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Abe F. March
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Virus   Virus EmptyTue Feb 25, 2020 8:29 am

The Shit has hit the fan.  The Coronavirus threatens to be a pandemic.  The Trump virus is spreading, however there is an antidote for this virus at the voting booth.  The fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster is still being felt as more people succumb to the effects of radiation.  Food originating in the East should be avoided.  The millions of years required to eliminate the pollution doesn’t mean anything to those living today.  Then there are the effects of Climate Change.  Even the deniers are feeling the effects.  The Artic and Antarctic are melting causing the seas to rise with devastating consequences.  We older folk won’t be around to see the results; however, our concern is for our descendants. While we applaud the advances in medicine to cure the body, A difference medicine is needed to cure the planet.  Delay in taking action only aggravates the injury. 
In my view, nuclear weapons should be eliminated worldwide.  That also includes nuclear power plants.  The waste from these power plants are buried in the ground and eventually will leak.  Alternative, clean energy sources, are available, such as Wind, Solar and Sea power.  Money is the prime culprit the “root of evil”.   With my 81 years, I have seen and experienced much.  Each day is a gift; however, it is fraught with more concerns.  My wife and I feel fortunate to be alive.  Trying to enjoy the time remaining is difficult with the insecurity we all face, real or imagined.
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyTue Feb 25, 2020 4:07 pm

Just back from watching 1917 at the cinema. One hundred years ago, European leaders created a hell hole in France that lasted for four years. Today, the land is no longer scarred and is fruitful and peaceful. In 1918, the Spanish flu pandemic, the deadliest in history, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet's population—and killed an estimated 20 million to 50 million victims, including some 675,000 Americans.
Nuclear weapons should indeed be eradicated, but I suspect that will not happen. With this new virus, the threat of a human-caused virus pandemic seems to ge a greater threat than nuclear war.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyTue Feb 25, 2020 9:46 pm

There is a DVD about Chernobyl where an analysis was made about events leading up to the disaster, the attempts to cover it up, and the fallout.  I highly recommend viewing it.
As for viruses and pandemics, I believe biological warfare is the weapon of the future.  You may recall my book: “They Plotted Revenge Against America” where the weapon used was a virus.  I believed it when I wrote the book and believe it now.  A virus is a silent killer.  Airport metal-detect screening for weapons has not considered the virus weapons.  With the on-going scare about Coronavirus, special procedures are in place to test for this virus, however symptoms vary depending on the virus and I am skeptical about future screening capabilities.   Medicine will eventually find an antidote for any specific virus, but doubt that it will find an antidote for people infected with radiation.  Prevention still remains the precaution as evidenced with anyone people getting an X-ray.  Airborne viruses combined with physical transmission is different from the common cold and flu.  Washing hands continues to be a good prevention measure, however once infected, a cure is still lacking, Doctor’s rely on the immune system fighting the disease.  The Immune System plays a significant role on various diseases just as the one (Myasthenia Gravis) that my wife has.  Medication can reduce the effects, but still not provide a cure.  There is no panacea for immune-related diseases.  Those affected by a disease tend to do much research and may know as much or more than a regular MD with a general medicine practice.  Even neurologists are not specialists on rare diseases and require indoctrination.
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

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PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyFri Feb 28, 2020 8:43 am

The world is chaotic. The liberal elite are trying to take control and set the agenda for the rest of us to follow. One of my facebook friends is in a gay relationship. A few years go, he spoke his thoughts aloud and said it would be great if the LGBT community predominated and everyone had to abide by their rules and regulations. I realised at the time that this is their goal. Already there are gay men in high positions, such as Leo Varadkar, the Irish Taoiseach and Xavier Bettel, the prime minister of Luxembourg. The world olympic committee has a transgender member and many other organisations have LGBT representatives.
In the UK, schools and school governing bodies have members of the LGBT community making decisions about how children are being taught. In today's newspaper, it was reported that ten-year-old girls are the biggest group using sexual expressions on the internet. No wonder when parents are not allowed to exclude their children from sex education lessons. Once, gay teachers had to be careful what they said in the staff room, let alone in the classroom. Now, they have the power to teach young, impressionable minds about same sex relationships, and schools cannot stop them such is the power of the LGBT community.
Women's sport is in danger of being taken over by men who are changing their gender in order to compete as women. The overuse of steroids among rugby players is well known. This overuse can eventually have a feminising effect on men, who grow breasts and start having gender identity problems. These former male rugby players can then take testosterone blocking drugs so that they can play in women's rugby. They are not women.  All elite sports have drug monitoring bodies to prevent cheating. Again in today's paper, it was reported that the retiring Maria Sharapova will be remembered not as a wonderful tennis player but as a drug cheat. The irony that sportsmen are taking drugs to both raise and then lower their testosterone levels to enable them to compete in women's sport seems to be lost on those governing world sport, who do not regard this form of drug taking as cheating.  
The public is not allowed to voice its concern. Many transgender articles in UK newspapers do not allow comments to be posted. The silent majority is being silenced. The maniacs are within sight of taking over the asylum.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyFri Feb 28, 2020 11:33 am

Good information, Shelagh.  Yes, it is chaotic. 

We must live our lives according to our own morals and try not to be influenced by others.  Actions speak loudly.  I feel fortunate to have a loving family that cares.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyMon Mar 02, 2020 1:40 am

We know little about the spread of the virus other than what has been reported.  It is not only airborne but also by touch that leaves a residue.  Anyone with the virus and even those that are potential carriers can transmit the disease.  People handling a product, if infected, can potentially spread the disease.  Prevention is of paramount importance.  Since it has been confirmed that the outbreak of the virus originated in China, there is reason to believe that it can spread by the handlers of products and produce.  Are you willing to take the risk?
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyMon Mar 02, 2020 11:12 am

The first reported case in Wales is a man in his forties returning from a skiing holiday in northern Italy. He has links to a school less than a mile from my home: an eighteen minute walk, three minutes by car and six minutes by bike. He could be a near neighbour, living between my home and the school. Today in the supermarket, I saw two foreign students wearing masks. For now, only that single case has been reported, and he has been moved to an isolation unit in England.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyMon Mar 02, 2020 11:50 am

More cases being reported every day.  It is scary. 

The custom of shaking hands should be avoided even if some people may be offended.  We cannot rely on the government for protection .  No matter how much the government tries to downplay the danger to avoid panic, one must take all measures  necessary for self—protection.  Washing hands frequently is the easy first step.
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyMon Mar 16, 2020 1:47 pm

The death rate in Germany is much lower than in any other country. This suggests that the number of unrecorded cases in countries other than Germany is considerably higher than it is in Germany. It also suggests that the testing process in Gemany is much better coordinated than in any other country. The Germans always were fanatical about keeping written accounts of anything and everything.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyTue Mar 17, 2020 12:47 am

The Germans have always had a cleaning fetish even to the point of scrubbing the streets in front of their homes.  Cleanliness, being second nature, is not a problem here.  They are also a very disciplined people who follow instructions.  That can be seen even with highway driving.  Shaking hands is customary and that is now conspicuously avoided.  The habit of the Italians and French to kiss on the cheeks in greeting may attribute to the spread of the virus - just guessing.  It has been said that the elderly are the most vulnerable to the virus.  That becomes scary having realized that I am considered elderly.  I can’t change that classification.  Using common sense is the best protection.  “With every adversity, there is a benefit.”  It has become a world problem and there is now some unity in fighting the disease.  Borders can provide some control; however, it is powerless to stop what flies through the air.  Another positive side effect is that with reduced air travel, there is less pollution that is beneficial to the Climate crisis.  Finding alternatives to fossil fuels may also get more attention.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptySun Mar 22, 2020 2:10 am

The Corona Virus is shedding light on many fronts.  The Scientific Doctors are leading the effort to stem the flow of this deadly Virus.  I’m especially pleased to see the action that the UK’s PM Johnson is and has taken to stop the spread of the Virus.  Finger pointing and the hindsight of “should have or could have” are meaningless.  We are all in this together and the actions we take as individuals are important.  The Virus does not respect boundaries.  The EU is experiencing a rapid increase in deaths, led by Italy.  Hopefully, countries will unite and overcome political differences for a common goal.  On the positive side, travel restrictions are helping reduce pollution.  Giving more consideration to the elderly and the poor is gaining more attention.  Working from the bottom up, -the workforce that support the firms, is revealing. “Trickle-down” hasn’t worked.  Leadership is being tested. Will the safety rules put in place be enforced?  Social distancing is important to prevent the spread.  We need to change our habits and become more aware of our actions.
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyFri Mar 27, 2020 5:11 am

Angela Merkel and Boris Johnson have both tested positive. Worrying times.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyFri Mar 27, 2020 7:00 am

What about Prince Charles?  With this Virus, there is no class distinction.  We are all vulnerable, however the elderly are more likely to succumb.  It is a worldwide crisis.  Listening to the experts and following their advice is something all should do.
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyMon Mar 30, 2020 8:47 am

Two days ago, my husband said it would be interesting to see a comparison between the number of deaths in countries on a graph that showed the first twenty-one days of the coronavirus outbreak. Using data from the worldometers.info website, I plotted the daily deaths of seven countries: Italy, France, US, Spain, UK, the Netherlands and Germany.
Virus 91594060_10156739620037513_482194646882058240_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=ARLF0WmqagEAX8mJSvO&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1

Italy announced its first death on February 21st, and France announced its second death eight days later, the same day that the USA announced its first death. The first death in Spain occurred on March 3rd, two days before the first death in the UK. A day later, the Netherlands announce its first death. Germany didn't announce any deaths until March 9th, which accounts for the low number of deaths compared with the other countries at the beginning of the spread of the virus. Germany is slowly catching up and on a similar trajectory as France, Netherlands, UK and US. Of all the countries, the US is on the lowest trajectory, followed by Germany and the Netherlands, then France and the UK with Italy on a much steeper curve, and Spain the steepest curve of all seven countries.

I also plotted the data of the first five weeks.
Virus 91143012_10156739620042513_9082753248510607360_o.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=ltqe6UWVBzsAX-MDrOZ&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-1
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyMon Mar 30, 2020 9:10 am

When clicking on the image, all I got was advertisements.

We are in a crisis and no one is excluded.  Following the advice of professionals will help stop the spread as well as provide some sense of protection.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyFri Apr 10, 2020 11:04 am

It is so sad to hear about all the deaths from the Coronavirus.  It doesn’t matter about the person’s race, national origin or religion.  Dead is dead.  We humans should be of one accord in this fight for our lives.  Following the advice of the scientists and medical professionals together with the rules established to combat this virus is the duty of us all.
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptySun Apr 12, 2020 4:40 pm

This virus has done more to reduce the carbon footprint than any campaign to tackle climate change, or pressure group to cut out unnecessary car journeys. Every year since we were married, we travelled hundreds of miles at Eastertime to visit our parents. This year we will remain at home. As a keen gardener, I'm enjoying the extra time to prepare the garden for the coming summer months. I never enjoyed the travelling and always did it out of a sense of duty not pleasure. Strange to think that a pandemic has released me from doing something I never wanted to do. "With every adversity there is a benefit."
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyMon Apr 13, 2020 1:28 am

I agree with your comments.  The benefits are becoming obvious to some while others will resist – not wanting to admit that they were wrong.  Gordon Brown, former PM, made some interesting comments.  He stated that the Virus is a global problem and requires a united effort instead of every country looking out for itself.  It has exposed the selfishness of some while highlighting those that show concern – that all lives matter.  The curtailment of travel has shown the positive effects of reduced carbon.  While the effects of climate change continue to wreak havoc with storms and pestilence, it is a wakeup call.  The human tendency for wanting a “quick fix” may realize that there is no “quick fix”.  An antidote takes time to develop with lots of testing required.  Leaders are exposed for the tough decisions they must make to keep the population safe.  Lockdown, although inconvenient, is showing results.  Doing the right thing is never easy.  I was impressed with the Queen’s speech.  Her words had a calming effect. while at the same time giving people hope.  The rush to get the economy moving may reverse the progress being made. The greed factor is evident. 
Essential service – Healthcare workers, law enforcement, teachers and all frontline workers are more appreciated and deserve recognition and proper compensation.  Yes, “with every adversity there is a benefit”.
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Abe F. March
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyMon May 11, 2020 12:56 am

We are flooded with information about the Coronavirus contributing to much confusion.  Some of those who first went with the flow calling it a hoax have since changed their tune.   The number of infections is rising on a daily basis along with the number of deaths.  Countries with strict” lock-down rules have reduced the climb thus giving credence to their efforts.  The pressure from some governments and business entities to open markets are showing a climb in infections.  When the economy becomes more important than human life, it is sad.  Most everyone wants freedom of movement, however ignoring the science is foolhardy.  Confinement in any form is resented.  The young have little or no experience in dealing with restriction of movement.  The elderly, especially those who were confined in bunkers during the war, know about deprivation and what is required to save one’s life.  I am appalled at the comments from some leaders willing to sacrifice lives for the sake of the economy.  This crisis is revealing the best and the worst in people.  Defying the established rules shows arrogance. We, who are in the high-risk category due to age, appreciate the kindness of strangers that show consideration.  This is felt especially when grocery shopping.  Even with lines drawn on the floor for prescribed distancing, many ignore them thus endangering those around them.  The arrogance displayed by some leaders who refuse to set an example by wearing masks is shocking.   Economies can revive, but the dead cannot.
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyTue May 12, 2020 3:49 pm

People's lives have been disrupted, and they are finding it difficult to cope with the unknown. For me, my present life is pretty much the way things were as I grew up. Traffic is very light and many have taken to cycling along roads that once were too busy and unsafe for cyclists. The air is fresher, the skies are clearer and the pace of life has slowed. It suits me very well indeed. For the working class, who are finding it hard to adapt, time hangs heavy on their hands. Much of their recreational time is normally spent watching sport, betting and drinking; three things that are denied to them now. The middle class are missing eating in restaurants, visiting friends, going to the theatre. However, one thing that the whole of the UK has in common is the NHS. When it was put to the people that the NHS would collapse unless we all did our bit to stop the virus spreading rapidly, there was overwhelming support for saving the NHS. The UK has the highest death toll in Europe, but thanks to the efforts made by the majority of people, the NHS survived and, with the addition of a number of new hospitals, should survive a second spike in the number of cases requiring hospitalisation. There is still a long way to go, but if we get this right, life after the coronavirus outbreak might be better than it was before. Time will tell.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyWed May 13, 2020 8:58 am

I agree with everything you said, Shelagh.  The adversity will bring benefits if we have patience.
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Abe F. March
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptySat May 30, 2020 8:09 am

Gisela had an appointment in Landau/Pfalz this morning at the dentist.  It was near the mess Platz (open market) and afterwards, she wanted to go and see if she could get a cup of Espresso.  We went.  It was a delightful day.  The Farmer’s Market was not there, having moved to a larger area allowing more spacing between stands., but sidewalk cafés were open.  Tables spread apart for proper distancing.  Everyone wore masks.  The first thing placed on the table along with the menu was a slip of paper and a pen.  It required one to place his/her name, address and phone number on the slip including the date and time.  It is a form of tracing in the event of infections.  People were smiling and enjoying the weather, some licking ice-cream cones.  Women appeared to wear color-coordinated masks to what they were wearing.  Perhaps a new fashion.  Some of the men had scarves- large kerchiefs around their necks and puled them up when entering the stores.  The stores that were open all had signs indicating the wearing of masks and observing the distancing within the store as well as the number of people allowed in the store at one time.  It is encouraging to see people following the rules without complaint.  I also noticed special politeness/courtesy of the pedestrians.  The areas with smooth walkways designed for rollators and/or baby carriages, were especially noteworthy with courteous   pedestrians allowing people to pass giving wide berth. 
All in all, a nice/pleasant day.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
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Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyFri Jun 12, 2020 7:40 am

It is horrible what is happening with the Coronavirus.  In Europe, the UK has the most infections.  The reason(s) vary depending on the media source.  Perhaps the failure to follow guidelines – social distancing and wearing masks, while rushing to open retail establishments, is a major factor.  The US now leads the world in total infections.  The lockdown by some States showed a decline and then the rush to open spiked the curve.  Southern States, like Florida, reports infections on the rise.  Thinking that miracle drug (vaccine) will solve the problem is foolhardy.  Testing will take years to produce a vaccine that is safe.  In the meanwhile, politicians like Trump give lip service to the pandemic thinking it will suddenly disappear, giving false hope.
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Shelagh
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Shelagh


Number of posts : 12662
Registration date : 2008-01-11
Location : UK

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PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyFri Jun 12, 2020 4:03 pm

More than 80% of the number of deaths were those aged over 60;  the highest percentage were over 80. When the number of deaths for this year are known, we will have a clearer picture of how many excess deaths there were, and how many of those who died would have died this year anyway. The country is now set up to cope with a second spike, which will probably occur this winter. We have to take responsibility for our own health and not expect the government to fight the virus in such a way that requires us to do nothing. Today, the government announced that there will not be an extension to the transition period, which is a great indicator that the economy will bounce back, and there will be no benefit in extending the UK's access to the EU's single market. There is great optimism in the country despite the recent protests. Once people are back at work, everything will settle down.
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Abe F. March
Five Star Member
Five Star Member
Abe F. March


Number of posts : 10768
Registration date : 2008-01-26
Age : 85
Location : Germany

Virus Empty
PostSubject: Re: Virus   Virus EmptyFri Jun 12, 2020 11:38 pm

I don’t share your optimism.  There are some politicians in the US that believe the elderly are expendable and infer that they should die off to keep the numbers down and use lesser numbers to justify opening the economy.    We who are in the elderly category who desire to continue living a bit longer are not pleased.  We are not only fighting to survive with the normal maladies affecting us, but now working to protect ourselves from a pandemic.  Lack of compassion is evident with the pursuit of wealth over health.  Political issues affect many.  Those of us who are fortunate to live in a country that cares and provides affordable healthcare, are saddened when we witness the greed mentality exhibited and infecting the younger generation and societies that promote wealth over health.  The health experts are ignored with their predictions about the time needed for a vaccine.  The lack of patience with the rush to earn money will prolong the pandemic and many more people will die.  If patience is a virtue, then virtue has been lost. The rush (impatient) mentality – fast food, fast cars, fast PC’s, get rich quick schemes are indicative.  I   don’t share your optimism.  I expect things to get worse before it gets better and hope to live long enough to see the better.
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