Sarah Ferguson Tweets That Coronavirus Is Mother Nature’s Punishment of Mankind Just as Royal Family is Hit
In this uncertain world, one thing we can always trust to be a constant is the unerring ability of Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, to say utterly bizarre things. On Tuesday she was at it again, tweeting a pair of extraordinary messages suggesting that “Mother Nature” had unleashed the coronavirus on humankind to punish us for not looking after the planet. Little did she know at the time of her social media fusillade that her former brother-in-law Prince Charles was already suffering from the virus. Charles had seen the Queen two weeks earlier, prompting fears that the virus could spread within the royal household. One of Fergie’s tweets was accompanied by a charming picture of a cherry tree in full blossom that looks like it was taken at the massive private estate, Royal Lodge, where she lives rent-free with her ex-husband.
Why do most threads on here turn in to a Government/Prime Minister bashing exercise? If all people want to do is criticize and force their own agendas onto everyone else then start a separate thread or post in any of the numerous other anti-government threads.
They have been absolutely battered tonight on NewsNight. Matt Hancock has been lying about the number of ventilators that we have. He is saying 12,000. when we only have 8,000. Nine days ago, Boris said we are ramping up testing to 25,000 per day. At the time we were doing around 5,000 per day. We did a total of 6,400 today. NHS staff are still not being tested. NHS staff are using bin bags for aprons. They are using their kids school goggles. The virus is due to peak in the next 2 or 3 weeks. The extra ventilators will not be available before then. They are creating confusion in many areas, particularly in defining key workers. Self employed people with symptons are working.
"At last some good news," is the headline on the front of the Daily Mail as the paper is one of many to praise the more than 500,000 people who have signed up to become NHS volunteers. It adds that the recruitment rate equates to five people per second. The Daily Express describes the volunteers as the "people's army of kindness" and a group who have shown an "incredible display of public spirit". The Daily Mirror adds that the volunteers are "selfless" and carries a quote from NHS England calling the response "absolutely astonishing". The Times reports that many doctors and nurses are being forced to turn to DIY safety gear, because of a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Despite assurances from Health Secretary Matt Hancock that millions of pieces of PPE have been sent out in recent days, one doctor reported to the British Medical Association that she was forced to use a pair of safety goggles from her nine-year-old daughter's science party bag. The Guardian adds that the NHS is "on the brink" with paramedics only getting access to four masks per shift, GPs going on the internet to buy scrubs, and midwives having to make do with goggles from a DIY store.
"Mass testing kits a gamechanger," is the headline accompanying the main story on the front of the Daily Telegraph. It reports that a pin **** test - which can tell if someone is immune to the virus - could be available via Amazon or Boots within weeks. Officials want priority for the kits to be given to doctors and nurses so they can return to work as soon as possible, amid fears the peak of the pandemic could be coming at Easter. The Guardian says the tests can produce results within 10 to 15 minutes - but also carries quotes from Boots urging customers not to turn up yet in the hope of getting a test. The Sun urges the government to roll out the antibody tests "as quickly as possible". Highlighting the cases of South Korea and Germany, it says that it is "crystal clear" that the only way out of the coronavirus "mess" is to "test, test and test some more". The Daily Mirror asks why Boris Johnson has been "slow to act" expanding Britain's testing capabilities. And the Daily Star questions why Prince Charles was afforded a test despite displaying mild symptoms and there being a reported shortage for NHS staff.
Stephen Glover uses his column in the Mail to question the price the young will have to pay once the UK is through the pandemic. He says the government's wage assurances will mean "years of austerity" that will make the last decade look like a "minor irritant". He asks: "Is it right that in order to save the lives of mostly elderly people the future lives of millions should be devastated?" The Guardian's Martin Kettle suggests that the crisis has forced the right to accept that the state is a "guarantor" in a period of emergency - and that it has an "irreducible responsibility" to the vulnerable. The idea that a national government is "dangerous" is examined by Robert Saunders in the online edition of the New Statesman. He says that at times of crisis, there is a "romantic allure" of politicians "sinking their petty differences and standing shoulder-to-shoulder". He goes on to say that bringing opposition parties into government reduces the chance to probe and contest No 10's decisions.
Under the headline "Ground Siro," the Sun has what it calls an exclusive about how a football match is likely to have triggered the spread of the virus across Europe. An immunologist, Professor Francesco Le Foche, tells the paper that the match between Atalanta and Valencia at San Siro stadium in Milan last month could have been one of the "major triggers" for the virus. He says that thousands of people who were all in close proximity "shouting and hugging" could have "favoured viral reciprocation". In its editorial column, the Times considers what it calls a "hair-raising" question: how will the nation's locks be affected by the lockdown? The paper says it will be fascinating to see whether men opt for the taking-care-of-business buzz cut or for the post-apocalypse, Game of Thrones shaggy look. Finally, it asks, while many wives will administer a competent trim to their husband - how many will risk reversing the roles?
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson accused of risking lives by refusing to join EU scheme to buy key equipment Scheme leverages buying power of 500 million-strong single market to make bulk orders
Boris Johnson has been accused of letting “Brexit ideology dictate his approach to Coronavirus” after the government refused to take part in an EU scheme to procure much-needed medical equipment. European countries have banded together collectively to procure bulk orders of ventilators and personal protective equipment, with the first phase now having secured “offers of considerable scale on shortest notice”.
The UK was invited to take part in the scheme, which is leveraging the 500 million-person single market’s huge buying power to secure faster and cheaper orders with less admin at a time of extreme global demand.
But UK officials confirmed on Wednesday that Britain would not be taking part in the scheme, after previously having said the government would decide which way to go.
The prime minister was questioned about the availability of equipment in parliament on Wednesday and said orders were being delivered to UK hospitals where doctors have been warning of a shortage.
Dr Rinesh Parmar, chair of the Doctors’ Association UK, yesterday described the situation as “travesty” and said “the government hasn’t kept its side of the bargain with NHS staff by not having enough [personal protective equipment] available to safeguard the health of doctors and nurses”.
Unions on Wednesday also warned there was a need for more equipment in the social care sector, where workers are looking after vulnerable elderly people most at risk from Covid-19. “Care workers and their employers have huge concerns about getting their hands on the equipment they need,” said Unison assistant general secretary Christina McAnea.
“It’s too easy for staff to fall through the net given councils are dealing with many different care providers. “Supplies for the NHS have rightly been given a lot of attention. But any shortages in social care are equally crucial. Solving this problem could help reassure thousands of care staff that they’re not putting themselves or the people they look after at risk.”
The first order placed by the EU, which will go to 25 of the 27 member states, covers “masks type 2 and 3, gloves, goggles, face-shields, surgical masks and overalls” – all of which are needed in the UK. Britain was invited to participate as it is still in the Brexit transition period and so is still being treated like a member state. Ed Davey, the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats told The Independent: “Reports that the UK were offered the opportunity to take part in this scheme and refused are deeply disturbing. “The Coronavirus knows no borders. It is a pandemic. International solidarity is crucial to protecting the UK. If working with the EU means we can get access to more protective equipment any sensible government would jump at the chance.
“The PM must not let Brexit ideology dictate his approach to Coronavirus. People’s lives must come first.” Asked if the UK was taking part in EU procurement schemes, the prime minister’s spokesman said: “I think the short answer to that is no. In relation to ventilators we have been undertaking extensive efforts, securing ventilators from private hospitals and working with industry on a response to provide more equipment.”
Commenting on the first order of the EU scheme, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “All over the world, there’s right now a tremendous need for protective clothing and medical equipment. It is therefore a success that the Joint European Procurement Initiative has been able to secure on the world market concrete offers of considerable scale on shortest notice. “This is EU solidarity in action. It shows that being part of the Union pays off. This material should soon provide considerable relief in Italy, Spain and in 23 more member states.”
Why do most threads on here turn in to a Government/Prime Minister bashing exercise? If all people want to do is criticize and force their own agendas onto everyone else then start a separate thread or post in any of the numerous other anti-government threads.
Why do you think it is still possible today, to fly to the UK from Madrid, and those that did would not be tested at the airport.
Why do most threads on here turn in to a Government/Prime Minister bashing exercise? If all people want to do is criticize and force their own agendas onto everyone else then start a separate thread or post in any of the numerous other anti-government threads.
They have been absolutely battered tonight on NewsNight. Matt Hancock has been lying about the number of ventilators that we have. He is saying 12,000. when we only have 8,000. Nine days ago, Boris said we are ramping up testing to 25,000 per day. At the time we were doing around 5,000 per day. We did a total of 6,400 today. NHS staff are still not being tested. NHS staff are using bin bags for aprons. They are using their kids school goggles. The virus is due to peak in the next 2 or 3 weeks. The extra ventilators will not be available before then. They are creating confusion in many areas, particularly in defining key workers. Self employed people with symptons are working.
Peter Kyle brought to light the following at PMQs yesterday.
A 94 year old resident of a care home in his constituency developed the symptons of the virus. A test finally arrived 10 days later. By which time 14 of the 20 residents were exhibiting symptons. Seven of the staff were off sick self isolating. These were agency staff. They had been working in other care homes. None of the protective equipment they had ordered, had arrived. There are 80,000 care homes in the UK.
Boris could only say that testing kits would be available asap. A common theme to the many questions he has been asked.
How can it be right that Prince Charles is tested before health workers? I know hindsight is a marvellous quality, but how many hundreds of people was he within 2 metres while infected?
Spain provides very precise figures, showing just how at risk health workers are. Meanwhile, we are seeking "healthy volunteers" to drive people to hospital who have not been tested. And we are trusting Dyson-not to make the tried and tested ventilators that the rest of the world has, but something "new". Who thinks that means better, and who thinks cheaper...
The 25,000 tests per day was not promised immediately. It was hoped to be in place in 4 weeks. Horse, stable door, bolted.
How can it be right that Prince Charles is tested before health workers? I know hindsight is a marvellous quality, but how many hundreds of people was he within 2 metres while infected?
Spain provides very precise figures, showing just how at risk health workers are. Meanwhile, we are seeking "healthy volunteers" to drive people to hospital who have not been tested. And we are trusting Dyson-not to make the tried and tested ventilators that the rest of the world has, but something "new". Who thinks that means better, and who thinks cheaper...
The 25,000 tests per day was not promised immediately. It was hoped to be in place in 4 weeks. Horse, stable door, bolted.
They have made a big fuss about ordering three and a half million tests. You have to wonder how long these will last with a population of over sixty million. However there is a caveat. They will not be distributing them until they are certain that they work properly.
I can imagine the conversation, We have got the tests, but we are not sure they work properly. Ok we will just order three and a half million then.
Why do most threads on here turn in to a Government/Prime Minister bashing exercise? If all people want to do is criticize and force their own agendas onto everyone else then start a separate thread or post in any of the numerous other anti-government threads.
Why do you think it is still possible today, to fly to the UK from Madrid, and those that did would not be tested at the airport.
Just look at the flights in the air a this moment.
Oh, im not aware of this term, though I can see you mean empty.
ill look into it further. TY.
I'm no expert but just can't imagine there are that number of flights operating with people in them, especially across Europe. Isn't @Tikay10 a bit of an expert?
Ha, not sure I'd call myself an "expert" on Aviation, but it is my pet hobby, & even more so Gill, who spends umpteen hours on Flight Radar.
I was quite surprised by that volume of flights in China & the USA, but in normal times I'd guess it is far greater.
At a guess, there are currently more passenger aircraft "grounded" across the globe than actually in service. The Airline Industry will look very different post-Virus, as many airlines are only marginally profitable, with high fixed costs. Most aircraft are purchased via leasing arrangements, & those leases don't stop just because the aircraft are idle. Not sure the leasing companies will want to re-possess them either, what would they do with them?
Here's a single page from a Civil aviation Forum I use a lot. It's a great example of the scale of problems Airlines are currently experiencing. You don't need to read it, just peruse the photos;
Delta Airlines alone have grounded 600 aircraft. Think about that.
And if you think that's bad, just imagine the cash flow problems Boeing themselves are experiencing right now. They have hundreds of 737 Maxes they can't deliver due to software & airworthiness certificate issues, and what airliner is going to want new aircraft in the foreseeable future?
The virus is a ghastly thing, but the financial meltdown that will follow will be of a magnitude we have never known.
Why do most threads on here turn in to a Government/Prime Minister bashing exercise? If all people want to do is criticize and force their own agendas onto everyone else then start a separate thread or post in any of the numerous other anti-government threads.
Why do you think it is still possible today, to fly to the UK from Madrid, and those that did would not be tested at the airport.
Just look at the flights in the air a this moment.
Hello Mrs Foods, Your receipt for today’s delivery, order number 3087494742, is attached to this email. I’ll be delivering your 16:00-17:00 order and, so you know it’s me, I’ll be driving the Apple van. Missing items Arrow down We’re really sorry but you’re missing: • 1 x Trivento Reserve Malbec No substitutions today – sorry we didn’t have a suitable alternative for the above.
Comments
https://www.facebook.com/ivan.alves/videos/10222468468762355/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid
In this uncertain world, one thing we can always trust to be a constant is the unerring ability of Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, to say utterly bizarre things.
On Tuesday she was at it again, tweeting a pair of extraordinary messages suggesting that “Mother Nature” had unleashed the coronavirus on humankind to punish us for not looking after the planet.
Little did she know at the time of her social media fusillade that her former brother-in-law Prince Charles was already suffering from the virus. Charles had seen the Queen two weeks earlier, prompting fears that the virus could spread within the royal household.
One of Fergie’s tweets was accompanied by a charming picture of a cherry tree in full blossom that looks like it was taken at the massive private estate, Royal Lodge, where she lives rent-free with her ex-husband.
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/sarah-ferguson-tweets-coronavirus-mother-114929445.html
Matt Hancock has been lying about the number of ventilators that we have.
He is saying 12,000. when we only have 8,000.
Nine days ago, Boris said we are ramping up testing to 25,000 per day.
At the time we were doing around 5,000 per day.
We did a total of 6,400 today.
NHS staff are still not being tested.
NHS staff are using bin bags for aprons.
They are using their kids school goggles.
The virus is due to peak in the next 2 or 3 weeks.
The extra ventilators will not be available before then.
They are creating confusion in many areas, particularly in defining key workers.
Self employed people with symptons are working.
"At last some good news," is the headline on the front of the Daily Mail as the paper is one of many to praise the more than 500,000 people who have signed up to become NHS volunteers. It adds that the recruitment rate equates to five people per second.
The Daily Express describes the volunteers as the "people's army of kindness" and a group who have shown an "incredible display of public spirit".
The Daily Mirror adds that the volunteers are "selfless" and carries a quote from NHS England calling the response "absolutely astonishing".
The Times reports that many doctors and nurses are being forced to turn to DIY safety gear, because of a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Despite assurances from Health Secretary Matt Hancock that millions of pieces of PPE have been sent out in recent days, one doctor reported to the British Medical Association that she was forced to use a pair of safety goggles from her nine-year-old daughter's science party bag.
The Guardian adds that the NHS is "on the brink" with paramedics only getting access to four masks per shift, GPs going on the internet to buy scrubs, and midwives having to make do with goggles from a DIY store.
"Mass testing kits a gamechanger," is the headline accompanying the main story on the front of the Daily Telegraph. It reports that a pin **** test - which can tell if someone is immune to the virus - could be available via Amazon or Boots within weeks.
Officials want priority for the kits to be given to doctors and nurses so they can return to work as soon as possible, amid fears the peak of the pandemic could be coming at Easter. The Guardian says the tests can produce results within 10 to 15 minutes - but also carries quotes from Boots urging customers not to turn up yet in the hope of getting a test.
The Sun urges the government to roll out the antibody tests "as quickly as possible". Highlighting the cases of South Korea and Germany, it says that it is "crystal clear" that the only way out of the coronavirus "mess" is to "test, test and test some more".
The Daily Mirror asks why Boris Johnson has been "slow to act" expanding Britain's testing capabilities. And the Daily Star questions why Prince Charles was afforded a test despite displaying mild symptoms and there being a reported shortage for NHS staff.
Stephen Glover uses his column in the Mail to question the price the young will have to pay once the UK is through the pandemic.
He says the government's wage assurances will mean "years of austerity" that will make the last decade look like a "minor irritant".
He asks: "Is it right that in order to save the lives of mostly elderly people the future lives of millions should be devastated?"
The Guardian's Martin Kettle suggests that the crisis has forced the right to accept that the state is a "guarantor" in a period of emergency - and that it has an "irreducible responsibility" to the vulnerable.
The idea that a national government is "dangerous" is examined by Robert Saunders in the online edition of the New Statesman. He says that at times of crisis, there is a "romantic allure" of politicians "sinking their petty differences and standing shoulder-to-shoulder". He goes on to say that bringing opposition parties into government reduces the chance to probe and contest No 10's decisions.
Under the headline "Ground Siro," the Sun has what it calls an exclusive about how a football match is likely to have triggered the spread of the virus across Europe.
An immunologist, Professor Francesco Le Foche, tells the paper that the match between Atalanta and Valencia at San Siro stadium in Milan last month could have been one of the "major triggers" for the virus. He says that thousands of people who were all in close proximity "shouting and hugging" could have "favoured viral reciprocation".
In its editorial column, the Times considers what it calls a "hair-raising" question: how will the nation's locks be affected by the lockdown? The paper says it will be fascinating to see whether men opt for the taking-care-of-business buzz cut or for the post-apocalypse, Game of Thrones shaggy look.
Finally, it asks, while many wives will administer a competent trim to their husband - how many will risk reversing the roles?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-52044035
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson accused of risking lives by refusing to join EU scheme to buy key equipment
Scheme leverages buying power of 500 million-strong single market to make bulk orders
Boris Johnson has been accused of letting “Brexit ideology dictate his approach to Coronavirus” after the government refused to take part in an EU scheme to procure much-needed medical equipment.
European countries have banded together collectively to procure bulk orders of ventilators and personal protective equipment, with the first phase now having secured “offers of considerable scale on shortest notice”.
The UK was invited to take part in the scheme, which is leveraging the 500 million-person single market’s huge buying power to secure faster and cheaper orders with less admin at a time of extreme global demand.
But UK officials confirmed on Wednesday that Britain would not be taking part in the scheme, after previously having said the government would decide which way to go.
The prime minister was questioned about the availability of equipment in parliament on Wednesday and said orders were being delivered to UK hospitals where doctors have been warning of a shortage.
Dr Rinesh Parmar, chair of the Doctors’ Association UK, yesterday described the situation as “travesty” and said “the government hasn’t kept its side of the bargain with NHS staff by not having enough [personal protective equipment] available to safeguard the health of doctors and nurses”.
Unions on Wednesday also warned there was a need for more equipment in the social care sector, where workers are looking after vulnerable elderly people most at risk from Covid-19.
“Care workers and their employers have huge concerns about getting their hands on the equipment they need,” said Unison assistant general secretary Christina McAnea.
“It’s too easy for staff to fall through the net given councils are dealing with many different care providers.
“Supplies for the NHS have rightly been given a lot of attention. But any shortages in social care are equally crucial. Solving this problem could help reassure thousands of care staff that they’re not putting themselves or the people they look after at risk.”
The first order placed by the EU, which will go to 25 of the 27 member states, covers “masks type 2 and 3, gloves, goggles, face-shields, surgical masks and overalls” – all of which are needed in the UK. Britain was invited to participate as it is still in the Brexit transition period and so is still being treated like a member state.
Ed Davey, the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats told The Independent: “Reports that the UK were offered the opportunity to take part in this scheme and refused are deeply disturbing.
“The Coronavirus knows no borders. It is a pandemic. International solidarity is crucial to protecting the UK. If working with the EU means we can get access to more protective equipment any sensible government would jump at the chance.
“The PM must not let Brexit ideology dictate his approach to Coronavirus. People’s lives must come first.”
Asked if the UK was taking part in EU procurement schemes, the prime minister’s spokesman said: “I think the short answer to that is no. In relation to ventilators we have been undertaking extensive efforts, securing ventilators from private hospitals and working with industry on a response to provide more equipment.”
Commenting on the first order of the EU scheme, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “All over the world, there’s right now a tremendous need for protective clothing and medical equipment. It is therefore a success that the Joint European Procurement Initiative has been able to secure on the world market concrete offers of considerable scale on shortest notice.
“This is EU solidarity in action. It shows that being part of the Union pays off. This material should soon provide considerable relief in Italy, Spain and in 23 more member states.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-boris-johnson-medical-equipment-eu-brexit-a9424631.html
A 94 year old resident of a care home in his constituency developed the symptons of the virus.
A test finally arrived 10 days later.
By which time 14 of the 20 residents were exhibiting symptons.
Seven of the staff were off sick self isolating.
These were agency staff.
They had been working in other care homes.
None of the protective equipment they had ordered, had arrived.
There are 80,000 care homes in the UK.
Boris could only say that testing kits would be available asap.
A common theme to the many questions he has been asked.
He seems very short of specifics in many cases.
I know hindsight is a marvellous quality, but how many hundreds of people was he within 2 metres while infected?
Spain provides very precise figures, showing just how at risk health workers are.
Meanwhile, we are seeking "healthy volunteers" to drive people to hospital who have not been tested.
And we are trusting Dyson-not to make the tried and tested ventilators that the rest of the world has, but something "new". Who thinks that means better, and who thinks cheaper...
The 25,000 tests per day was not promised immediately. It was hoped to be in place in 4 weeks. Horse, stable door, bolted.
You have to wonder how long these will last with a population of over sixty million.
However there is a caveat.
They will not be distributing them until they are certain that they work properly.
I can imagine the conversation,
We have got the tests, but we are not sure they work properly.
Ok we will just order three and a half million then.
You couldn't make it up.
https://www.flightradar24.com/50.45,-0.15/7
ill look into it further. TY.
I was quite surprised by that volume of flights in China & the USA, but in normal times I'd guess it is far greater.
At a guess, there are currently more passenger aircraft "grounded" across the globe than actually in service. The Airline Industry will look very different post-Virus, as many airlines are only marginally profitable, with high fixed costs. Most aircraft are purchased via leasing arrangements, & those leases don't stop just because the aircraft are idle. Not sure the leasing companies will want to re-possess them either, what would they do with them?
Here's a single page from a Civil aviation Forum I use a lot. It's a great example of the scale of problems Airlines are currently experiencing. You don't need to read it, just peruse the photos;
https://www.pprune.org/airlines-airports-routes/630804-aircraft-storage-2.html
Delta Airlines alone have grounded 600 aircraft. Think about that.
And if you think that's bad, just imagine the cash flow problems Boeing themselves are experiencing right now. They have hundreds of 737 Maxes they can't deliver due to software & airworthiness certificate issues, and what airliner is going to want new aircraft in the foreseeable future?
The virus is a ghastly thing, but the financial meltdown that will follow will be of a magnitude we have never known.
We do not currently test anyone arriving at our airports.
We do not currently test anyone arriving at our airports. Got ya.
Quick story.
My daughter lives in Hastings, works for Hastings Direct.
Her department has more staff than workstations so she started working from home about the same time things were developing in China.
The timing was sheer coincidence and she gets too Isolate , happy days.
Last week, she accomodated an Argentinian student who was stranded in the UK, she couldnt get a flight home.
I was a bit worried that the stranger might murder my daughter in the night , I told her to put a cupboard behind her door and sleep with a knife.
When the woman finally left, my daughter reassured me she was still alive.
Heres what she told me.
Apparently, the student met some random bloke on Tinder and travelled to his place in Cardiff for a two day jaunt.
some people eh.
Hello Mrs Foods,
Your receipt for today’s delivery, order number 3087494742, is attached to this email. I’ll be delivering your 16:00-17:00 order and, so you know it’s me, I’ll be driving the Apple van.
Missing items
Arrow down
We’re really sorry but you’re missing:
• 1 x Trivento Reserve Malbec
No substitutions today – sorry we didn’t have a suitable alternative for the above.