Coronavirus (6 Viewers)

[big ron]

I'm just looking forward to the sigma variant.

 

[big ron]

What is the policy for picking greek names? Is it just random?

 

[dzjermlaw]

What is the policy for picking greek names? Is it just random?

I think they are doing them in alphabet order, save that the skipped Nu because it sounds too much like new and Xi because it's a common Chinese name.

 

[big ron]

I think they are doing them in alphabet order, save that the skipped Nu because it sounds too much like new and Xi because it's a common Chinese name.

I thoughr that but they've skipped loads? Or were the ones in between delta and omicron just flop variants?

 

[dzjermlaw]

I thoughr that but they've skipped loads? Or were the ones in between delta and omicron just flop variants?

They were flops. Lambda and Mu are still variants of interest, which is one level down from variants of concern like Omicron. The others were variants of interest but were outcompeted by Delta and have either died out or are well on the way to it.

 

[ButterTart]

I've heard stories locally of parents purposely choosing to keep their kids out of school this week 'so Christmas isn't ruined'. Are any moopy teachers/parents hearing anything like that?

Some of my niece's friends are staying off until the New Year. Given that the unvaccinated are most at risk, I can't really argue with it.

 

[big ron]

Ron Jr remained symptomless and didnt test positive during our bout with it, so he can get down t pit as far as I’m concerned. Hes cleary some sort of cyborg,

 

[Cloud]

We had an email from school, they're at the panto today

Oh no they're not!

Sorrynotsorry

At the risk of sounding like Piers Corbyn how long do we live cowering in the shadow of potential - I'm double jabbed, I wear a mask, I was my hands while doing the hokey fucking kokey. Everything is potentially disruptive, the climates on its arse, late stage capitalism is one more financial crisis away from failure, nuclear war with Russia is just around the corner. Until omicron is a threat it isn't, just like everything else, so I'll keep trying to look at it positively.

By and large I agree with this, seemingly now we need a booster which is fair enough and done, but if we get to the point of "we need the umpteenth booster and tightened restrictions for another few months because of Omega" then you really start to wonder what the point is

Crypto will be capitalism's final and most ugly form I think.

Kind of hope you're being a bit hysterical with Russian tensions - things aren't good but I don't think are quite at the Cuban missile crisis yet...

 

[funky]

Surely, if your doctor is saying this, then that should be enough to put your mind at rest and just get the booster?

Well it's more the fact that they were specifically saying 3 months just a couple of weeks ago, I don't understand how the emergence of a strain changes the science around the safety of vaccines. There's no connection. Plus, it's still banned in Europe (getting the booster less than 3 months after covid)

That inconsistency doesn't scream science to me - one nurse in a local Boots notwithstanding.

 

[funky]

I think they are doing them in alphabet order, save that the skipped Nu because it sounds too much like new and Xi because it's a common Chinese name.

Tell that to our local Taxi company Delta Cars, who are now a local laughing stock.

 

[ZjermGiraffe]

Well it's more the fact that they were specifically saying 3 months just a couple of weeks ago, I don't understand how the emergence of a strain changes the science around the safety of vaccines. There's no connection. Plus, it's still banned in Europe (getting the booster less than 3 months after covid)

That inconsistency doesn't scream science to me - one nurse in a local Boots notwithstanding.

My understanding (and I am not a scientist) is the difference between peak efficacy with previous variants and the need for added protection for omicron. With the variants before, the peak efficacy came from a 6 month wait. However, Omicron evades the vaccines better, so having an immediate boost now is judged to be more beneficial than waiting.

 

[supermassive]

Last night my boyfriend (who I live with) tested positive and I haven't yet. It's a weird feeling but feels like a matter of time. Coincidentally I just had my booster yesterday morning.

 

[funky]

It's just that it goes against (previous) medical advice that it's not advisable to have a booster so close to covid because surplus antibodies can cause bloodclots. And like I say, banned in other countries for that reason. This is just a UK shift. If it's based on emerging data great, but not emerging data about Omicron, I understand the risks of that. I'm only concerned in the side effects of the booster, not the efficacy.

 

[ZjermGiraffe]

And that means it is a judgement between the risks of an early booster, and the risks of catching and developing complications from omicron. The JCVI have previously been more cautious than other countries, so it won't be reckless now.

 

[Rita]

@BlitzenGiraffe🎄 do we have any idea what restrictions are likely to be announced in Scotland today?

 

[ZjermGiraffe]

@BlitzenGiraffe🎄 do we have any idea what restrictions are likely to be announced in Scotland today?

I wouldn't expect anything too restrictive yet. SG don't have any extra money so they can't really justify any legal restrictions without compensation, so are tied by what the UK government do. It will be strengthened guidance around numbers of people and where, and the only legal changes will be costless (masks and vaccine/test passports in more places).

 

[win_the_game]

Enabling home working is now a legal duty for employers in Scotland.

Re-introduction of protective screens etc and social distancing measures in retail and hospitality.

Recommendation of maximum of 3 households mixing. Advised to restrict social contact before and after Christmas but not mandatory.

 

[big ron]

Oh no they're not!

Sorrynotsorry

I've been making that same joke at home for a couple of months now

 

[Hard Rock Ag-elujah]

I have my booster tomorrow. I'm still recovering from flu/ chest infection and am on antibiotics. Is this wise?

 

[big ron]

Kind of hope you're being a bit hysterical with Russian tensions - things aren't good but I don't think are quite at the Cuban missile crisis yet...

Very hysterical, that being my point. There's always some sort of imminent doom around the corner waiting to wipe the human race out. I don't think Omicron is it. I do feel govts are erring on the side of caution, rightly so, but I'm focusing on the positive, early data that suggests that in the vaccinated its symptoms are mild.

I understand the concern of NHS pressure, but thats not the fault of double vaccinated, mask wearing, socially distancing people like us, its the governments deliberate and systematic underfunding.

 

[big ron]

11 African countries to come off the red list.

 

[Rita]

I think it seems quite likely that she IS likely to impose further restrictions on hospitality now that she has found out the devolved nations ARE getting more funding from the UK treasury.

 

[ZjermGiraffe]

I think it seems quite likely that she IS likely to impose further restrictions on hospitality now that she has found out the devolved nations ARE getting more funding from the UK treasury.

She pretty much said as much in the chamber.

 

[funky]

I have my booster tomorrow. I'm still recovering from flu/ chest infection and am on antibiotics. Is this wise?

I read that it's OK to have your booster when having cold symptoms, but not advisable to get the flu jab while unwell - not because it's dangerous but because your body won't respond as well to the vaccine.

I would just tell them when you get there and see what they say.

 

[Hard Rock Ag-elujah]

I read that it's OK to have your booster when having cold symptoms, but not advisable to get the flu jab while unwell - not because it's dangerous but because your body won't respond as well to the vaccine.

I would just tell them when you get there and see what they say.

I've already had my flu jab, which is grating seeing as I'm 90% sure I've just had it.

If I could WALK RIGHT IN I would JUST ASK, but there's a miserable outdoors queue involved.

 

[funky]

I've already had my flu jab, which is grating seeing as I'm 90% sure I've just had it.

If I could WALK RIGHT IN I would JUST ASK, but there's a miserable outdoors queue involved.

Bugger. Call 111?

Althought that queue is probably JUST AS LONG at the moment...

 

[Una Kratz Per San Marino]

I went for mine today at the pharmacist (with a booking) and there had been some confusion as the NHS system had tagged the location as a walk-in and hoards had shown up - it was appointment only. Incredible how rude people can be to those trying to help them.

 

[funky]

I went for mine today at the pharmacist (with a booking) and there had been some confusion as the NHS system had tagged the location as a walk-in and hoards had shown up - it was appointment only. Incredible how rude people can be to those trying to help them.

This is happening in a lot of places, we were getting this here as well. There's also confusion over the text alerts because I keep getting flu jab alerts even though I booked it weeks ago, and I received a letter last week from my GP. I called the GP last month and they said they weren't doing flu jabs or boosters, even though NHS app was telling me to contact my GP to book in.

I think the whole thing is a bit of a mess, but considering the unprecedented rollout, I don't think it's anyone's fault. It must be a ballache to manage and evolve so quickly, especially with the ever changing rules and laws.

 

[Una Kratz Per San Marino]

Agreed. It must be very difficult to get the logistics right, but I feel for staff at a small pharmacy (who presumably have a limited number of doses for the day and a confirmed number of bookings) being on the sharp end of people’s frustration.

 

[funky]

Agreed. It must be very difficult to get the logistics right, but I feel for staff at a small pharmacy (who presumably have a limited number of doses for the day and a confirmed number of bookings) being on the sharp end of people’s frustration.

How stupid are people though? They have the right to be frustrated, but taking it out on the pharmacists shows an incredible lack of self awareness and logic.

 

[RJN]

How stupid are people though? They have the right to be frustrated, but taking it out on the pharmacists shows an incredible lack of self awareness and logic.

It’s the same as people blaming cashiers for prices or waiters if they don’t like the food. They’re just being assholes

 

[KNT]

Accidentally booked my booster for the day of my work party before the announcement.

Just tried to rearrange it.

In a queue of 5000 people

 

[funky]

Kinda glad it's busy. Takes the pressure of me needing to get the booster right away. Happy to wait until January.

Don't condone that for everyone. Get your boosters. I'm relying on my heavy antibody load and it's a fair risk IMO.

 

[big ron]

Kinda glad it's busy. Takes the pressure of me needing to get the booster right away. Happy to wait until January.

Don't condone that for everyone. Get your boosters. I'm relying on my heavy antibody load and it's a fair risk IMO.

Same, having just had it I'm putting my confidence in the natural immunity and also conscious there are far more vulnerable people than me out there. Will wait till Jan/Feb and hopefully that will ride me out until the covid free future where we can all start arguing about Brexit and Chemtrails again.

 

[Rita]

She pretty much said as much in the chamber.

Yes, I can’t see anything online though so I am assuming she will just stick with what has been announced so far rather than closing hospitality after hearing of funding becoming available from the treasury.

 

[ZjermGiraffe]

Yes, I can’t see anything online though so I am assuming she will just stick with what has been announced so far rather than closing hospitality after hearing of funding becoming available from the treasury.

Well there be the usual back and forth about wether it actually is additional funding or if it is just a press release for Barnett money that we always were getting and has already been assigned in the budget. So it will take a few days for anything new to happen

 

[funky]

Here’s an interesting thought (Dr funky reporting with more speculation)… the daily positives are soaring again and all the other stats are increasing… except weirdly, the number of active cases in the UK… in fact in some regions it’s slowly decreasing

The only explanation for the overall numbers outstripping the daily caseS, is that the sickness period for cases is getting smaller.

That make sense to anyone else?

The main area of increase at the moment appears to be London. Very similar to this time last year, actually. Not sure what the means but the deaths are staying steady.

I basically just hope we avoid the January we had this year.

 

[Star]

I do think Jan '22 will be different to '21. While the positive test numbers may be similar, we're now in such a better place in terms of vaccinations that I feel the death rate just cannot be as high as it was in '21

 

[Cerro de Casa]

Is there any research that shows what sort of protection you have if you’ve already had covid though? Not seeing much of that.

Wouldn't hold my breath too much. My colleague at work who is triple jabbed and had Covid last year (OG variant) has just been taken down with Omicron. She don't play.

 

[win_the_game]

I’m amazed at the number of Tory MPs voting against covid measures from their own government to keep people safe and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.

Especially as it only puts England on a par with what other parts of the UK have been doing for ages, and some are now going even further.