Author Topic: getting a bit anxious  (Read 13230 times)

BarriedaleNick

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #60 on: March 15, 2020, 09:20:17 »
London seems to be shutting itself down slowly.
It is getting quieter by the day - although I haven't been out much.  People are posting pictures of empty tube stations and deserted streets.
Moved to Portugal - ain't going back!

ACE

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #61 on: March 15, 2020, 10:20:39 »
I expect a lot of younger people would just like to catch it and get it over with, but have elderly parents and vulnerable friends who don't want to be anywhere near it. Only two cases over here, so my wife ran the gauntlet yesterday and done some essential shopping, with my diet, enough to last a month, but just a weeks worth to most people. Extra hand cleaning and wiping down trolley handles. She said there were empty shelves in one shop but plenty of the unpopular food I have to eat. It is a pity the plot is a bit sparse at the moment, otherwise we could nearly get away without shopping. But I can get there and back without encountering anybody so a bit of sunshine and planting fast growing stuff we will survive. The fly in the ointment is that she is a care worker, and her hands are already getting sore with all the washing. I am tempted to move into the motor home, but if she gets it I will have to look after her anyway so washed fingers crossed it will not get too bad here.

Obelixx

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #62 on: March 15, 2020, 11:11:36 »
No idea why anyone would think a virus would spread along teh same lines as malaria as it isn't mosquito borne.

Yesterday the French PM announced that the French need to be more responsible in counteracting the virus and, to drive the point home, says all social gatherings are cancelled, family gatherings should not be held, all bars, cafées, restaurants will be closed as of Monday and also all shops except essentials like food, pharmacies and banks.  That means no patch group meetings, no mosaic group and, I expect, no dance class either

On Thursday the president announced all schools, colleges etc will be closed as of Monday.  teachers are expected to teach their classes online - whilst looking after their own children - and parents of under 16s who have to stay at home to look after the will receive sick pay from day 1.  No idea how all the rest is going to be financed but it will be a major hit to the economy.

On the up side, the sun is shining at last and OH has been able to start cutting the grass.   This pm we'll go and prepare the polytunnel for the tomatoes and chilies.

Take care everyone.   Stay safe and well.


Obxx - Vendée France

George the Pigman

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #63 on: March 15, 2020, 14:02:42 »
It was announced today that there are plans for asking all over 70s to self isolate for up to 3 months even if they have no high risk relevant health conditions and haven't got the virus! That would mean a very large proportion of our allotmenteers would never be able to manage their plots. Provided one doesn't mix closely being on the plot couldn't be more healthy.
I can't see this being practical. What if you live in a house with people younger that 70. They can go out and catch the virus and give it to you! Also if someone lives on their own getting food can be a problem. Ocado have already stopped taking on new registrations so I can foresee all delivery services will soon be saturated.
I am in favour of the immediate one off isolation of nearly everyone that other countries are using and has been shown to work in China, South Korea and now seems to be starting to work in Italy rather than an experimental approach that is unproven and based on computer models.
The herd immunity idea is normally only used in vaccination the idea being that if you get 60%-90% of a community immunised it protects the unimmunised. A learned scientist on the BBC pointed out that to get the 60% figure they are aiming at they would need for 40 million people to get the virus. Even at a conservative death rate of 0.1% that would mean 40,000 deaths - more than happened in China! It's an unworkable plan and playing with our lives.

pumkinlover

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #64 on: March 16, 2020, 07:56:47 »
We are working on the principle that going out side is the best to promote a healthy immune system. I don't consider going to the allotment to be a high risk activity as apart from talking to people there's no close proximity.
The activities we are avoiding are all inside.

ACE

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #65 on: March 16, 2020, 09:04:21 »
Same here, I am quite isolated at the plot and I don't meet anybody along the lane to get there. I have been organising an event in the town for over a year, dancing, shanties, irish music, English music, folk singing and a bit of Cajun all in different pubs and running all day. I asked them all if they wanted to cancel. A big no came back. I cannot or dare not go and if it is not stopped officially some of them said they would stream some back to me. The internet will now be my main way of contacting friends. A year at the least before a vaccine is ready even if they can, I cannot see a lot of us avoiding it that long. Perhaps later we should have a big 'sh!t or bust' party and go out with a bang, at least the waiting will be over with.

George the Pigman

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #66 on: March 16, 2020, 11:37:54 »
I usually walk to and from the plot (unless I can persuade my wife to drive me or pick me up as I don't drive). It's about a mile and usually never get within 6 ft of anyone. At the plot, although I talk to people, I never get within 6ft again. Also, as the experts say, there is less chance of catching in in open spaces.
I'm a reasonably fit 71 year old and very fortunate to have none of the high risk conditions that would make me particularly vulnerable (ie, lung, heart or circulatory problems, diabetes or a weakened immune system). So working on the allotment would not be a high risk activity but would in fact be beneficial for mind and body.
I only bought my seed potatoes and onions at the weekend so I do need to get them in some time over the next few weeks. Although it's going to take some time to get the plot ready to plant. The heavy rain in Autumn and Winter stopped me doing any digging and the plot is still soaking. Might start a few spuds in boxes at home and some onion sets in pots to get an earlier crop as I doubt I will get them in before mid-April at the earliest.
In the news it looks like they are backtracking a little bit. They are now saying as regards the over 70s it doesn't stop them going for a walk just make sure to avoid close social contact and use common sense which sounds more reasonable.
I am all in favour of common sense!
Sounds like a reet good do ACE! At least nowadays we have the internet and mobile phone speak to and see people so one is less isolated.



pumkinlover

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #67 on: March 16, 2020, 18:09:41 »
What a shame about your event Ace, it sounds brilliant and great fun.

Obelixx

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #68 on: March 16, 2020, 18:18:52 »
It does.  Maybe postpone it?

All sorts cancelled here too from patchwork and mosaic groups to exhibitions and fairs including our garden club fair and, no doubt, the local spring fair where I buy all the lovely heritage tomatoes we grow.   Schools closed till after the Easter hols.   Bars and restaurants closed.   

Thank heavens I have lots of things I can do indoors and we have a big plot and veggie section we can work in till this is over.

Best to be safe than sorry so take care everyone and be sensible.
Obxx - Vendée France

ACE

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #69 on: March 16, 2020, 18:26:04 »
With the latest no unnecessary socialising I have had to cancel it. It took nearly a year to organise, but we will have a bigger and better event to celebrate when this is all over. I am glad to hear the latest bulletin from Boris, it should make it a bit easier to avoid getting it now we are all on the same wavelength. Some shops are opening early for a pensioners hour which might make shopping less stressful without having a crowded store to get around.

George the Pigman

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #70 on: March 17, 2020, 20:59:50 »
Mowed the lawn and dug and spread compost on the salad veg bed at the back of the garden today. At this rate the garden is going to look emaculate when it's all over!
The allotment - now that's another matter!

pumkinlover

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #71 on: March 18, 2020, 07:22:25 »
I am getting so much work done on the allotment because so many other activities are curtailed. All the jobs which I never get round to.
George are you not able to get to the plot?

saddad

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #72 on: March 18, 2020, 09:00:59 »
I'm certainly making good progress on the backlog of allotment jobs now the torrential rain has eased up... 1 or 2 people per 300 sq yards seems sufficiently isolated to me.. just try to avoid a queue near the toilet block!

InfraDig

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #73 on: March 18, 2020, 10:05:02 »
Remember to take your own paper!

Beersmith

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #74 on: March 18, 2020, 11:15:07 »
Remember to take your own paper!

Are you mad?  Out alone in possession of a roll of loo paper?  Asking for trouble.

 :laughing9:
Not mad, just out to mulch!

galina

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #75 on: March 18, 2020, 12:06:54 »
Or avoid the loo altogether, because you need to touch quite a few surfaces.  Just saying  ..........  :BangHead:

pumkinlover

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #76 on: March 18, 2020, 12:36:27 »
Bucket in shed for me.

ACE

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #77 on: March 18, 2020, 12:55:10 »
No need for bog roll plenty of soft leaves about, mullen, mallow and lambs ear, (if you can get one to stand still long enough) they have just nicked a shop lifter down here. 

Obelixx

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Obxx - Vendée France

George the Pigman

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Re: getting a bit anxious
« Reply #79 on: March 18, 2020, 21:17:43 »
I can get to the allotment OK pumpkinlover but its so soaked it's not worth it at the moment. I need for it to dry out a bit to dig out the weeds.
As regards alternatives to loo roll I used to know someone who swore by dock leaves. However one day she misidentified a plant with very sore consequences!!

 

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