The Coronavirus thread.

[kelper]

@kelper where you live you might get access to some cask strength whisky (around 60%) :) - but that would be quite expensive sanitiser

I have a good supply of BZK, thanks.

 

[simon12]

Would Starsan do as a hand sanitizer? I still have a nearly full bottle and my local supermarket as no hand sanitizer at all. Just a thought. I am over 80 so at risk.
better days

I don't think so as its only a surface sanitiser not a disinfectant.

 

[simon12]

Just been to waitrose, completely out of toilet and kitchen roll, hand soap and sanitiser, paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen but plenty of everything else. There is new evidence vitamin D can help prevent infection and noone seems to have panic bought it yet.

 

[Northern_Brewer]

Would Starsan do as a hand sanitizer? I still have a nearly full bottle and my local supermarket as no hand sanitizer at all.

It's worth remembering that (simplifying a bit) viruses are just little bits of genetic material wrapped in a ball of fat. So although they're presented as some kind of inferior option, in fact soap, Fairy Liquid and any other "degreaser" are your absolute #1 weapons for "killing" viruses.

Shops are keen to sell you stuff as anti-bacterial which may be good at killing bacteria, but that's not what we're really worried about here - it's like going fishing with an elephant gun. Great for elephants, not much use against fish. Although often what actually kills you is not the virus but the secondary bacterial infections, so it's not completely stupid to worry about bacteria but to be honest good general hygiene should be enough in the home, and you're as likely to pick up the bacteria in hospital.

Bleach and/or acid will help against viruses, even if soap etc is the first choice. Starsan is 50% phosphoric acid with a bit of detergent, so yes it will work but even ordinary malt vinegar (5%-ish of acetic acid) will work reasonably well against viruses, even when diluted 1:10 in hot water - see

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0008987&type=printable

A squirt of Fairy Liquid in it will make vinegar even more effective.

It's also worth emphasising that the first line of defence is just keeping surfaces clean, which in itself will remove 99% of viruses - "disinfectants" should be about knocking out 99% of what's left after cleaning. Part of the problem with skin, which is why you get this 20-second suggestion, is that viruses a)stick quite well to it and b) they get caught in the wrinkles, which is obviously more of a problem when you're older. I'm surprised clinics aren't selling Botox for hands as a preventative measure!

We are supposed to head off for France in a few weeks time and we are already wondering what will happen to the variety of kisses that the French normally exchange!

The geography of kissing gets really complicated in France, anything from 1-4 kisses and different cheeks first depending on where you are :
https://theconversation.com/which-c...nce-and-beyond-a-kiss-isnt-just-a-kiss-124917

 

[obscure]

The worst part about panic buying is that it leaves you in the position of either doing it your self or suddenly finding you can’t get hold of something urgently. Case in point having to order two months worth of toilet paper for the office (thankfully you can still get this fairly easily but most of the office supply companies give a week lead time (rather than the normal 24 hours), and I freak it will get worse as panic sets in.

Ultimately though I commute by train, and work in an office through which viruses spread like wildfire, the chances are that if/when it becomes a full pandemic I will probably get it but what will be will be.

 

[An Ankoù]

It's as if each supermarket is being hit by doomsday preppers.
Just goes to show how panic spreads, it's something I have never seen before.

Neither have I and I wonder how much stuff people are buying. Nevertheless, I would have thought it sensible for every household to ensure they can "withstand a seige" of a couple of weeks so that if anyone catches the virus, they can manage without having to go shopping and infecting everyone else. At least we should be ok for beer.

 

[kelper]

others are panic buying, me, I'm taking sensible precautions.

 

[An Ankoù]

I've instructed our lot to use both sides of the paper.

 

[Leon103]

Just been to waitrose, completely out of toilet and kitchen roll, hand soap and sanitiser, paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen but plenty of everything else. There is new evidence vitamin D can help prevent infection and noone seems to have panic bought it yet.

Always take a vitamin D tablet, luckily I am well stocked up on those.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

viruses are just little bits of genetic material wrapped in a ball of fat.

I don't know about all viruses but this one definitely is, they were discussing this on 5 live the other day and were saying that is why alcohol based hand wash is the best thing to use, shame they didnt also mention other things that would work other than washing your hands for several minutes every time you wash them, if you work in a place where you have to wash your hands often few will do it for long enough for it to be effective.

 

[An Ankoù]

Always take a vitamin D tablet, luckily I am well stocked up on those.

Vit D3 2000 IUs, Mg 400 mg, Zn 20 mg, Se 100 micro grams daily. Plus vitamin C. If things start looking iffy be prepared to take more than 3g of vit C distributed throughout the day. I also keep echinacea in reserve. None of this is an antidote against a viral infection, but it bolsters the immune system and gives you a fighting chance. This is a good supplement
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calcium-Ma...vita+calcium+vitamin+d3&qid=1583768324&sr=8-5
and is the one we're using although it's a little light on the Zn. Note I'm NOT a medical professional, but trust the advice of those who recommend this kind of supplement.

 

[MrL73]

it's like going fishing with an elephant gun. Great for elephants, not much use against fish

I reckon you could catch a few by letting loose a few rounds into the the pond and scooping up the concussed ones...


But yeah, I agree about the whole virus/anit bac thing.

 

[thesteve]

Pretty harsh on the employers that the government are planning to amend the rules for SSP. SSP is not reclaimable by employers from the government so all this will do is push the cost on to businesses.

 

[Richie_asg1]

Pretty harsh on the employers that the government are planning to amend the rules for SSP. SSP is not reclaimable by employers from the government so all this will do is push the cost on to businesses.

Compared to the alternative of over half your workforce staying at home because they're ill. I think I would rather pay them to keep out.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Most people believe all workers should receive sick pay from their employer if they are affected by the coronavirus, new research suggests.

The TUC said its study supported union demands for the Government to respond to the crisis by bringing forward emergency support for the almost two million workers who are currently missing out on Statutory Sick Pay.

The union organisation warned ministers that inadequate provision of sick pay posed a threat to public health since many workers will struggle to meet basic costs if they can’t attend work for a prolonged period.

Some people may feel they have no choice but to go to work while ill, or against Government advice, said the TUC.

The Government announced last week that SSP will be paid from the first day workers take off in an attempt to encourage people to stay away from work if they are unwell.

But unions want the Government to go further, amid warnings that some groups, such as the self-employed, would not be covered.

The TUC is also calling for the current rate of SSP, £94.25 a week, to be increased to ensure that workers can afford to follow public health advice.

A survey of 2,000 people for the TUC found that 85 per cent believed all workers should get sick pay if they are affected by the coronavirus.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “A massive majority of voters agree that no-one should be left out of pocket because they’ve done the right thing and followed Government health advice.

“But currently, many people won’t even be able to cover their rent and bills if they fall ill or have to take time off.

“Government needs to stop making excuses and immediately reform sick pay legislation so it covers all workers at a decent rate.

“It’s the sensible way to give working families the security they need - and to protect public health.

“Nothing is stopping employers doing the right thing right now, and pledging that any worker who has to self-isolate on medical advice, or who gets sick, will get full pay while they’re off work.”

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/18290208.unions-sick-pay-fight/

 

[strange-steve]

I've instructed our lot to use both sides of the paper.

We'll be alright, I've just installed this in our bathroom:

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Having seen the 3 shells how to guide below i think i would stick to bog roll (no pun intended) in the future

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Back on topic.

Boris has just announced after the COBRA meeting they are moving towards the delay phase..



Delay

The Government will aim to "slow the spread" of the virus, reducing the impact and "pushing it away from the winter season".

The document states if possible they want to delay the peak of the virus until the summer months when it will be warmer.

This is to hopefully: “reduce significantly the risk of overlapping with seasonal flu and other challenges that the colder months bring".

Officials are also exploring the most effective ways to slow the spread of the virus.

They say the public can help delay the "peak of the infection" with simple measures including adhering to the "catch it, bin it, kill it" strategy for sneezing and coughing, and hand-washing.

The “next steps" for the delay phase are the possibility of "population distancing strategies" like closing schools, pushing for more home working, and reducing large-scale gatherings.

 

[Brianbrewed]

All Patricks day events have been cancelled here in Ireland.

Massive blow to what is one of the country's leading cultural and tourist events.

The damage this virus is already causing the world economy is huge