Underground 5 days a week so I’m sure my hands have touched worse at some point

Wash your hands kids.

 

[ringo]

So the question is

Is a sensible precaution not to go to crowded areas. In which case, does that mean AT? Standing in queue lines next to people... harnesses touched by god knows how many hands and fingers that day.... sitting in restaurants or on the monorail with others?

Is anyone not thinking of going this year because of this?

I wouldn’t stop visiting unless there was a major increase / local increase to the park.

But it’s got to be something Merlin will have to tackle across their properties. Just how Towers would cope I have no ideas, the cleaning process on Galactica headsets left a lot to be desired...using one wet wipe for 4 headsets just moving the dirt from seat 1 to the other 3 so in fact only 1 ever got “cleaned”

Maybe they will install hand sanitisers dispensers at the ride entrances and anywhere else needed.

 

[Tentaclaws]

So the question is

Is a sensible precaution not to go to crowded areas. In which case, does that mean AT? Standing in queue lines next to people... harnesses touched by god knows how many hands and fingers that day.... sitting in restaurants or on the monorail with others?

Is anyone not thinking of going this year because of this?

I have OCD and have long had a fear of bugs, particularly tummy bugs, and at my worst times I have found myself frantically researching how various things are spread.

Theme parks are a weird one. An enclosed space with others like a queue line is a nightmare for things like colds, flu and of course, this virus, anything airborne. But from what they know of other viruses of this type; it can’t be transmitted through food and lives on surfaces for a short amount of time, so eating from outlets (Hot Dogs, that kind of thing) and eating on the front lawns or quite an open space away from others is quite a safe bet. A place like Towers has so many spaces where you aren’t coming into contact with others. You are more likely to get a bug that can survive well on surfaces, which from what we know, Coronavirus doesn’t live for very long at all outside of a living body.

The biggest problem for Towers would be if there was an outbreak with staff as they would not only be understaffed, but also staff members are touching and checking rides all day.

Of course this is all speculation, but from what I have thought about in the past, queue lines are the only time you really are exposed to many others in a small space (barring things like Fireworks and Scarefest).