Interesting that you mention New Zealand.. the 2 women from the UK who arrived in the country this month and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19, well apparently they met up with friends and have generated over 400 contacts. So far a further 3 new Covid-19 positive cases have been traced from these contacts.

 

Oops.

 

Do you have a source for this as the two new positive cases today were a couple who came back from India. I can’t find any information on other positives linked to these two women.

I think Doctor B or his source got confused. 3 new cases emerged in the quarantaine facilities but had no relation to the 2 sisters

 

The sisters had been released from managed isolation in Auckland without a test on a compassionate exemption immediately after their mother died, and drove to Wellington where they tested positive.

 

They had 401 contacts - including airline passengers - of which 174 had returned a negative result by yesterday, but with most test results still pending.

 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article....jectid=12341500

 

It's quit obvious that the tests come back negative given the incubation time :')

I imagine the fact the Southern Hemisphere is in winter now only effects more southern nations as places like Brazil are near the equator and don't really have a winter so it would still be warm.

 

Brazil is a large country and the southern half can get somewhat chilly in winter. I believe the population density is higher in the southern half of the country as well. There's also the decrease in length of days, meaning less sun, during winter too. Although I doubt it'll have much of an effect.

 

Brazil's issues are likely more so due to the lack of a government response and their healthcare system being pushed beyond its limits. There are likely a lot of deaths happening which wouldn't have happened if proper medical treatment was given.

Do you have a source for this as the two new positive cases today were a couple who came back from India. I can’t find any information on other positives linked to these two women.

 

You're right, the 3 new cases were unrelated thankfully. They had met up with friends though, which they were advised against.

 

Follow-up on earlier cases: ⁣

 

For the two cases who travelled from the UK, out of 386 people being followed up and tested as part of a precautionary approach, 288 negative tests have now been recorded. 25 people are still being contacted.⁣

Some age analysis of new US infections

 

 

In Texas: Young adults driving the spike.

https://texastribune.org/2020/06/16/texas-c...-young-adults/…

 

In Arizona: COVID cases growing 2X faster among ages 20-44 than 65+.

 

In Florida: Median age of new COVID cases fell from 65 in March to 35 this week —>

 

https://twitter.com/dkthomp/status/1275061694604115968?s=21

 

I had mentioned a few posts back that the US death rate continues to drop despite cases accelerating and this is probably why.

So lockdown is pretty much over now?

 

There is no need for them to relax the 2m rule when people are practically breathing down your neck as it is. I feel like it'll feel like it's completely normal from 4th July now.

Reducing it to ‘1 metre plus’ is, once again, Boris telling people what they want to hear and covering himself if it all goes tits up. It doesn’t mean anything.

 

I’m in Wales anyway, but how irritating all these things are opening up that I can literally wait for and yet you can’t go for a gym and swim.

The issue is there comes a point when you have to make a decision, the infection rate is really low and these industries will no longer exist. I'm still a fan of the 2m rule, but I'm also encouraged by the fact the science supports 1m and Labour aren't kicking off about it too.. so yes there is an element of risk involved and it's important that we mitigate the risk where possible, we also have to try and get back and running. Loads of people are going to lose their jobs regardless, I think where possible if we can we need to be supportive.

Can't wait for the huge queues outside every pub, restaurant and store there is! Not gonna rush to those any time soon.

 

I am pleased barbers are open though, a mullet is not the best look for me!

The issue is there comes a point when you have to make a decision, the infection rate is really low and these industries will no longer exist. I'm still a fan of the 2m rule, but I'm also encouraged by the fact the science supports 1m and Labour aren't kicking off about it too.. so yes there is an element of risk involved and it's important that we mitigate the risk where possible, we also have to try and get back and running. Loads of people are going to lose their jobs regardless, I think where possible if we can we need to be supportive.

 

I think you’ve misunderstood me. I have no issue with the reduction of 2 metres if that’s what the experts are saying and will happily live by that. My issue is that Boris has actually found a way to change it but not really change it at the same time so that he can be a hero but also avoid blame if something does go wrong. Classic Boris and I’m not here for it. Just commit to something.

I went out last weekend and everything was PACKED. Granted, only open air spaces got opened up so far but the amount of demand for cafes and bars currently is insane. It's almost impossible to find a table anywhere in the busy central areas even on Thursdays.

I think you’ve misunderstood me. I have no issue with the reduction of 2 metres if that’s what the experts are saying and will happily live by that. My issue is that Boris has actually found a way to change it but not really change it at the same time so that he can be a hero but also avoid blame if something does go wrong. Classic Boris and I’m not here for it. Just commit to something.

 

Isn't that just every politician going though? He has little wiggle room and the fact he had such a massive lead in polls which has now been dwarfed will have an impact. The good news is we have competent opposition party now who will hold the Government to account where they do get things wrong. I can only assume the leisure/hospitality business was going to completely fall flat without the 2m change. I think most businesses (especially local/smaller ones) will really struggle with the 1m rule as it is.

 

Boris isn’t just like any other politician. He’s the absolute worst there is.

 

And now I’m seeing reports of the daily briefing being scrapped altogether. That’s it, folks, it’s all over!

Boris isn’t just like any other politician. He’s the absolute worst there is.

 

And now I’m seeing reports of the daily briefing being scrapped altogether. That’s it, folks, it’s all over!

 

 

Yes no more daily briefings after today.

I'm inclined to agree with them dropping the daily briefings - I don't think there is much more to cover (up) unless there were a significant development, and as I understand it they would then hold one.

 

Similarly the 2M rule is mainly there to ensure that people keep 'at least' 1M apart because people's perception of distance varies and somewhat overestimates the true distance, obviously relaxing the rule seems a little risky but if you remember the original guidance was 'where social distancing is not possible you should wear a facemask' so in restaurants and pubs I assume that is what will happen. The risk outside is actually very low, high UV, good ventilation, spread is unlikely so all the upset and anger about the protests (partly justified, but partly - from some - politically motivated reaction) was OTT. We've had 12 weeks of walking in close proximity touching fruit/veg and products in the supermarket in an enclosed space during a much higher commununity virus rate and people weren't that concerned about that.

 

It's a difficult decision, but the risk to the economy and subsequently lives of not opening up the economy, should it implode, far outweighs the risk of a second wave. Obviously a fully operational track & trace programme should be in place but this Government's speciality is fudge.

I know the briefings are pointless now but cancelling them the very day you announce all these things opening just feels like they’re dog whistling people into reckless behaviour. Some people will definitely believe it’s all over.

 

I dunno, maybe I’m wrong, but I’ve just had two days of intensive training to ensure I can teach following the guidelines so maybe I feel like what’s the point in all of that?

Don't get me wrong the communication has been woeful.

 

I understand how you feel, like the Government is absolving itself of responsibility... maybe it is, it wouldn't surprise me. I don't understand why swimming pools and gyms aren't able to reopen, I still think you could reopen them but severely limit numbers, or move some of the equipment to larger rooms or even outdoor areas (where possible). Anyway I'm looking forward to being able to sit in the beer garden again, probably cause the weather to breakdown into constant rain though won't it ?! : (

I do agree with you with gyms and swimming pools. Yes, they are naturally very close contact, but I imagine most gyms have already worked out how to reopen safely. I would personally feel more comfortable going there than a pub.

Surely the issue with gyms will be more air conditioning based problems? I agree there are sensible solutions to the problem and I'd also feel better in a gym than a pub. But I don't know what gyms you guys go to but my gym is like a sauna without the air con on and I'm pretty sure in most guidelines for offices air conditioning is turned off.

So the county of Gutersloth in Germany is back in lockdown after 1500 people at a meet factory have spread the disease!