How do you think Boris has handled it so far ? 8th May

[Blue Valkyrie]

Today's debacle for the government, they claim that young children are unlikely to get or pass on the virus, so it's safe for them to go back to school, then offer tests for all over 5s with symptoms - make your ****ing minds up, do they get it or not!

What about the worrying PIMS-TS complication ?

I don't believe the scientists think it is harmless yet, so how can the Government ?

 

[Billy the Fish]

What about the worrying PIMS-TS complication ?

I don't believe the scientists think it is harmless yet, so how can the Government ?

The evidence is growing every day on schools.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/18/french-minister-tells-of-risks-of-missing-school-as-more-pupils-return-covid-19

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

The evidence is growing every day on schools.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/18/french-minister-tells-of-risks-of-missing-school-as-more-pupils-return-covid-19

Yes, but what about PIMS-TS ?

 

[Jim D]

Yes, but what about PIMS-TS ?

Is this the toxic shock issue? If so, I believe that Van Tam said that it was a very small number affected. The fact is that a number of schools have remained open throughout. Do we have any information about positive cases and ongoing infections arising from this?

 

[A1X]

If so, I believe that Van Tam said that it was a very small number affected.

Van Tam also said care homes had been on lockdown since February 30th. Which is bollocks on two counts.

 

[Jim D]

Van Tam also said care homes had been on lockdown since February 30th. Which is bollocks on two counts.

So what's that got to do with kids getting this syndrome? I'm sure you could find something wrong with any person (scientist or not) if you look for it. Does that mean that we shouldn't believe anyone?

 

[A1X]

So what's that got to do with kids getting this syndrome? I'm sure you could find something wrong with any person (scientist or not) if you look for it. Does that mean that we shouldn't believe anyone?

I struggle to get on board with the advice of any scientist who thinks there's a 30th February.

 

[Jim D]

I struggle to get on board with the advice of any scientist who thinks there's a 30th February.

So, who do you 'get on board' with?

 

[blue-shifted]

Disappointing Hancock has recently well and truly joined the lies brigade,

Thousands dead, if only Johnson addressed the national apologised and said we got it wrong I'd have a lot more respect for him. Instead they just double down and dig themselves a deeper hole.

It is, and I admit I had Hancock down as an alright (for a tory mp) bloke up until he said that. My mistake.

Starmer should, and no doubt will, completely crucify Johnson for this on Wednesday.

 

[blue-shifted]

I struggle to get on board with the advice of any scientist who thinks there's a 30th February.

It was an embarrassing mis-step and I generally find Van Tam, the least convincing of the government scientists.

It's notable how loyal all the government scientists have been to the politicians, to the point of sacrificing some scientific credibility in order to back up their political decisions. Don't they realise as soon the public enquiry (codename "operation throw the scientists under the bus 2026") comes, their loyalty in unlikely to be reciprocated. They are civil servants I suppose, but they've shown an incredibly united front given how poor the politicians have been.

 

[A1X]

So, who do you 'get on board' with?

Scientists who understand how calendars work is normally a start.

 

[Jim D]

Scientists who understand how calendars work is normally a start.

Ok. Just that?

 

[darkwolf666]

The evidence is growing every day on schools.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/18/french-minister-tells-of-risks-of-missing-school-as-more-pupils-return-covid-19

Problem with that report, I may have missed it, but I didn't see any scientists commenting, just various country education or government ministers, who will clearly back up their own decisions.

Equally, they said it was too early to tell if there was any significant changes in infection rates.

 

[A1X]

Ok. Just that?

Not just that, but if someone puts themselves forward as a scientist then gets things my 7 year old cousin could correct them on wrong then it's hard to take much else they have to say seriously.

 

[nicko31]

Problem with that report, I may have missed it, but I didn't see any scientists commenting, just various country education or government ministers, who will clearly back up their own decisions.

Equally, they said it was too early to tell if there was any significant changes in infection rates.

But we our government is putting a "ring of protection" around schools just like they did with the care homes. Our kids will be safe

 

[WATFORD zero]

It was an embarrassing mis-step and I generally find Van Tam, the least convincing of the government scientists.

It's notable how loyal all the government scientists have been to the politicians, to the point of sacrificing some scientific credibility in order to back up their political decisions. Don't they realise as soon the public enquiry (codename "operation throw the scientists under the bus 2026") comes, their loyalty in unlikely to be reciprocated. They are civil servants I suppose, but they've shown an incredibly united front given how poor the politicians have been.

The Civil Service aren't allowed to contradict the Government in press briefings and, therefor, it has to be far more subtle. You have to look for what they don't say or don't confirm. Look at yesterday's briefing, particularly in the areas highlighted and you will start to see what is happening behind the scenes.



If you want to fast forward
33.20 - meaning 'it's pointless to keep announcing test numbers if you can't get the bloody results in time'
35.30 - meaning 'SAGE disagree completely, but obviously I can't say that'
38.10 - meaning 'the government followed scientific advice and did a sort of quarantine when there were hot spots, but didn't when it was everywhere and I've no idea why, but this is now the government line'
42.50 - meaning 'we can give all the scientific advice we want but if it's overridden by political decisions there's bugger all we can do'

This happens every day in every briefing. It just doesn't make it into the summaries from the various media outlets (he said 30th February being one of their particular highlights from yesterday ). If you're prepared to put in the time to look at the detail, the important stuff is all there.

I learnt that from watching Johnson and then doing the complete opposite

*edit*

The ongoing theme for the last couple of days (and I suspect the next couple) is that the Track and trace app really isn't that important in the overall plan. I wonder why ?

 

[beorhthelm]

The ongoing theme for the last couple of days (and I suspect the next couple) is that the Track and trace app really isn't that important in the overall plan. I wonder why ?

it was politicised, people have lost faith, now those involved dont want to touch it. i've been told people are pretty miffed at how this went on, NHSx have buggered more than just this project, other things planned for HSCN will be affected. read between the lines they were hoping to get a care.data reboot in by the back door.

 

[pastafarian]

Dead pensioners don’t have to have their pensions paid out of the taxes.

Seems a fair policy not to pay the state pension to someone who has died.

 

[Jim D]

Not just that, but if someone puts themselves forward as a scientist then gets things my 7 year old cousin could correct them on wrong then it's hard to take much else they have to say seriously.

And how do you feel about your 7 year old cousin returning to school in the near future?

 

[A1X]

And how do you feel about your 7 year old cousin returning to school in the near future?

I'm more concerned about my sister being placed at risk in her role as a teacher. My cousin can catch up on learning.