Coronavirus

[Dohnut]

Why is it right that kids who are sent home with what is clearly a cold are not allowed back at school until they have had a negative covid test?

So someone doesnt sue the f*ck out of them if it turns out to be more than a cold possibly ?

Pretty much. Guidance is that temperature, new persistent cough or loss of taste/smell trigger meams you need to isolate. No matter how stupid the guidance is if organisations don't follow it they are open to being sued. Don't know legislation around kids at school but if a teacher caught covid and was able to point to the guidance ignored the onus would move to the employer to prove they didn't catch it at school.

I've just had to work from home for the last few days because of a temperature, despite it meaning I would be the second person in the world with a confirmed reinfection and it being bloody obviously not covid, the advice meant I still had to get a test before coming back to work. Luckily I had a way of getting one which was only a little underhand but it's a complete waste of a test.

The wholw approach of focusing just on numbers of tests delivered and then fiddling the figures so targets could be claimed to have been hit has been at the expense of a sensible strategy around targeting tests and their follow up.

I think you have a point. Numbers are important and our labs are doing a magnificent job in very difficult conditions. But available tests need to be focussed in the areas of most need and when I hear of people like nurses not being able to get tested it makes my blood boil.

[Disoriented]

In my opinion testing capacity is not the main issue, it is a mixture of poor messaging from the Government about when to get a test, and the general public turning up for tests with a runny nose or less. This is exacerbated due to return to school/work after the summer.

As said above, the UK is already testing more than many other countries. There is some element of bottlenecks in labs but I don't think that's the main problem.

The number of actual positive tests is I believe less than 2% of the total tested, ie 98% of those tested don't have covid-19 (according to the test). Those numbers suggest a significant number of people should not be turning up for a test in the first place (regardless of the reason they go, whether told to or not, etc).

The more the capacity increases, the more people are going to turn up for a test, especially as winter comes and people get colds, so increasing testing capacity is probably pointless without some kind of more direct management of who goes for a test.

What complete bowlocks.

[Dohnut]

In my opinion testing capacity is not the main issue, it is a mixture of poor messaging from the Government about when to get a test, and the general public turning up for tests with a runny nose or less. This is exacerbated due to return to school/work after the summer.

As said above, the UK is already testing more than many other countries. There is some element of bottlenecks in labs but I don't think that's the main problem.

The number of actual positive tests is I believe less than 2% of the total tested, ie 98% of those tested don't have covid-19 (according to the test). Those numbers suggest a significant number of people should not be turning up for a test in the first place (regardless of the reason they go, whether told to or not, etc).

The more the capacity increases, the more people are going to turn up for a test, especially as winter comes and people get colds, so increasing testing capacity is probably pointless without some kind of more direct management of who goes for a test.

What complete bowlocks.

Why?

[Smendrick Feaselberg]

Saw earlier that a significant number of people are trying to/successfully obtaining tests when they don't have symptoms so FaldO isn't talking bawlocks.

[kokomO]

Saw earlier that a significant number of people are trying to/successfully obtaining tests when they don't have symptoms so FaldO isn't talking bawlocks.

They've had 8 months ..... to blame the wrong type of people for taking a test now is as ludicrous as it is a scandal.

We should be at a stage now where EVERYBODY should be able to get tested regardless. Without a vaccine , continued testing on a mass scale (that has never been seen before) is the only way out of this mess. The WHO doctrine back in March was "test test test" and how right they've been proved.

As I say , maybe if we didn't have the scandal where these contracts havnt been outsourced to inept chums we might, just might, have had a better grip on the situation. But no, we are where we are because of the buffoons running the circus. The wrong type of government in charge at the worst possible time.

[Dohnut]

Saw earlier that a significant number of people are trying to/successfully obtaining tests when they don't have symptoms so FaldO isn't talking bawlocks.

They've had 8 months ..... to blame the wrong type of people for taking a test now is as ludicrous as it is a scandal.

We should be at a stage now where EVERYBODY should be able to get tested regardless. Without a vaccine , continued testing on a mass scale (that has never been seen before) is the only way out of this mess. The WHO doctrine back in March was "test test test" and how right they've been proved.

As I say , maybe if we didn't have the scandal where these contracts havnt been outsourced to inept chums we might , just might, have had a better grip on the situation. But no, we are where we are because of the buffoons running the circus. The wrong type of government in charge at the worst possible time.

You mean the buffoons who have systems that are testing more Per million population than Germany, France, Spain, Italy, well let’s say every sizeable country in the world.

Ant the WHO who originally played down the issues with this virus claiming it wasn’t transmitted between people.

OK.

[PoliticOs]

Yes, those buffoons.

I think that post seemed a lot more clever to you than it played out.

[Mick McQuaid]

We are reporting more tests per person than most (but not all) countries. That's not actually the same as saying we are testing more people as a percentage of the population, however hard the government tries to pretend it is. The methodology shows that Germany and Italy in particular just aren't reporting centrally in the same way as our desperate attempts to inflate the numbers.

In all countries it's impossible to know how the number of tests relates to the number of people tested, but there are often multiple tests per person, everyone in hospital will have several if they are discharged. Our stats are skewed by this both on time for results to come back and numbers, obviously if someone is in hospital being treated for covid they present the least risk of transmitting it within the community but those are the results that come back fastest.
As there is no way of tracking a test the advice is to do another one if you don't get a result in a couple of days, I have been tested on four occasions, using nine tests, I am not actually two and a quarter people.

The WHO said on the 14th January that there was no strong evidence of human to human transmission. They updated this on the 17th January to say there was evidence. I've already posted the timeline of WHO alerts and guidance on the previous page but we're in September, you're seriously suggesting a tweet in January which was corrected three days later is the cause of our testing problems?

As for the number of people testing without symptoms, everyone is aware of the risks of asymptomatic transmission so absolutely sensible that we are targeting testing in this way, that's the whole f*cking point of track and trace. The option on the form to request a test without symptoms is 'I have been told to take a test', to blame that for the lack of testing available is risible.

[Long slender neck]

I ended up booking a test for myself because a member of my household had a symptom, mainly because the booking form online is poorly designed. Maybe the whole household should have been tested anyway, I don't know.

We were also given the wrong address for the testing center. I drove someone else to take a test and the directions for that were poor too, no signage when you get there.

[JimbO]

Saw earlier that a significant number of people are trying to/successfully obtaining tests when they don't have symptoms so FaldO isn't talking bawlocks.

They've had 8 months ..... to blame the wrong type of people for taking a test now is as ludicrous as it is a scandal.

We should be at a stage now where EVERYBODY should be able to get tested regardless. Without a vaccine , continued testing on a mass scale (that has never been seen before) is the only way out of this mess. The WHO doctrine back in March was "test test test" and how right they've been proved.

As I say , maybe if we didn't have the scandal where these contracts havnt been outsourced to inept chums we might, just might, have had a better grip on the situation. But no, we are where we are because of the buffoons running the circus. The wrong type of government in charge at the worst possible time.

So your saying they should have the capacity to test 60 million people plus every day?

[kokomO]

Saw earlier that a significant number of people are trying to/successfully obtaining tests when they don't have symptoms so FaldO isn't talking bawlocks.

They've had 8 months ..... to blame the wrong type of people for taking a test now is as ludicrous as it is a scandal.

We should be at a stage now where EVERYBODY should be able to get tested regardless. Without a vaccine , continued testing on a mass scale (that has never been seen before) is the only way out of this mess. The WHO doctrine back in March was "test test test" and how right they've been proved.

As I say , maybe if we didn't have the scandal where these contracts havnt been outsourced to inept chums we might, just might, have had a better grip on the situation. But no, we are where we are because of the buffoons running the circus. The wrong type of government in charge at the worst possible time.

So your saying they should have the capacity to test 60 million people plus every day?

Obviously not everyday but at least weekly. I believe there is a study to be made (not sure if it’s been set back by latest surge) in Salford I believe where all residents will be tested symptomatic or not. not sure on what timely basis and if it was proved to be success would be rolled out to a greater area. While there is no vaccine in sight it has to be the only way to keep ahead of it.

[BoniO]

We are reporting more tests per person than most (but not all) countries. That's not actually the same as saying we are testing more people as a percentage of the population, however hard the government tries to pretend it is. The methodology shows that Germany and Italy in particular just aren't reporting centrally in the same way as our desperate attempts to inflate the numbers.

In all countries it's impossible to know how the number of tests relates to the number of people tested, but there are often multiple tests per person, everyone in hospital will have several if they are discharged. Our stats are skewed by this both on time for results to come back and numbers, obviously if someone is in hospital being treated for covid they present the least risk of transmitting it within the community but those are the results that come back fastest.
As there is no way of tracking a test the advice is to do another one if you don't get a result in a couple of days, I have been tested on four occasions, using nine tests, I am not actually two and a quarter people.

The WHO said on the 14th January that there was no strong evidence of human to human transmission. They updated this on the 17th January to say there was evidence. I've already posted the timeline of WHO alerts and guidance on the previous page but we're in September, you're seriously suggesting a tweet in January which was corrected three days later is the cause of our testing problems?

As for the number of people testing without symptoms, everyone is aware of the risks of asymptomatic transmission so absolutely sensible that we are targeting testing in this way, that's the whole f*cking point of track and trace. The option on the form to request a test without symptoms is 'I have been told to take a test', to blame that for the lack of testing available is risible.

Thanks for this. Always good to read a well written piece based on sound subject knowledge and comprehension. Then there’s Dohnut - Government soundbytes R us - oh dear!

[tuffers#1]

Dido Harding Tory MP

" Nobody expected a spike in September thats why we have difficulty booking tests " .

Matt Hancock Tory M.P
' There's no shortage of tests " .

Who is allowing the tory government to allow 2 very differing opinions
On Virus testing ,

Should we all check our Fridges fo see where fhe leader of this country is ?

[BoniO]

Dido Harding Tory MP

" Nobody expected a spike in September thats why we have difficulty booking tests " .

Matt Hancock Tory M.P
' There's no shortage of tests " .

Who is allowing the tory government to allow 2 very differing opinions
On Virus testing ,

Should we all check our Fridges fo see where fhe leader of this country is ?

So "nobody expected a spike in September" - really? I would have thought that schools re-opening just might have been anticipated to have an effect. But who am I to question Dido? She's done such a great job so far. Crap at Talk Talk where she oversaw the hacking of around 157K customers and didn't have a clue if the data was encrypted or not (much of it wasn't) and then lied to all these customers saying "no sensitive data was hacked" - well it was only names, personal details, addresses, email addresses, and banking details for some. She then forced any customers who, perfectly understandably, wished to leave Talktalk to pay the full early termination charge.

As for the "track & trace" app, well, "World Class". I think not. Does anyone use it, I mean, anyone? Another Government, and Dido of course, total waste of money (unless you're related to Dominic of course).

Dido is way past incompetent. A proven liar as well. Yet another perfect fit for this government.

[tuffers#1]

Dido Harding Tory MP

" Nobody expected a spike in September thats why we have difficulty booking tests " .

Matt Hancock Tory M.P
' There's no shortage of tests " .

Who is allowing the tory government to allow 2 very differing opinions
On Virus testing ,

Should we all check our Fridges fo see where fhe leader of this country is ?

So "nobody expected a spike in September" - really? I would have thought that schools re-opening just might have been anticipated to have an effect. But who am I to question Dido? She's done such a great job so far. Crap at Talk Talk where she oversaw the hacking of around 157K customers and didn't have a clue if the data was encrypted or not (much of it wasn't) and then lied to all these customers saying "no sensitive data was hacked" - well it was only names, personal details, addresses, email addresses, and banking details for some. She then forced any customers who, perfectly understandably, wished to leave Talktalk to pay the full early termination charge.

As for the "track & trace" app, well, "World Class". I think not. Does anyone use it, I mean, anyone? Another Government, and Dido of course, total waste of money (unless you're related to Dominic of course).

Dido is way past incompetent. A proven liar as well. Yet another perfect fit for this government.

Youve missed the point , that this government is peddling
2 very different narratives ,
1 claims testing & track & trace problems,
The other says there is NO problem .

Where is the LEADER OF THIS COUNTRY ?

WTF is he doing ? Hiding under his Nannies dress ?

The

[BoniO]

Dido Harding Tory MP

" Nobody expected a spike in September thats why we have difficulty booking tests " .

Matt Hancock Tory M.P
' There's no shortage of tests " .

Who is allowing the tory government to allow 2 very differing opinions
On Virus testing ,

Should we all check our Fridges fo see where fhe leader of this country is ?

So "nobody expected a spike in September" - really? I would have thought that schools re-opening just might have been anticipated to have an effect. But who am I to question Dido? She's done such a great job so far. Crap at Talk Talk where she oversaw the hacking of around 157K customers and didn't have a clue if the data was encrypted or not (much of it wasn't) and then lied to all these customers saying "no sensitive data was hacked" - well it was only names, personal details, addresses, email addresses, and banking details for some. She then forced any customers who, perfectly understandably, wished to leave Talktalk to pay the full early termination charge.

As for the "track & trace" app, well, "World Class". I think not. Does anyone use it, I mean, anyone? Another Government, and Dido of course, total waste of money (unless you're related to Dominic of course).

Dido is way past incompetent. A proven liar as well. Yet another perfect fit for this government.

Youve missed the point , that this government is peddling
2 very different narratives ,
1 claims testing & track & trace problems,
The other says there is NO problem .

Where is the LEADER OF THIS COUNTRY ?

WTF is he doing ? Hiding under his Nannies dress ?

The

Not missed the point mate. I agree with your point.

I was just focusing on Dido and pointing out what a dreadful track record she has.

[Dohnut]

Beyond comprehension that nobody thought (nobody in Government thought) a spike may happen as winter approaches and lockdown restrictions eased.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

As for the "track & trace" app, well, "World Class". I think not. Does anyone use it, I mean, anyone? Another Government, and Dido of course, total waste of money (unless you're related to Dominic of course).

Dido is way past incompetent. A proven liar as well. Yet another perfect fit for this government.

Is there an app?

[BoniO]

As for the "track & trace" app, well, "World Class". I think not. Does anyone use it, I mean, anyone? Another Government, and Dido of course, total waste of money (unless you're related to Dominic of course).

Dido is way past incompetent. A proven liar as well. Yet another perfect fit for this government.

Is there an app?

Good question tbh - I'm not even sure any more. Trust in Dido. Trust in Boris.

[tuffers#1]

So "nobody expected a spike in September" - really? I would have thought that schools re-opening just might have been anticipated to have an effect. But who am I to question Dido? She's done such a great job so far. Crap at Talk Talk where she oversaw the hacking of around 157K customers and didn't have a clue if the data was encrypted or not (much of it wasn't) and then lied to all these customers saying "no sensitive data was hacked" - well it was only names, personal details, addresses, email addresses, and banking details for some. She then forced any customers who, perfectly understandably, wished to leave Talktalk to pay the full early termination charge.

As for the "track & trace" app, well, "World Class". I think not. Does anyone use it, I mean, anyone? Another Government, and Dido of course, total waste of money (unless you're related to Dominic of course).

Dido is way past incompetent. A proven liar as well. Yet another perfect fit for this government.

Youve missed the point , that this government is peddling
2 very different narratives ,
1 claims testing & track & trace problems,
The other says there is NO problem .

Where is the LEADER OF THIS COUNTRY ?

WTF is he doing ? Hiding under his Nannies dress ?

The

Not missed the point mate. I agree with your point.

I was just focusing on Dido and pointing out what a dreadful track record she has.

Sorry for not realising , it's such a sh*t shower in charge it's
made even the most crtical of us slightly confused at how bad they are

[ComeOnYouOs]

Read today, the government is thinking of outsourcing the test & trace to AMAZON !!!!
Thats amazon who sell stuff online
You couldnt make this stuff up

[Currywurst and Chips]

Read today, the government is thinking of outsourcing the test & trace to AMAZON !!!!
Thats amazon who sell stuff online
You couldnt make this stuff up

I think Amazon would be a Prime candidate for the contract

Why do you think otherwise?

[PoliticOs]

Can't believe you honestly think an internet company with zero experience in this could genuinely deliver, DCC.

[Currywurst and Chips]

Can't believe you honestly think an internet company with zero experience in this could genuinely deliver, DCC.

I've heard Amazon are ready to go and if the government get the order in early enough Amazon will guarantee next day delivery of the new system

[PoliticOs]

Can't believe you honestly think an internet company with zero experience in this could genuinely deliver, DCC.

I've heard Amazon are ready to go and if the government get the order in early enough Amazon will guarantee next day delivery of the new system

There is no way BJ will be in to sign off that package with all the bad press he has had lately. I think this is nuts but keep us posted I guess.