The big Coronavirus thread

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  • coopster_the_1st
    coopster_the_1st Posts: 5,158
    rick_chasey said:

    Yebbut that’s a joke.

    Govt isn’t printing money to pay for it, it’s borrowing like, almost literally, there is no tomorrow.

    Would not be surprised if we see a return of inflation and more normal (ie not lower bound) interest rates in the next couple years.

    Pross is right to call you out.

    They said we would see inflation before the first deployment of QE. I don't expect to see the inflation and interest rates you see because of the almost dead stop the economy is experiencing.
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 20,374
    edited March 2020
    Pross said:

    Slightly random question but does anyone know what is happening with blood donation at the moment? I know it's not something needed directly for the virus but from experience I'm aware that those undergoing cancer treatment need blood products more than ever if they pick up infections and that's without the usual requirements for surgery etc. Just thinking there's going to be a severe shortage of donors at the moment and that it might be worth finding a session while I'm symptom free.

    Last I heard it's still happening, as the virus can't be transmitted by blood... but that was a couple of days ago, and I can't remember the source...

    EDIT. Yes. https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/news-and-statements/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
    https://www.facebook.com/unanglaisendiois
  • darkhairedlord
    darkhairedlord Posts: 7,180
    rick_chasey said:

    tailwindhome said:

    The incompetence of the PM is being brutally highlighted by the performance of the Chancellor

    Everyone’s popular when you can be articulate and spend unimaginably large amounts of money....
    Sajiv Who? he must be absolutely kicking himself right up his arris. Truely yesterdays man.
  • darkhairedlord
    darkhairedlord Posts: 7,180
    coopster_the_1st said:

    rick_chasey said:

    Yebbut that’s a joke.

    Govt isn’t printing money to pay for it, it’s borrowing like, almost literally, there is no tomorrow.

    Would not be surprised if we see a return of inflation and more normal (ie not lower bound) interest rates in the next couple years.

    Pross is right to call you out.

    They said we would see inflation before the first deployment of QE. I don't expect to see the inflation and interest rates you see because of the almost dead stop the economy is experiencing.
    because the weimar republic was booming in 1933... well 1945 anyway.
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    Not because of QE but because of the f@ck load of govt spending.
    _
  • crescent
    crescent Posts: 1,201
    Pross said:

    Slightly random question but does anyone know what is happening with blood donation at the moment? I know it's not something needed directly for the virus but from experience I'm aware that those undergoing cancer treatment need blood products more than ever if they pick up infections and that's without the usual requirements for surgery etc. Just thinking there's going to be a severe shortage of donors at the moment and that it might be worth finding a session while I'm symptom free.

    There was certainly an appeal during the Scottish TV news last night, I'm sure it will apply equally UK wide. As you say, it's not necessarily required to support the CV efforts but the message was just to maintain its profile as it is still needed within the NHS as a whole. If you are healthy and not in any of the usual "at risk" categories for blood donation then they'll bite your arm off. Not literally, of course, I'm sure they just use a needle and a bag 😀

    Bianchi ImpulsoBMC Teammachine SLR02 01Trek Domane AL3“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. “ ~H.G. Wells Edit - "Unless it's a BMX"
  • morstar
    morstar Posts: 6,190
    rick_chasey said:

    Yebbut that’s a joke.

    Govt isn’t printing money to pay for it, it’s borrowing like, almost literally, there is no tomorrow.

    Would not be surprised if we see a return of inflation and more normal (ie not lower bound) interest rates in the next couple years.

    Tbh, it’s a little bit OTT imho.
    I don’t think 80% of salary needs to be protected to quite such a high level to keep people on their arses as businesses are quietening down.
    I have been preparing for a reduction in hours as I can afford some flexibility.
    This is too generous imho and will keep decently remunerated people like myself on the books but not busy where we could afford a reduction.
    It is the decimated industries and healthcare where the money needs to go.
    Don’t get me wrong, it’s comforting, but at what price?
  • crescent
    crescent Posts: 1,201
    edited March 2020
    tailwindhome said:

    The incompetence of the PM is being brutally highlighted by the performance of the Chancellor

    The Chancellor has come across very well,I think. I hadn't really heard him speak until Tuesday but impressed so far. I have a son who works in the hospitality industry and is very much hanging by a thread at the moment, despite the business being very successful, so I hope the promises are delivered upon to help him and thousands like him through all of this.

    Bianchi ImpulsoBMC Teammachine SLR02 01Trek Domane AL3“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. “ ~H.G. Wells Edit - "Unless it's a BMX"
  • focuszing723
    focuszing723 Posts: 8,151
    edited March 2020
    image
    A poignant message.
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,463
    Just to show how people take the mick when they think they can play the system. One of my wife's staff has health issues but was quite happy working.

    However, due to the service user I mentioned earlier getting sent home from hospital he kicked off and is now refusing to work. As he isn't self-isolating or I'll and none of the people they are looking after is currently I'll the wife is checking what pay, if any, he's entitled to. In the meantime his partner, who also works there, is stating he's entitled to 80% of his salary under today's announcement. She seems completely incapable of understanding that only applies to workers who would be losing their jobs and that isn't the case here.
  • thecycleclinic
    thecycleclinic Posts: 395
    edited March 2020
    And we spent over three years getting out of freedom of movement to see it ended by a virus.

    Were did the tory party find rishi. He's a bit different to the others with clear speaking. Perhaps hes the next PM.

    I'm looking forward to the £10000 grant when it happens. The council does not know how this will be paid yet. Deferring vat till June is helpful and it isnt. I'd rather get it paid as normal on the 12th may. because who knows where well be by the end of the year.

    Thankfully my wife should be a key worker so my daughter can go to school on monday. Not sure how everyone else is going nuddle through when you cant rely on friends and family now. Does the pay guarantee apply to those who cant work due to having to home school.
    www.thecycleclinic.co.uk
  • DeVlaeminck
    DeVlaeminck Posts: 9,104
    joe2019 said:

    DeVlaeminck said:



    I think if the stock is on site then they can restock the shelves pretty quickly - couple of days tops - I know my local Sainsbury's shelves were 50% empty the other night - I mean 50% of the shelves were sold out so total stock in the shop must have been 25% at the remaining shelves were not full - think it was Tuesday night after I went to the gym. Yesterday they were pretty full apart from the lack of toilet rolls, hand sanitiser, dry pasta etc. My son works there part time and they've taken staff off things like the deli counter and the cafe which they've shut to restock during opening hours.

    I wouldn't be going near a gym.

    No neither would I now
    [Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    morstar said:

    rick_chasey said:

    Yebbut that’s a joke.

    Govt isn’t printing money to pay for it, it’s borrowing like, almost literally, there is no tomorrow.

    Would not be surprised if we see a return of inflation and more normal (ie not lower bound) interest rates in the next couple years.

    Tbh, it’s a little bit OTT imho.
    I don’t think 80% of salary needs to be protected to quite such a high level to keep people on their arses as businesses are quietening down.
    I have been preparing for a reduction in hours as I can afford some flexibility.
    This is too generous imho and will keep decently remunerated people like myself on the books but not busy where we could afford a reduction.
    It is the decimated industries and healthcare where the money needs to go.
    Don’t get me wrong, it’s comforting, but at what price?
    He wants you to feel confident enough to spend!!!
    _
  • john80
    john80 Posts: 2,965
    Tomorrow onwards i will leave the house with a 2m stick. Did a dance outside the butchers today when this lady who wanted to chat did not get my body language when i kept moving away from her. The stick would have been handy.
  • surrey_commuter
    surrey_commuter Posts: 18,867
    rick_chasey said:

    Not because of QE but because of the f@ck load of govt spending.

    Are you saying the Govt is spending and borrowing too much?
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    surrey_commuter said:

    rick_chasey said:

    Not because of QE but because of the f@ck load of govt spending.

    Are you saying the Govt is spending and borrowing too much?
    Erm it’s a lot, so if I’m being accurate I don’t know but I’m quite confident that it is worth it, both just socially but also longer term for the treasury and the economy.
    _
  • rjsterry
    rjsterry Posts: 29,562
    surrey_commuter said:

    rick_chasey said:

    Not because of QE but because of the f@ck load of govt spending.

    Are you saying the Govt is spending and borrowing too much?
    I don't quite get where you are coming from, SC. On the one hand Johnson is too laissez-faire in refusing to shut down the country, on the other, when he does, he's being too generous. Do you really think poverty isn't bad for your health?
    1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
    Pinnacle Monzonite

    Part of the anti-growth coalition
  • morstar
    morstar Posts: 6,190
    rick_chasey said:

    morstar said:

    rick_chasey said:

    Yebbut that’s a joke.

    Govt isn’t printing money to pay for it, it’s borrowing like, almost literally, there is no tomorrow.

    Would not be surprised if we see a return of inflation and more normal (ie not lower bound) interest rates in the next couple years.

    Tbh, it’s a little bit OTT imho.
    I don’t think 80% of salary needs to be protected to quite such a high level to keep people on their arses as businesses are quietening down.
    I have been preparing for a reduction in hours as I can afford some flexibility.
    This is too generous imho and will keep decently remunerated people like myself on the books but not busy where we could afford a reduction.
    It is the decimated industries and healthcare where the money needs to go.
    Don’t get me wrong, it’s comforting, but at what price?
    He wants you to feel confident enough to spend!!!
    Not working!

    It does for the Mrs. But FFS, she was busy ordering a new iPhone whilst I was saying to prepare for a loss of income.

    And seriously how f@cking bad can things go.
    Just found out sister in law has cancer having only just buried a family friend to that f@cking beast last week.
    + Mum and dad food shop not delivered due to van contamination and can’t risk taking them anything with possible contact to virus in household.

    I seriously just need to vent right now. Proper edgy bag of nerves. When do we wake up and do the whole it was just a dream thing?
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    Oh mate I am so sorry to hear that.

    The food will be ok longer term. As for the rest, keeping everything crossed for you.
    _
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    surrey_commuter said:

    rick_chasey said:

    Not because of QE but because of the f@ck load of govt spending.

    Are you saying the Govt is spending and borrowing too much?
    It’s an unusual position as the govt has for once done what I would have.

    This could not be more counter cyclical so fingers crossed, ey?
    _
  • morstar
    morstar Posts: 6,190
    rick_chasey said:

    Oh mate I am so sorry to hear that.

    The food will be ok longer term. As for the rest, keeping everything crossed for you.

    Cheers Rick. Just need to get it out. But FFS it is quite a lot to take in all at once.
    Only two weeks ago, things were completely different with so many first world problems to worry about.
    Still, Chin up, many going through worse.
  • surrey_commuter
    surrey_commuter Posts: 18,867
    Interesting para from an article in yesterday’s Times about why the Pound is taking a hammering

    There is some evidence that confidence has been further undermined by the government’s chaotic handling of this crisis so far. It didn’t hold its first Cobra meeting to discuss the crisis until three weeks ago. It then stunned the world last week with its refusal to follow other countries by introducing a lockdown to try to suppress the epidemic. Instead it pursued its own policy of merely trying to delay its spread while giving up on mass testing. When the inevitable U-turn came on Monday, it continued to allow schools and restaurants to remain open. The government says it is being led by science but it has yet to explain why Britain’s science differs from everyone else’s or why it didn’t start far sooner to secure the necessary equipment.
  • mrfpb
    mrfpb Posts: 4,569
    Pross said:

    Slightly random question but does anyone know what is happening with blood donation at the moment? I know it's not something needed directly for the virus but from experience I'm aware that those undergoing cancer treatment need blood products more than ever if they pick up infections and that's without the usual requirements for surgery etc. Just thinking there's going to be a severe shortage of donors at the moment and that it might be worth finding a session while I'm symptom free.

    Sign up to make a donation, and you'll find out.

    https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/how-you-can-help/donate/

    (There is an app as well)

    I'm a donor, my next appt is June. I've had no communication since I made that appt in Feb so I assume it's still on.

    Given that the last gasp stage in Covid 19 treatment is removing someone's blood, oxygenating it in a machine then pumping it back in, I anticipate blood products will be in demand at some point for covid 19 patients.
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    Would also like to point out, after slagging off the ECB and the US treasury last week they have been much better this week.

    In fact the G3 sovereign banks have been bloody on point sorting out the financial plumbing.
    _
  • surrey_commuter
    surrey_commuter Posts: 18,867
    rick_chasey said:

    surrey_commuter said:

    rick_chasey said:

    Not because of QE but because of the f@ck load of govt spending.

    Are you saying the Govt is spending and borrowing too much?
    It’s an unusual position as the govt has for once done what I would have.

    This could not be more counter cyclical so fingers crossed, ey?
    You know what I think. With all these acts of stupidity there is a significant part of me that is massively intrigued what will happen.
    Many people (not me) think 120% is the magic number,
    What will happen to the UK population if the bond markets lose confidence?
    What will happen when the great british public realise that the Sombrero looks more like a Vespa
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    This thread is quite good on explaining why

    _
  • mrfpb
    mrfpb Posts: 4,569
    From a quick check on the website:

    Coronavirus update

    Please keep donating blood. Our blood centres are open and any travel restrictions do not stop you giving blood. Seriously ill patients need your help now as much as ever.

    Please make sure you are able to donate by reading our latest advice for donors.
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661


    Sort it out London ffs
    _
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    surrey_commuter said:

    rick_chasey said:

    surrey_commuter said:

    rick_chasey said:

    Not because of QE but because of the f@ck load of govt spending.

    Are you saying the Govt is spending and borrowing too much?
    It’s an unusual position as the govt has for once done what I would have.

    This could not be more counter cyclical so fingers crossed, ey?
    You know what I think. With all these acts of stupidity there is a significant part of me that is massively intrigued what will happen.
    Many people (not me) think 120% is the magic number,
    What will happen to the UK population if the bond markets lose confidence?
    What will happen when the great british public realise that the Sombrero looks more like a Vespa
    Erm I’m with you all the way re the handling of the pandemic itself.

    But it really is an odd feeling to have the govt do something significant that I agree with.
    _
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    You are right in that they’re related. The worse the pandemic itself is handled, the bigger the hole the economy will have to crawl out of.
    _

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