O/T Coronavirus Thread

[rolymiller]

Laura Kuenssberg

BBC political editor

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will talk to the country at 20:30 GMT tonight in his own words - which you can watch on BBC One and the BBC News channel.

But what has become increasingly clear this afternoon, after comments from ministers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, is the fact our leaders are willing to take further steps to enforce that so-called social distancing.

We know that politicians and many members of the public were dismayed when they saw over the weekend lots of people were just not seriously taking the advice - that simple instruction that staying at home saves lives - to heart and carrying on their lives in ways that they thought were OK.

But it is clear now politicians think they have to do more to try to enforce these rules, rather than just put them forward as advice.

So what kind of thing can we expect? Well, I think it is likely the government will tell any shops that aren't selling food or supplies that people *****ly need to close.

I also think it is likely that we might see some kind of enforcement mechanism, possibly we might see the police being asked to fine people if they don't pay heed to the advice.

In a couple of hours we will know precisely what is being offered. But this is a very fast moving situation indeed.

The government has always been clear they might have to take these more draconian actions, but it is very clearly this has accelerated in a way they didn't expect just a few weeks ago.

[flourbasher]

Colder weather on the way this weekend which should reduce the numbers of people outside.
Just as we,re meant to stay indoors it's coincided with the best weather we,ve had for 6 months

Mother nature will sort it out until the pharma companies solve the problem

[Timbertop]

Have contacts in Italy who are on TOTAL lockdown and can only leave home to fetch food or visit a chemist. They have to print off a form to do so which has to be examined and stamped by the relevent authority. They have to queue at some distance under surveillance. Only 3 customers at a time are allowed in supermarkets and till operators are changed every hour. There are severe limitations on quantity. You can't get very far because there are ro*******s everywhere. Think we have to be prepared for something similar.

[flourbasher]

Hitchin, Herts

Three ****agers were arrested after an elderly couple were allegedly coughed at in the street.
The couple were approached by three people in Hitchin, one of whom is said to have coughed in their faces.
A passer-by intervened and there was "an altercation" which left a woman in her 70s with a black eye, police said.
Three males aged 16, 18 and 19 were questioned on suspicion of actual bodily harm, affray and criminal damage after the incident on Friday afternoon.
Hertfordshire Police said the elderly woman was taken to hospital for a check-up and later discharged.
Her vehicle was also damaged in the incident in Paynes Park.
The man who intervened also suffered bruising, police said.
The suspects were questioned and released under investigation.
The force called for anyone with information to contact them and asked people not to post details of those they believe are involved or share footage on social media as it could hamper the investigation.

[Shark27]

Hitchin, Herts

Three ****agers were arrested after an elderly couple were allegedly coughed at in the street.
The couple were approached by three people in Hitchin, one of whom is said to have coughed in their faces.
A passer-by intervened and there was "an altercation" which left a woman in her 70s with a black eye, police said.
Three males aged 16, 18 and 19 were questioned on suspicion of actual bodily harm, affray and criminal damage after the incident on Friday afternoon.
Hertfordshire Police said the elderly woman was taken to hospital for a check-up and later discharged.
Her vehicle was also damaged in the incident in Paynes Park.
The man who intervened also suffered bruising, police said.
The suspects were questioned and released under investigation.
The force called for anyone with information to contact them and asked people not to post details of those they believe are involved or share footage on social media as it could hamper the investigation.

I also read that 6 ambulances were vandalised overnight in Kent I think it was!!

[rolymiller]

Nowt surprises me and this is only the tip of the iceberg and why the bug will run its course no matter what decent folk do...

[rolymiller]

If you’re just joining us, UK PM Boris Johnson has just announced a major ramping up of coronavirus measures.

Here are the major points of his speech:

From tonight, people in Britain will be allowed to leave their homes for only “very limited purposes” - shopping for basic necessities; for one form of exercise a day; for any medical need; and to travel to and from work when “absolutely necessary”
People are warned not to meet friends or family members who they do not live with
Shopping is only permitted for essentials like food and medicine, and people are advised to do it “as little as you can”
Police have powers to enforce the rules, including through fines and dispersing gatherings
All shops selling non-essential goods, such as clothing and electronic stores, are ordered to close
Libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship are to close
All gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with - are banned
All social events, including weddings and baptisms are banned
Funerals are not included in the new restrictions
Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed
Restrictions “under constant review” and will be checked again in three weeks. They will be relaxed “if the evidence shows we are able to”

[caytonmiller]

So it begins.

[flourbasher]

Hopefully the club shop will still be open.
Desperate for a key ring and some goalkeepers shorts.

[KerrAvon]

Coronation Street is screwed - Rovers, the Bistro and Speed Daal shut down. Shouldn't think Underworld will be doing very much business either.