Corona Virus - News & Info

[Imperial C]

Instead of just focusing on the deaths (which I appreciate they have to & it’s news we need to know)  I would add at the end of news bulletins how many people are recovering from Covid 19. I can see why they don’t as they want people to take this seriously but a bit of positivity every now & then wouldn’t go amiss & would be welcome. 

Good point Alison and totally agree, the missing piece of the jigsaw.

And to add that when people have recovered they should be off the total cases list and on to a recovered catergory, this is the only way to get some real perspective and accurate recording. Essential.

Edited March 15, 2020 by Imperial C

[Soulstrutter]

45 minutes ago, Alison H said:

Instead of just focusing on the deaths (which I appreciate they have to & it’s news we need to know)  I would add at the end of news bulletins how many people are recovering from Covid 19. I can see why they don’t as they want people to take this seriously but a bit of positivity every now & then wouldn’t go amiss & would be welcome. 

... unfortunately the reason is probably because currently more have died (35) than recovered (20)! https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/uk/ .. and that's more scary! .. but  obviously it has to run it's course (7-14 days before all clear) and then recoveries will outnumber deaths.  But there are probably thousands more cases that haven't been reported because the symptoms have been so mild.

[Soulstrutter]

17 minutes ago, Imperial C said:

Instead of just focusing on the deaths (which I appreciate they have to & it’s news we need to know)  I would add at the end of news bulletins how many people are recovering from Covid 19. I can see why they don’t as they want people to take this seriously but a bit of positivity every now & then wouldn’t go amiss & would be welcome. 

Good point Alison and totally agree, the missing piece of the jigsaw.

And to add that when people have recovered they should be off the total cases list and on to a recovered catergory, this is the only way to get some real perspective and accurate recording. Essential.

You're right and I recommend using this site to get the 'official' figures. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Total Cases (1,372)  less deaths (35) less recoveries (20) = Active Cases (1,317) of which currently less than 2% (20) are critical

[Modernsoulsucks]

2 hours ago, Alison H said:

Very good point!

Another valid point  

Hope your step son is doing okay Rod

Completely agree 100%. 

Instead of just focusing on the deaths (which I appreciate they have to & it’s news we need to know)  I would add at the end of news bulletins how many people are recovering from Covid 19. I can see why they don’t as they want people to take this seriously but a bit of positivity every now & then wouldn’t go amiss & would be welcome. 

He's still not too well, thanks for asking. Granddaughter a lot better. His wife is now staying off work but don't know if she's actually ill herself.

I was in Aldi getting a few things for his family which didn't include loo rolls and pasta.

And I agree that the media coverage is verging on the hysterical at times. 

I thought Boris's "your loved ones are going to die" was f**king crass and stupid.

Something along the lines of "as more cases of the virus are confirmed at risk groups need to be extra vigilant" ?

 

[Len]

I know Pierce Morgan rants on about Boris etc not doing interviews on his morning program (Can't say I blame him to be honest) But it seems that Donald Trump (Love him or loath him) and his team of experts are addressing the American people every day over this.

Surely Boris Johnson should be doing the same for us - I know Matt Hancock (Health Secretary) is doing his best, but he's a bit of a 'wet lettuce'.  We need our leader not only to up-date us, but to also reassure us every day.

I also agree with what Alison stated ref the news should also be telling us any positive stories about those who have recovered.

I didn't share this in my earlier post as I know I can 'go on' a bit.  But at Morrison's there was a woman right behind me who was coughing and sneezing, I looked round, and honestly, she looked so ill, her face was wet with sweat - Her going out shopping in that state was highly irresponsible.

Len 

[Paul-s]

So much information and mis-information and  now that Trump is attempting to weaponise the antidote by securing it 'exclusively' for the USA  things are getting strange. Best to read widely and see what's happening on all fronts I reckon. We certainly aren't going to crap ourselves to death so god knows why people are bulk buying bog roll....

https://slate.com/technology/2020/03/coronavirus-mortality-rate-lower-than-we-think.html

https://time.com/5798168/coronavirus-mortality-rate/

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/15/trump-offers-large-sums-for-exclusive-access-to-coronavirus-vaccine

https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/event201/scenario.html

https://tbsnews.net/opinion/coronavirus-and-event-201-eerily-similar-41469

 

[Drewtg]

Greetings from China, I hope you are all well.

Firstly, stop blaming the media, you know that they are scumbags - they have just installed Doris as PM.

Secondly, you are going into lock down, it's just a matter of time. The quicker it happens, the less suffering and deaths. It wasn't a repressive regime that curtailed people's individual freedom over here, it was common sense. Everyone here has pulled together and acted for the good of the community, apart from a few arseholes trying to dodge curfews and basic hygiene.

You guys are way behind the curve. Think of this; In January you took some Brits from Wuhan and put them in an isolation hospital in Arrowe Park, quite sensible. At the same time, thousands of people were flying into UK from China and elsewhere without any monitoring at all, and as far as I know, this is still the case. Assume that your figures are going to double every day or two, until the lock down. If you have 35 deaths now, in a week there will be between 500 and 1,000 deaths. So that is what you have NOW.

The disappointing thing for me is that you guys are being laughed at. What's with all the panic buying? Complaining about events being cancelled? Come on guys, you're better than that!

[Soulfusion]

What I found very surprising doing my weekly shop yesterday; no rice, pasta, baked beans, flour, eggs etc. was that despite feeling forced to buy a nine pack of toilet roll (no four packs available) the shelves of tissues were well stocked and appeared almost untouched. Strange.

[Steve G]

16 hours ago, Hooker1951 said:

I’m totally disappointed with human nature with this crisis, it’s nothing but selfish behaviour, mob mentality, it really shows up the bad side of human nature, a bit of self control ,empathy , common sense and discipline would definitely tip the balance in the right direction, you can actually feel the badness in the air while shopping in the supermarkets, Just Hope that Common Sense does prevail or have we learned nothing from the past that’s what’s frightening 

KR

ML

I agree Mick. I suppose the writing was on the wall a few years ago when KFC ran out of chicken and the country went into meltdown, calling the police etc. I don't think it's 5-10% selfish people, more like 50-75%. We as a nation have lost the plot unfortunately.

[Hooker1951]

17 minutes ago, Steve G said:

I agree Mick. I suppose the writing was on the wall a few years ago when KFC ran out of chicken and the country went into meltdown, calling the police etc. I don't think it's 5-10% selfish people, more like 50-75%. We as a nation have lost the plot unfortunately.

Hi Ste

Thats the problem there are more of them than us

ML

[Amsterdam Russ]

The Netherlands in lock-down as of 6pm Sunday and will remain so until April 6th. If you were planning to visit Amsterdam in that time, don't bother - we're shut!

[Guest]

8 minutes ago, Hooker1951 said:

Hi Ste

Thats the problem there are more of them than us

ML

Hiya Mick,

Unfortunately, its been going this way for years and years. Successive generations of kids have been "educated" to "feel", not to think logically. The "me,me,me" culture has been with us for decades. Look at the way many people drive today. No consideration, no manners, no thought for anyone else, wherever you look. Gone is the "blitz spirit", probably never to return. We, as a nation, are seemingly no longer able to "cope".  Our politicians no longer help, but aim to score cheap political points whenever a new "crisis" occurs. Our media exacerbate any situation, and sensationalise everything at the drop of a hat. Its a pretty sad state of affairs really.

So, given the above, and the traditional Brit way of dealing with adversity, I'm off to put the kettle on. Not much a brew and an eccles cake cant fix!

Keep safe (and happy) everyone, 

Toodle Pip!

[Twoshoes]

Hope this is OK Mike, a reflection on how the crisis is affecting people here. 

We are in India in the South. Kerala, hoping to fly home tonight, two couples from our party of eight had the option of staying a day later or going home a day early, they left last night. A group we talked to last night have had their hoilday cut short by a week. We were lucky, a few of the planned activities in our tour were cancelled. All the group had a British stiff upper lip and took all the cancellations in our stride. Our driver was desperately trying to fill the vacant time but as a group we tred to assure him it was out if his hands and we were happy to sit by the pool. Some people from our hotel had trouble in the town from locals blaming us Europeans for bring the virus to India. Never been here before so don't know if it has always been the way it is now with the locals desperate for tourists which are few and far between to spend any amount of money. Our driver told us his next two tours have been cancelled, hopefully the tip the group gave collectively will help him for a couple of weeks. We feel so sorry for the staff here in the hotels we have been in, they are lovely happy people, it has been a very humbling experience. Lou had a Sari demonstration in one hotel, the girl came to our room and dressed her. No tip was expected I had to rush to the door to stop her leaving. The 500rupees I gave her which amounts to just over a fiver you would have thought she'd won the lottery. Very sad to see and hear stories of panic buying back home when people here live on so little yet seem from the outside to be happy with their lot. 

A poem I wrote after a walk along the waters edge in the rural backwaters of Kerala where every person we passed said hello with a smile. 

We who have so much, often striving
For more
Walk amongst those we presume less fortunate, 
Should we question who between us has the widest, the easiest smile,
Betwixt the two who sleeps the deepest sleep, 
Who walks the happiest walk,

Who amongst us will take to the skies looking back 
And say,, 
My life is overflowing 
I have enough. 

Who when returning to the every day of our time filled lives 
Who will, look back and think of a little girl in yellow , of Harry, Sunny and Sadesh, of Anduran
Surviving on a fraction of what we daily throw away
Who amongst us will think back at the thousand smiling faces walking Dusty streets, 
hear the echoes of a thousand smiling hello's freely given and
not smile at the memory

My answer is this
Though our aquaitence is short
I feel you like me have felt something move inside
A shift in perception as to what having entails.
A reassessment of what truly matters in life,
I believe each of us when our heads hit familiar pillows wiil fall to sleep 
a head full of memories
eyes full of remembered sights, 
The sound of car horns ringing in our ears
the widest of smiles on our lips, 
With eyes closing, smiling in the dark
Each of us I belive will breathe a contented sigh
Silently lost in thought
Maybe, just maybe whispering
I have more than enough
 

[Imperial C]

On 16/03/2020 at 05:49, Drewtg said:

 

The disappointing thing for me is that you guys are being laughed at. What's with all the panic buying? Complaining about events being cancelled? Come on guys, you're better than that!

 

I've just spoken to someone in New Zealand and the panic buying is happening there too and yes you guessed it, loo rolls, totally irrational but it builds a picture for those who can see it.

People commenting on events being cancelled is just people trying to make sense of and adjust to this new world in which we all find ourselves, which is very very different to the one we lived in 2 weeks ago. People are doing they're best with what they have. 

The media are responsible for their actions and should be criticised or blamed when they deserve it. After all they dish it out as a way of life. 

As for your "Disappointment", I feel for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 17, 2020 by Imperial C

[Mike]

 

a video posted containing usa doctors advice has been  dropped, two videos by a uk retired Nurse Teacher and A and E nurse dropped

Please if you are going to post/give health advice to other members on this topic can you please ensure that it comes from an reputable uk official based source such as the NHS

 

 

 

Edited March 16, 2020 by Mike

[Drewtg]

4 hours ago, Imperial C said:

The media are responsible for their actions and should be criticised or blamed when they deserve it. After all they dish it out as a way of life, demanding that everyone lives by standards they couldn't possibly attain themselves.. 

As for your "Disappointment", I feel for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think you misunderstand me. If people do stupid, selfish things, they can't turn around and say "it's the media's fault". People are responsible for their own actions. They're not children.

[Winsford Soul]

New government advice.  Avoid pubs, clubs   theatre,  restraunts and unnecessary travel.  Looking like a whole new world out there right now 

[Pablorally]

50 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

New government advice.  Avoid pubs, clubs   theatre,  restraunts and unnecessary travel.  Looking like a whole new world out there right now 

There's going to be a lot of unhappy neighbors with all us Northern soul lot playing tunes at home this weekend.... Lol..... 

[Winsford Soul]

Just now, Pablorally said:

There's going to be a lot of unhappy neighbors with all us Northern soul lot playing tunes at home this weekend.... Lol..... 

That's so true mate. Gutted about the weekend but hey ho. Life goes on albeit very differently for now. 

[Pablorally]

Just now, Winsford Soul said:

That's so true mate. Gutted about the weekend but hey ho. Life goes on albeit very differently for now. 

I know pal. At least I got my fill Saturday at an all-dayer....

[Imperial C]

5 hours ago, Drewtg said:

 

 

Edited March 16, 2020 by Imperial C

[Geobuch335]

15 hours ago, Pablorally said:

There's going to be a lot of unhappy neighbors with all us Northern soul lot playing tunes at home this weekend.... Lol..... 

Better than a lot of ill people. Plus top tunes help things seem not as bad and folk feel better. And as it’s free it’s a service for the public. Plus in lockdown who can complain....

[Mike]

for info

Cinema chains Odeon, Cineworld and Picturehouse shut all their UK screens amid coronavirus pandemic

 

 

[Soulfulmerlin]

2 hours ago, Mike said:

for info

Cinema chains Odeon, Cineworld and Picturehouse shut all their UK screens amid coronavirus pandemic

 

 

Just read on Twitter  . 

Unprecedented times . 

[Len]

What this is going to do to the worlds economy will be beyond comprehension (Let alone the lives lost of course) Let's hope some good comes out of it somehow.

Pollution's down for a start. 

Len 

[Source Team]

 

 

[Guest]

OK, I've asked one or two medical professionals this question, and have as yet not received a sensible reply. Let's see if anyone on this forum can shed some light etc.

Firstly, a fact that apparently is conveniently being ignored by all and sundry. By all accounts, you cannot die from Covid-19. That my friends, is pretty much the truth, or so I'm reliably informed. What you CAN die from, is a secondary infection brought about by exposure to Covid-19. Usually pneumonia.

Now, here's my question. In addition to my annual 'Flu vaccination, I also received a pneumonia vaccination. Therefore, am I now immune to pneumonia even if I contract a cheeky dose of Covid-19? Or, in layman's terms, am I now fireproof?

All answers gratefully received!

[Woodbutcher]

11 minutes ago, Joey said:

OK, I've asked one or two medical professionals this question, and have as yet not received a sensible reply. Let's see if anyone on this forum can shed some light etc.

Firstly, a fact that apparently is conveniently being ignored by all and sundry. By all accounts, you cannot die from Covid-19. That my friends, is pretty much the truth, or so I'm reliably informed. What you CAN die from, is a secondary infection brought about by exposure to Covid-19. Usually pneumonia.

Now, here's my question. In addition to my annual 'Flu vaccination, I also received a pneumonia vaccination. Therefore, am I now immune to pneumonia even if I contract a cheeky dose of Covid-19? Or, in layman's terms, am I now fireproof?

All answers gratefully received!

From the W.H.O. site .... 

[Woodbutcher]

13 minutes ago, Joey said:

All answers gratefully received!

And the rest of the latest myths busted too ..... https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

[Mike]

30 minutes ago, Hooker1951 said:

Hi Joey

 

ok have to step in again

The reason that I ask and insist that all medical advice given in this serious topic is taken from an official uk govt source such as the nhs and posted with a link to the reference is down to the fact that the advice given could be wrong or unsuitable advice

I or other members of the team or indeed other members can not judge if any medical advice given is correct or suitable or up to date

Therefore the member does need to give a link and a reference to an official health related uk source

Ideally just the link so that if the advice does change in the future the advice would still be up to date

 

No bones about it, it's best if listen and use the experts 

 

UK Govt Advice - Know the facts

To make sure you get the best information on the novel coronavirus, resources are available from the Department of Health and Social Care.

Visit the NHS website

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

[Len]

It was very sad to witness my 11 year old daughter (Tabitha) upset this evening after it hit home to her because of the Schools closing.  On top of this, if she doesn't go back to School until after the summer she won't be seeing lots of her friends again because next year she goes up to secondary School.

She is now watching a film after we discussed how many Den's she can build with all that time, laughing as I insisted that I will not be packing them away for her!

We have to keep each other's spirits up through this 

Len 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, WoodButcher said:

And the rest of the latest myths busted too ..... https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

Thanks for the answers and links etc. This is where it gets a bit confusing for a stupid old bugger like me, as the two medical professionals I previously asked were both NHS employees, (medical/clinical NOT admin), one being a bloody GP!!!!!!

Oh well, I think I'll just stock up on tea bags, Battenburg and Eccles cakes, and hope for the best. 

Keep safe troops! 

[Chalky]

12 hours ago, Joey said:

Thanks for the answers and links etc. This is where it gets a bit confusing for a stupid old bugger like me, as the two medical professionals I previously asked were both NHS employees, (medical/clinical NOT admin), one being a bloody GP!!!!!!

Oh well, I think I'll just stock up on tea bags, Battenburg and Eccles cakes, and hope for the best. 

Keep safe troops! 

But they probably know as much about this virus as the rest if us, simply following the guidance handed down from above? As for those dying they probably wouldn’t have if they hadn’t contracted covid19, not yet anyway.  

[Kenb]

On 15/03/2020 at 17:06, Hooker1951 said:

I’m totally disappointed with human nature with this crisis, it’s nothing but selfish behaviour, mob mentality, it really shows up the bad side of human nature, a bit of self control ,empathy , common sense and discipline would definitely tip the balance in the right direction, you can actually feel the badness in the air while shopping in the supermarkets, Just Hope that Common Sense does prevail or have we learned nothing from the past that’s what’s frightening 

KR

ML

my (not so near to me) young neighbour took the trouble to call on us this morning. I'm of an age where it could i suppose be serious if i'm infected. She ( the neighbour) is of an age that gets a lot of criticism. Let's not lump everyone together.

[Shinehead]

11 minutes ago, Kenb said:

my (not so near to me) young neighbour took the trouble to call on us this morning. I'm of an age where it could i suppose be serious if i'm infected. She ( the neighbour) is of an age that gets a lot of criticism. Let's not lump everyone together.

I was going out yesterday to do some shopping when a young lady who lives on my street who I am only on hello terms asked me if I needed any errands doing just push a note through her letter box and she would pick the items up for me.

I was taken back but impressed with her spirit of helping neighbours.

[Veedub]

Ive just started a new job in a big supermarket. Anyway , on Monday evening I was working in an isle and a guy was standing there looking at the bare shelves, he looked like that Goldie character, bit of a hard case, chains round his neck, tatoos on his face, local gangsta , "What the f*cks goin on man ?" he said , I went over, "yeh the worlds gone crazy " I said, expecting him to kick off.. Then he said " we should be reaching out to our brothers man, we're all brothers and should be helping each other and sharing  , thats what lifes about innit ?" Then he swaggered off. 

Had a tear in me eye I tell ya ! , What a great guy .Ive found nearly all the customers are kind to be honest , most want supplies for their kids and families incase theres a lockdown, people are scared after seeing the news and dont want to be left without supplies. Anyhow , things are rationed now which makes it fair. 

 

[Marty57]

8 hours ago, Shinehead said:

I was going out yesterday to do some shopping when a young lady who lives on my street who I am only on hello terms asked me if I needed any errands doing just push a note through her letter box and she would pick the items up for me.

I was taken back but impressed with her spirit of helping neighbours.

Know what you mean , i sometimes travel on the tram (nottm) often when packed i been offered a seat by young uns, at first i was quite shocked, im in my 63rd year but fit, still work as a plasterer, lots of good peeps out there , all ages we pull together , keep the faith not as soulies but as human beings , thoughts with all those that have lost loved ones x

[Mike]

Railway latest...

#Coronavirus – keep checking updates with the train companies you are travelling with. More info will be updated later today on https://nationalrail.co.uk
Be safe and please avoid travelling if it's a non-essential journey.

 

[Mike]

sky news segment on Italy - please read the warning 

 

The crisis gripping the town at the centre of the global #coronavirus crisis in Italy has been witnessed by Sky News' Chief Correspondent @ramsaysky.

Warning: It contains scenes of critically ill people.

Watch his full report here

 

[Hooker1951]

A Crisis like this or a conflict will always bring either the best or the worst out in human nature obviously depending on the person in question when it’s good it is a fantastic uplifting experience when it’s bad it can bring out all the primal anger and greed in a nasty person but let’s not kid ourselves pretending that it’s only a small percentage of people who are bad it’s a good 50% at least who have those traits, I made a living all my life working dealing with them so look after and be thankful for good people and beware of the other kind, I suffer from Diabetes 2 am 68 years of age train every day don’t make excuses for being nasty have one of my grandsons who has Downs who as is at risk with this virus no excuse for being nasty to other people and make no mistake about it take a walk around your local Supermarkets and you can easily see what I’m saying if you can’t your either looking at the world through rose tinted glasses or take a trip to your nearest spec savers. Get Real Good People stick together and this Coronavirus can be beat like any other crisis.

God Bless

ML

[Kevinkent]

On 11/03/2020 at 09:44, Chalky said:

Dust masks are useless anyway.  They have to be proper surgical masks.

This is actually untrue and misleading.

The European standard for both disposable and re-usable masks and including masks with valves and half face masks or respirators has 3 classes. These are FFP1,  FFP2, and FFP3.  I've also seen FFP2 called N95 and FFP3 called N99. These N numbers maybe an American Standard but I am unsure.

Sometimes these masks are called 'Dust Masks'. The same masks may also be called Industrial or Paint Sprayers masks, or any similar title.

3M are one of the better known manufacturers. Their website now shows that respirators to FFP2 and FFP3 standard are unavailable as all stock is currently being used to supply Hospitals.

FFP1 is the least filtering mask (80%) and is actually often used as a dust mask. 

FFP2 gives a minimum of 94% - mainly used in agriculture, construction, and healthcare. Currently used as coronavirus  protection.

FFP3 gives a minimum filtration percentage of 99% and is even better protection.

A 'surgical' mask can, if it has a waterproof layer, protect against splashes of biological fluid. It will NOT protect against airborne infections or contamination from such as Coronavirus. A surgical mask is better worn by a victim/patient to prevent them cough splashing their surroundings.

Please don't take this as gospel. I am probably meant to show links etc, but that is beyond me. If you wish, use any of the above for your own on-line research and make up your own mind.

Stay safe.

- Kev

Edited March 20, 2020 by Kevinkent

[Mike]

just seen this on tv

Bars, pubs, restaurants ordered to close

Boris Johnson: “We are telling all bars, clubs and restaurants to close at midnight tonight.

“We are also asking leisure centres and gyms to close.”

Says situation will be reviewed each month.

 

[Chalky]

6 hours ago, Kevinkent said:

This is actually untrue and misleading.

The European standard for both disposable and re-usable masks and including masks with valves and half face masks or respirators has 3 classes. These are FFP1,  FFP2, and FFP3.  I've also seen FFP2 called N95 and FFP3 called N99. These N numbers maybe an American Standard but I am unsure.

Sometimes these masks are called 'Dust Masks'. The same masks may also be called Industrial or Paint Sprayers masks, or any similar title.

3M are one of the better known manufacturers. Their website now shows that respirators to FFP2 and FFP3 standard are unavailable as all stock is currently being used to supply Hospitals.

FFP1 is the least filtering mask (80%) and is actually often used as a dust mask. 

FFP2 gives a minimum of 94% - mainly used in agriculture, construction, and healthcare. Currently used as coronavirus  protection.

FFP3 gives a minimum filtration percentage of 99% and is even better protection.

A 'surgical' mask can, if it has a waterproof layer, protect against splashes of biological fluid. It will NOT protect against airborne infections or contamination from such as Coronavirus. A surgical mask is better worn by a victim/patient to prevent them cough splashing their surroundings.

Please don't take this as gospel. I am probably meant to show links etc, but that is beyond me. If you wish, use any of the above for your own on-line research and make up your own mind.

Stay safe.

- Kev

When I ran an industrial paint shop the type used or called dust mask were not good enough for paint spraying.  We had respirators or air fed masks.

A respirator or mask That will filter out virus or bacteria has to be a N95 NIOSH approved/certified.  It also has to be tight fitting, a dust mask isn’t.  A dust mask will only filter larger particles and when they get damp from your breath they are almost useless.

we cannot use a dust mask for any chemical we transport either, they aren’t good enough eith in the liquid state or gas state. Again it has to be a respirator type mask  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-faq.html

Edited March 20, 2020 by Chalky

[Winsford Soul]

4 minutes ago, Chalky said:

When I ran an industrial paint shop the type used or called dust mask were not good enough for paint spraying.  We had respirators or air fed masks.

A respirator or mask That will filter out virus or bacteria has to be a N95 NIOSH approved/certified.  It also has to be tight fitting, a dust mask isn’t.  A dust mask will only filter larger particles and when they get damp from your breath they are almost useless.

we cannot use a dust mask for any chemical we transport either, they aren’t good enough eith in the liquid state or gas state. Again it has to be a respirator type mask  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-faq.html

Totally agree with you on that one Karl. I'm confined space,  / rescue and recovery trained and I have never been told to use anything else other than either a personal B A set or a oxygen supplied for anything containing moisture,  dust, fumes, smoke etc. 

Plus you need a face fit test for wearing any mask properly regardless of the type 

[Kevinkent]

I guess it all boils down to what you call a dust mask. In my local B&Q today the shelves were empty but the rails for where the N95 FFP2 should have been they  were labelled as such but also as dust masks, hence the possibility for confusion which I was trying to straighten out. The same probably goes for the term 'surgical mask' which could be thought of as the comparatively inefficient disposable paper mask we often see NHS staff wearing. Not seeking to argue with you guys as I agree with you, but simply attempting to clarify the issue.

Doesn't really matter to me personally - still got my gear from the training I did at Porton Down.

- Kev

[Winsford Soul]

4 minutes ago, Kevinkent said:

I guess it all boils down to what you call a dust mask. In my local B&Q today the shelves were empty but the rails for where the N95 FFP2 should have been they  were labelled as such but also as dust masks, hence the possibility for confusion which I was trying to straighten out. The same probably goes for the term 'surgical mask' which could be thought of as the comparatively inefficient disposable paper mask we often see NHS staff wearing. Not seeking to argue with you guys as I agree with you, but simply attempting to clarify the issue.

Doesn't really matter to me personally - still got my gear from the training I did at Porton Down.

- Kev

Nothing getting through that gear Kev. N.B.C suit to go with it ? 

[Kevinkent]

3 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Nothing getting through that gear Kev. N.B.C suit to go with it ? 

Yes mate, in Green and a new blue one - when I can find them. Still can't do a decent canister change !

Also got a couple of the half mask 3M respirators I mentioned from when I was doing a lot of laboratory work.

[Chalky]

43 minutes ago, Kevinkent said:

I guess it all boils down to what you call a dust mask. In my local B&Q today the shelves were empty but the rails for where the N95 FFP2 should have been they  were labelled as such but also as dust masks, hence the possibility for confusion which I was trying to straighten out. The same probably goes for the term 'surgical mask' which could be thought of as the comparatively inefficient disposable paper mask we often see NHS staff wearing. Not seeking to argue with you guys as I agree with you, but simply attempting to clarify the issue.

Doesn't really matter to me personally - still got my gear from the training I did at Porton Down.

- Kev

Got my ADR gear if it got that bad. No longer have my spraying gear. 
 

If your gear doesn’t work then we are f*****

Edited March 20, 2020 by Chalky

[Kenb]

11 hours ago, Hooker1951 said:

A Crisis like this or a conflict will always bring either the best or the worst out in human nature obviously depending on the person in question when it’s good it is a fantastic uplifting experience when it’s bad it can bring out all the primal anger and greed in a nasty person but let’s not kid ourselves pretending that it’s only a small percentage of people who are bad it’s a good 50% at least who have those traits, I made a living all my life working dealing with them so look after and be thankful for good people and beware of the other kind, I suffer from Diabetes 2 am 68 years of age train every day don’t make excuses for being nasty have one of my grandsons who has Downs who as is at risk with this virus no excuse for being nasty to other people and make no mistake about it take a walk around your local Supermarkets and you can easily see what I’m saying if you can’t your either looking at the world through rose tinted glasses or take a trip to your nearest spec savers. Get Real Good People stick together and this Coronavirus can be beat like any other crisis.

God Bless

ML

Here's more of the best - my town

https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2020-03-20/children-sing-to-bring-joy-to-elderly-people-stuck-in-virus-isolation/

 

 

[Timillustrator]

4 hours ago, Winsford Soul said:

Plus you need a face fit test for wearing any mask properly regardless of the type 

True, I've seen people with beards wearing face masks today, totally pointless!