Corona virus

[ivoralljack]

PART TWO.......

A Defence firm boss's offer of 100 MILLION PIECES OF PPE is being held up - while PENPUSHERS ASKED IF HIS FIRM PROVIDES COUNSELLING SERVICES. (Ye Gods, you couldn't make it up!!!!!!!!!) The British businessman is awaiting an answer from the Government (read civil service) MORE THAN A MONTH after Boris Johnson called for a 'national effort' to combat Covid-19. But after weeks of form-filling there is still no go-ahead....... The boss said: "Forms keep coming back again and again.We've been asked if we can provide counselling services, warehousing....... The process is a nightmare full of red tape. Because of our core business, we have contacts globally.

"We're in a position where we could source 40 MILLION N95 surgical masks from a single supplier....... within a day or two if the RAF sent a plane to pick them up. We could supply 40 MILLION surgical gloves over four weeks. Then gowns, which are in critically short supply, we could get 500,000, fully fluid resistant, shipped straight away from the Middle East with an on-going order for 200,000 for as long as they're needed. But we've been pushed from the NHS to a procurement professional, then to the MoD and then THE FILE COMES BACK. I've told the people that we're a reputable company, you have got to use common sense". (What? In the civil fucking service? No fucking chance!!)

Meantime, MILLIONS OF PIECES OF PPE are being shipped from British warehouses to Germany, Spain and Italy DESPITE THE UK SHORTAGES. Lorries are being packed with masks, respirators and other PPE kit before heading to supply EU hospitals. UK firms said that they had 'no choice' but to keep selling the gear BECAUSE THEIR OFFERS WERE BEING IGNORED BY THE GOVERNMENT. (Read civil service!!).

Seems to me the civil service is going to have a lot to answer for when all this is done - thousands of deaths, broken families, bankrupt businesses, job losses and God knows what else. I hope heads will roll in French Revolution proportions.

 

[Jackflash]

PART TWO.......

A Defence firm boss's offer of 100 MILLION PIECES OF PPE is being held up - while PENPUSHERS ASKED IF HIS FIRM PROVIDES COUNSELLING SERVICES. (Ye Gods, you couldn't make it up!!!!!!!!!) The British businessman is awaiting an answer from the Government (read civil service) MORE THAN A MONTH after Boris Johnson called for a 'national effort' to combat Covid-19. But after weeks of form-filling there is still no go-ahead....... The boss said: "Forms keep coming back again and again.We've been asked if we can provide counselling services, warehousing....... The process is a nightmare full of red tape. Because of our core business, we have contacts globally.

"We're in a position where we could source 40 MILLION N95 surgical masks from a single supplier....... within a day or two if the RAF sent a plane to pick them up. We could supply 40 MILLION surgical gloves over four weeks. Then gowns, which are in critically short supply, we could get 500,000, fully fluid resistant, shipped straight away from the Middle East with an on-going order for 200,000 for as long as they're needed. But we've been pushed from the NHS to a procurement professional, then to the MoD and then THE FILE COMES BACK. I've told the people that we're a reputable company, you have got to use common sense". (What? In the civil fucking service? No fucking chance!!)

Meantime, MILLIONS OF PIECES OF PPE are being shipped from British warehouses to Germany, Spain and Italy DESPITE THE UK SHORTAGES. Lorries are being packed with masks, respirators and other PPE kit before heading to supply EU hospitals. UK firms said that they had 'no choice' but to keep selling the gear BECAUSE THEIR OFFERS WERE BEING IGNORED BY THE GOVERNMENT. (Read civil service!!).

Seems to me the civil service is going to have a lot to answer for when all this is done - thousands of deaths, broken families, bankrupt businesses, job losses and God knows what else. I hope heads will roll in French Revolution proportions.

Has the ring of the comedy show 'Yes Prime Minister to it , also the sequel 'Yes Minister'

 

[ivoralljack]

The main reason the civil service was so pro EU is because there's a clearly defined path to yet another overpaid sinecure with lots of lovely expenses for them to dip their greedy snouts into. Jobs for the boys, indeed, in one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, all paid for by us.

 

[CroJack]

Ivor, the coronavirus mess has nothing to do with the EU and the bureaucrats in Britain. The shortage of PPE and respirators is the result of the laissez faire approach by the leading British virologists (Sir Patrick Vallance) and the British government, together with their herd immunity nonsense.

Had Boris Johnson closed the borders and put the country into lockdown two or three weeks earlier than he did, you woudn't have had PPE and respirator shortages.

The decision to not close Britain earlier was a political decision, and the bureaucrats had no influnce on this decision. I don't blame so much Boris Johnson for your mess. He is, after all, not an expert in epidemics, but your leading epidemiologists were in the beggining promoting so called herd immunity theory. And that's the reason you have shortages of PPE and respirators in Britain. Some European governments have banned all export of PPE and respirators in the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. Again a political decision.

Here is an article from New York Times from March 13, 2020 about Britain's approach:

"Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain once said his political hero was the mayor in the film “Jaws,” praising him for defying mass hysteria to keep the beaches open after a constituent is eaten by a shark.

As the coronavirus now stampedes across Britain and much of the world, Mr. Johnson is heeding the same principle, spurning the mass closures that have become commonplace across Europe and gambling his political future on a more restrained approach.

While countries across Europe have shut schools, sporting events and even restaurants and bars, Mr. Johnson has largely kept Britain open, opting for more targeted measures like asking people with respiratory symptoms to stay home. In effect, his government has said that mass closures will not halt the outbreak, and that exposing a large segment of the population will help build immunity and limit future infections.

That strategy has startled some epidemiologists, drawn criticism from a former health secretary and political ally, and prompted angry demands that Mr. Johnson’s government reveal more of its reasoning."

As Europe Shuts Down, Britain Takes a Different, and Contentious, Approach

Look, a month ago here in Denmark our leading virologists had the same approach like their British counterpart. The difference is that the Danish PM didn't want to listen to them anymore. She closed the borders and put the country into lockdown. The virologists here were against the lockdown, but she brushed them aside with "Better safe than sorry." The results? Coronavirus wards in the Danish hospitals are empty, Denmark is slowly going back to normal life, and the number of deaths in Denmark in March/April 2020 is lower than in the same period in 2018, much lower than in the same period in 2017, and only slightly higher than in the same period in 2019.

 

[ivoralljack]

I understand what you say, CJ, and don't deny the truth of it. However, the cock-ups I mention in post #201 are very real, have taken place, as has the obstructive/inept behaviour of our civil service in almost all walks of life. There will be a reckoning when this pandemic is finally brought under control you mark my words. And, given there is a dire shortage of PPE and respirators in this country, it's almost criminal that, where we do have supplies, they are being exported to Spain, Italy and Germany because we are not making use of them as I stated.

 

[CroJack]

I understand what you say, CJ, and don't deny the truth of it. However, the cock-ups I mention in post #201 are very real, have taken place, as has the obstructive/inept behaviour of our civil service in almost all walks of life. There will be a reckoning when this pandemic is finally brought under control you mark my words. And, given there is a dire shortage of PPE and respirators in this country, it's almost criminal that, where we do have supplies, they are being exported to Spain, Italy and Germany because we are not making use of them as I stated.

It is criminal, no doubt about it.

It's interesting that we've seen shortages of PPE in almost every developed country. Even the USA is struggling. All these countries have gold reserves, so why don't they have PPE reserves?

 

[CroJack]

Looks like next weeks hospital cases to me !

What about these ones?

 

[Jackflash]

Knowing my daughter works in Morriston Hospital although we speak (text) almost daily, i never really enquire as to the goings on. Today she opened up to me, This is her text as follows.
Hi Dad.
I have that churning in my stomach going to work each day. I have to hold a team briefing every morning, it usually starts off with the latest numbers of deaths and staff losses. Its really really hard, but I try to stay positive to my team, thank them and try to be upbeat, while mostly battling tears the whole while.
This whole evil thing has made me an emotional wreck. But each day is a day nearer to it ending, thats the positive way i'm trying to think.
Stay safe Dad xxx.
Makes me feel so helpless towards her, If there were flights available I'd probably be by her side tomorrow,

 

[Yankee_Jack]

@Jackflash ... sorry to hear about your daughter's stress. it's a train wreck on steroids and everywhere you go the dumb leaders (and we all know who they are) are thrashing around like drowning rats. This is the first wave of many to follow. Sadly, it's only going to get worse. I don't know how those on the front line are coping; it is a war zone to them.

Yesterday, the idiot over here suggested that disinfectant and shining sun light into somebody could be used as a cure after some knumbnuts from Homeland Security presented some unsubstantiated simplistic research on what kills the virus. I'm waiting for the first report of some disciple a gargling with Draino while shining a black light torch up his arse .... sounds ridiculous but trust me it'll happen somewhere before the weekend is out.

 

[CroJack]

@Jackflash I am sorry to hear your daughter is in the middle of this storm. It's difficult to imagine what the NHS staff is going through at the moment.
Do the medical workers who work in Morriston Hospital have enough PPE?

 

[Jackflash]

@Jackflash I am sorry to hear your daughter is in the middle of this storm. It's difficult to imagine what the NHS staff is going through at the moment.
Do the medical workers who work in Morriston Hospital have enough PPE?

Not sure on that CJ, I never probed, but now that she's opened up a bit I will ask that question tomorrow evening. I have spoken to her since that text, she was saying it's terrible to see her team reporting for work, they look like they are finishing a shift not starting one, also a constant look of fear on their faces.

 

[ivoralljack]

Not sure on that CJ, I never probed, but now that she's opened up a bit I will ask that question tomorrow evening. I have spoken to her since that text, she was saying it's terrible to see her team reporting for work, they look like they are finishing a shift not starting one, also a constant look of fear on their faces.

JF, I'm sure everyone on this forum will join me in sending your daughter and her colleagues our love and thanks for the truly incredible job they're doing on our behalf. Where we would be without them I shudder to guess. Jurgy, who is the partner of our @jackodiamonds, has been recalled from her stint as a GP to work in Kingston Hospital and we wish her well also. Our debt to all on the frontline within the NHS is immeasurable and I hope that when this is all over an appropriate way to thank them all can be found. Mere words can never be enough.

 

[Jackflash]

@Jackflash I am sorry to hear your daughter is in the middle of this storm. It's difficult to imagine what the NHS staff is going through at the moment.
Do the medical workers who work in Morriston Hospital have enough PPE?

I put your question to her CJ and the reply that followed.
Our guidelines have changed to sessional use instead of a change after each patient, which is so hot for nurses and doctors all session.It can be up to 14 hours....Things are that tight.

 

[CroJack]

I put your question to her CJ and the reply that followed.
Our guidelines have changed to sessional use instead of a change after each patient, which is so hot for nurses and doctors all session.It can be up to 14 hours....Things are that tight.

What to say? We have space stations orbiting the Earth, but we are not able to either stockpile or manufacture enough N100 masks and other protective equipment to protect our doctors, nurses, and ordinary people against a virus. How not to be mad?

N100 masks give 99,97% protection, they are cheap to manufacture, and just because our politicians are some idiots, we force people on the frontline to wear surgical masks.

 

[ivoralljack]

, and just because our politicians are some idiots,

As you know, I don't like politicians, of any party or persuasion, as a breed. BUT, as I pointed out in earlier posts, are they solely to blame? I think not. Our civil service is unwieldy, inefficient and spend far more time protecting their jobs and ivory towers than they ever do in executing government proposals and instructions.

As politicians of ANY party can be voted out by the electorate, they are regarded as temporary incumbents by the civil service who mainly remain in place whatever government is in power -as amateurs in effect. Consequently, they think they know best and, as a result, far too often thwart their government's plans either by design or, as is proven on a consistent basis, by their sheer ineptitude and bloody-mindedness.

It has been contended that civil service numbers could be halved if they were FORCED to become more efficient and do their jobs properly as most of us in the private sector have to in order to prosper. The civil service in its present form, with all its utterly useless quangos which cost the taxpayer an absolute fortune, constitutes a stonewall barrier to progress with its endless committees and red tape.

If half these useless bastards were sacked and asked to do a proper job, most of them would starve. But at least the country would be free of their stifling and obstructive influence with freedom to improve all-round prosperity for our nation. Release the shackles now, so we can look to the future.

 

[Behindthegoal]

Thinking along the same lines, I’m hoping another country discovers a vaccine so I’ll have a chance to get the jab before the Queen’s telegram.

 

[CroJack]

Yesterday, the idiot over here suggested that disinfectant and shining sun light into somebody could be used as a cure after some knumbnuts from Homeland Security presented some unsubstantiated simplistic research on what kills the virus.

I'm waiting for the first report of some disciple a gargling with Draino while shining a black light torch up his arse .... sounds ridiculous but trust me it'll happen somewhere before the weekend is out.

"New York revealed a spike in cases of disinfectant exposure in the 18 hours following Donald Trump’s dangerous and false suggestion that injecting the cleaning agent could help treat coronavirus patients.

The city’s Poison Control Centre managed 30 cases from Thursday evening until Friday afternoon, a spokesperson told New York Daily News – more than double the number of cases the centre dealt with over the same period last year.

It followed an extraordinary White House press briefing on Thursday that saw the US president wrongly tout the potential of disinfectants injected inside the body to treat Covid-19.

Following the briefing, the Poison Control Centre reported: nine cases of possible exposure to Lysol, a US brand of disinfectant; 10 cases regarding bleach; and 11 to household cleaners generally."

New York sees spike in disinfectant exposure cases following Trump's dangerous coronavirus treatment musings

 

[JackBarSteward]

Now now, let's not bash all civil servants. I left the military to join civil servants against serious crime and terrorism. A bin man is a civil servant, a policeman is a civil servant, the person on the end of the phone when you fall into hardship and have to speak to DWP is a civil servant. Distinguish between them, I've worked with thousands who only want to better 'the situation'.

Now I will happily admit, there are those career 'servants' who serve only themselves, militant organisations like Stonewall and those that have never stepped foot outside of their own bubble, the types you see who couldn't iron their own shirt let alone relate to the everyman. I've had the mis-privilege with others to try and educate the interns they've put in to lead task forces. There are those, MANY, of those within the civil service departments that do the work and put in the hours with shit less pay than those in the private sector. That's why i'm now in the private sector. Can't pay your mortgage on a pension after all.

I think it was you @Jackflash earlier who mentioned about the Turkish PPE debacle, I don't think that was the UK Government f-cking up after all was it. It was the Turkish private sector firm bare faced lying about how many items it could provide and coming up short IIRC. BUT yes, the government believing they could provide it based on their due diligence is a poor show. However, Rachel Reeve came up with this...

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1252920790758100992

Granny f-cking Weatherwax knitting masks for the NHS!!


FYI: I'm an asthmatic at risk with 12-15% fibrosis on the lungs from a chemical incident.

 

[JackBarSteward]

View attachment 1282



"New York revealed a spike in cases of disinfectant exposure in the 18 hours following Donald Trump’s dangerous and false suggestion that injecting the cleaning agent could help treat coronavirus patients.

The city’s Poison Control Centre managed 30 cases from Thursday evening until Friday afternoon, a spokesperson told New York Daily News – more than double the number of cases the centre dealt with over the same period last year.

It followed an extraordinary White House press briefing on Thursday that saw the US president wrongly tout the potential of disinfectants injected inside the body to treat Covid-19.

Following the briefing, the Poison Control Centre reported: nine cases of possible exposure to Lysol, a US brand of disinfectant; 10 cases regarding bleach; and 11 to household cleaners generally."

New York sees spike in disinfectant exposure cases following Trump's dangerous coronavirus treatment musings

Darwin Awards all around

 

[Jackflash]

Now now, let's not bash all civil servants. I left the military to join civil servants against serious crime and terrorism. A bin man is a civil servant, a policeman is a civil servant, the person on the end of the phone when you fall into hardship and have to speak to DWP is a civil servant. Distinguish between them, I've worked with thousands who only want to better 'the situation'.

Now I will happily admit, there are those career 'servants' who serve only themselves, militant organisations like Stonewall and those that have never stepped foot outside of their own bubble, the types you see who couldn't iron their own shirt let alone relate to the everyman. I've had the mis-privilege with others to try and educate the interns they've put in to lead task forces. There are those, MANY, of those within the civil service departments that do the work and put in the hours with shit less pay than those in the private sector. That's why i'm now in the private sector. Can't pay your mortgage on a pension after all.

I think it was you @Jackflash earlier who mentioned about the Turkish PPE debacle, I don't think that was the UK Government f-cking up after all was it. It was the Turkish private sector firm bare faced lying about how many items it could provide and coming up short IIRC. BUT yes, the government believing they could provide it based on their due diligence is a poor show. However, Rachel Reeve came up with this...

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1252920790758100992

Granny f-cking Weatherwax knitting masks for the NHS!!


FYI: I'm an asthmatic at risk with 12-15% fibrosis on the lungs from a chemical incident.

Pretty sure Ivor was referring to the Westminster civil servants, who, I'm sure would be devastated to be told they were akin to a bin man .Likewise if I were a binman I would be devastated to know I was akin to a Westminster civil servant.