In general I think I avoided incompetence in my professional life. But then I was well supported by colleagues. So I am going to have a sweaty rant on the next page!
AMERICAN ELECTION
EMBARRASSING
Press briefing late, just like the lock down.
Until they sort out test, trace and isolate nothing will change. The 98% tests are negative – perhaps they are wasting their time! And without the trace and isolate element, a complete waste of time and money.
Be effective – test and if positive – ensure economic security for isolation and proper support. And schools and universities to stay open. Firstly universities – there can be no sensible reason for keeping them open. Schools, a bit different as they tend to be more local in catchment (if not shut them), I don’t know what the stats are. Similarly with shops. Why shut a garden centre that has clear social distancing at all times? The same with cafes and restaurants.
What I am saying is that compliance, effective measures; test, track, isolate and support are what is needed. Interesting talk with an epidemiologist on the radio who had looked at what Vietnam, N.Z, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan had done that made them better than us. It seems that there is not one thing. Proper TTTS was important but also clear guidelines for public to follow, isolation for 14 days after any foreign travel,
Prediction that BJohnson will talk up Christmas, a vaccine and other bollocks!
NOT WORKING
It seems so obvious. With the R number being above 1 or even 2 and the number of cases rising just about everywhere something is not working! Are masks and social distancing not enough, or are people not observing the basic rules? What research is being done into how the virus is spreading so fast at the moment?
MIGRANTS
LAUGH OR CRY?
COVID STATS – OCTOBER
As you can see from the stats North Somerset (up 25% in 3 days), Cornwall (up 60%) and Bristol (up approx 38%) are all rather grim. I don’t know whether there is a quirk in the testing regime, but these 3 figures in particular, seem to show that the R number is getting increasingly out of control. It also seems that 500 is about a peak if measures are taken.
Covid -19 test
Headline news that Boots will offer a £200 covid test kit with quick results. Britain is becoming divided like never before. And when Brexit hits, it will get worse. Test, track and isolate is a joke – and this will enable the rich to be ok!
M.P’s EXPENSES
I am not worked up about this. I am sure they need an office, need staff, need transportation to London from their constituencies and/or accommodation in London. But I would question the whole way Parliament is run. Surely we have the technology to enable much parliamentary business to be done on line. Maybe there should be a 3 tier system for government when debating bills.
COVID -19
Politicians and papers chose which countries to compare. This from the FT looks good.