Matt Hancock trying very hard to explain why we must adhere to the rules and stay at home, while failing miserable to address the issues surrounding construction. The advise in coming into direct conflict with reality.

Originally Posted by: Heavy Weather 2013 

Some of the analysis of the data from the cruise ship talks about viral load. The idea being that the greater exposure to the virus the more severe the illness. I've read about this in a few different sources. If there is something in it, it would mean that although you could catch the virus from touching a contaminated surface the virus load would be tiny meaning you would be much more likely to have a mild illness. 

It could also explain why so many medics on the front line have suffered so badly, given they are exposed to a much bigger viral load.

Originally Posted by: Northern Sky 

I don't get this - why should construction be shutdown across the board? Surely site visits could ascertain whether social distancing is sufficient and the transport to work rules sorted out.

If we shutdown the entire economy, the long term effects could be worse for the general population than the effects of the virus. Shield our most vulnerable for sure, but don't shutdown the entire economy - that is utter madness.

Originally Posted by: Maunder Minimum 

I don't get this - why should construction be shutdown across the board? Surely site visits could ascertain whether social distancing is sufficient and the transport to work rules sorted out.

If we shutdown the entire economy, the long term effects could be worse for the general population than the effects of the virus. Shield our most vulnerable for sure, but don't shutdown the entire economy - that is utter madness.

Originally Posted by: Maunder Minimum 

I don't get this - why should construction be shutdown across the board? Surely site visits could ascertain whether social distancing is sufficient and the transport to work rules sorted out.

If we shutdown the entire economy, the long term effects could be worse for the general population than the effects of the virus. Shield our most vulnerable for sure, but don't shutdown the entire economy - that is utter madness.

Originally Posted by: Maunder Minimum 

Exactly, if the vulnerables do what has been asked of them then they will be safe and we can get through this without damaging the economy anymore than it needs to be.

Originally Posted by: speckledjim 

but don't shutdown the entire economy - that is utter madness.

Originally Posted by: Maunder Minimum 

The government have bought 3.5million blood test kits to detect antibodies to test NHS staff and other key workers to see whether they have had the virus they'll be available within weeks.

Originally Posted by: Gavin D 

The problem isn't apparent in the regions but, as has widely been pointed out on social media and highlighted by Heavy W, thousands of construction workers travelling across London in public transport every morning, very closely mingling with essential workers (especially NHS staff). 

I tend to agree that under certain circumstances and with specific safeguards imposed, construction should continue. 

Perhaps, given the massive drop in normal traffic levels, the could relax the congestion charge and parking restrictions to allow more construction workers to drive in, removing a burden from public transport. 

Originally Posted by: Saint Snow 

 If our imports are reduced people will raid the countryside much more than they do now.

Originally Posted by: NMA 

Some of the analysis of the data from the cruise ship talks about viral load. The idea being that the greater exposure to the virus the more severe the illness. I've read about this in a few different sources. If there is something in it, it would mean that although you could catch the virus from touching a contaminated surface the virus load would be tiny meaning you would be much more likely to have a mild illness. 

It could also explain why so many medics on the front line have suffered so badly, given they are exposed to a much bigger viral load.

Originally Posted by: Northern Sky 

I'm sure they will try to exploit the Coronavirus issue.

"I'm calling on behalf of HM Government. You are aware of the new law to deal with Coronavirus. It gives us special powers to install some special software on your computer so that we can collect important information about the Coronavirus."

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

Exactly, if the vulnerables do what has been asked of them then they will be safe and we can get through this without damaging the economy anymore than it needs to be.

Originally Posted by: speckledjim 

Genuine question:

Why have the government closed golf courses and not building sites?

Originally Posted by: Heavy Weather 2013 

I don't think there's a problem with people playing at golf courses, the nature of the game dictates social distancing (especially if you play like me!).

But the image of golfers and golf clubs is one of middle class managers & sales people, and with all other sports suspended, the govt is probably wary of how making a special case for golf would be viewed by many.

Originally Posted by: Saint Snow 

If our imports are reduced people will raid the countryside much more than they do now.

Originally Posted by: NMA 

The problem isn't apparent in the regions but, as has widely been pointed out on social media and highlighted by Heavy W, thousands of construction workers travelling across London in public transport every morning, very closely mingling with essential workers (especially NHS staff). 

I tend to agree that under certain circumstances and with specific safeguards imposed, construction should continue. 

Perhaps, given the massive drop in normal traffic levels, the could relax the congestion charge and parking restrictions to allow more construction workers to drive in, removing a burden from public transport. 

Originally Posted by: Saint Snow 

Perhaps, given the massive drop in normal traffic levels, the could relax the congestion charge and parking restrictions to allow more construction workers to drive in, removing a burden from public transport. 

Originally Posted by: Saint Snow 

Your starting to sound like Trump.

Its been made clear today that you can’t adhere to social distancing rules on a building site. I know plenty of builders who have made this clear to me today. 

The economy will recover.

Originally Posted by: Heavy Weather 2013 

That confirms reports from many places - but does a mild infection from slight exposure confer immunity? Would be good news if it did.

So many unknowns about this virus at the moment.

Originally Posted by: Maunder Minimum 

You're so unselfconscious. I'm just stunned.

Originally Posted by: Ulric 

Went for a cycle this afternoon and it was great, perfect weather and mostly empty roads and paths. I had a (distant) chat with 2 people, a builder I know who seemed to love the whole thing. No traffic, perfect weather and he didn't have many cancellations so far. He and his crew wear masks and gloves and (apparently) they get rid of them every day.

There was a police car at a (usually) busy junction and I noticed a hot copper so I talked to her and asked how are things going in the area. She said still early days, but almost everyone behaves so far. They only had a call to disperse a group of teenagers, but even they complied.

PS. Another positive to come on Sunday, we move on from the annoying GMT.

Originally Posted by: xioni2