Coronavirus and football.

[ramAnag]

Over here in the Netherlands...... new instructions yesterday

1. any cold/flu-like symptons whatsoever, self isolate for 7 days
2. Temperature and a dry throat then call a special number, they will ask questions and, based on the answers, they will tell you to either self isolate or to go and get tested.
3. Only go out if absolutely necessary (work, shopping, fetching meds are about it)
4. work from home if at all possible
5. All gatherings/events/sports where 100 or more people would be present are hereby cancelled
6. Just in case you'd forgotten - wash your hands regularly

The exception from 5. above are Schools/Colleges/Uni. They can carry on as per usual. Most folk think it's because keeping kids home would prevent the parents from going to work and cripple the economy even further. The official line is that kids (unless they have pre-exisiting underlying medical conditions) aren't in the critical group like the old, the infirm, pregnant women etc. I think most folk have it right and the official line is wrong. Especially when you consider that healthy young uns getting the virus from school won't, in most cases, be in serious danger BUT.... they seem to have forgotten that the kids will go home to parents, grandparents etc and some of those will be at risk......

What I find scary is the lack of consistency and leadership. The advice of medical experts elsewhere in the World seems to conflict with those in the UK and at 5.00 pm yesterday we were told there was no need to take this step regarding sports events, while just 18 hours later there apparently is such a need!

The EFL seems, for once, to be displaying more common sense and leadership than the Government.

On a lighter note...I’ve taken more than my fair share of stick on here for having a teaching background. Some of it - GP etc - has just been good natured banter. Some of it - all water off a duck’s back - has been more malicious.
Either way...as the possibility of schools closing seems to be causing great consternation throughout the UK maybe some will now recognise the crucial part teachers play, not just in educating the young, but also in allowing the rest of society and the economy to function.
Perhaps Tricky and his mate may even recognise that teaching is a ‘proper job’ after all and one the economy seems dependent on for all sorts of reasons.

P.S. Currently investigating cancellation GP.

MA...surely visiting Amsterdam’s bars must be considered ‘absolutely necessary’ in your case.