I really don't understand why you think there's a problem with the EU in either story. The first, as the article says, relates to a very old issue around illegal state aid. Are you suggesting that all legal processes should stop during the pandemic?

The second is a complete non-story. It cites an example of where cooperation worked perfectly then flags that other European countries haven't rushed to assist Italy - which is not remotely surprising given that every European country is in pretty much the same postion. You can hardly expect someone to hand over prot drive equipment, medicines and respirators when there's every likelihood of them being needed in their own country. Plus, there has been some cooperation, with patients being moved across borders.

I didn't expect you to indulge in a bout of EU bashing given there are rather more important issues about which to be concerned.

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

I really don't understand why you think there's a problem with the EU in either story. The first, as the article says, relates to a very old issue around illegal state aid. Are you suggesting that all legal processes should stop during the pandemic?

The second is a complete non-story. It cites an example of where cooperation worked perfectly then flags that other European countries haven't rushed to assist Italy - which is not remotely surprising given that every European country is in pretty much the same postion. You can hardly expect someone to hand over prot drive equipment, medicines and respirators when there's every likelihood of them being needed in their own country. Plus, there has been some cooperation, with patients being moved across borders.

I didn't expect you to indulge in a bout of EU bashing given there are rather more important issues about which to be concerned.

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

Nice snow shower here, the locust will probably arrive tomorrow.

Repent now! 

Originally Posted by: xioni2 

Apparantely those ghastly wet markets are being opened again, i.e the ones that may have caused the Chinese virus in the first place.

Originally Posted by: Quantum 

They are that but from what I understand the concern is banning them will force them underground.

Originally Posted by: Brian Gaze 

It makes me think whether or not we may see a restructuring of the world order after the virus? I don't think we'll see a complete overhaul, but we could definitely see changes along the lines of a turn away from neo-liberalism or a resurgence of the nation state.

Originally Posted by: Bolty 

Apparantely those ghastly wet markets are being opened again, i.e the ones that may have caused the Chinese virus in the first place.

Originally Posted by: Quantum 

Ocado delivered last night - I think that's the last delivery I'll be able to get though as  a quick punt on their site shows no spare slots.

Disinfected  everything I could with 70% IPA / 30% water mix - fortunately I've got circa 1/2 Gallon of IPA 99% that I  normally use for cleaning flux  off PCB's.  Delivered my parent's  portion  of the order round this morning maintaining strict 2M distance. Fortunately  they seem to be taking it all very seriously.  Gave the hound a decent  stretch out.  Dad walks him up and down  the lane outside  but Springers need a bit more than that IMHO.  - so that's my exercise   done for the day as well. 

Met a chap and a couple when walking the dog.  Both lots scrupulously applying social distancing.  Dog is well trained and generally does as he's told, but there is always a slight risk with  "Springer exuberance" that he won't be able to resit running up to people and greeting them with his tail flaying around and ears half way down his neck.  At the current time he is always put on a lead as soon as anyone comes into view - pulling him, away from people who don't like dogs might break the 2M rule.

Folks are OK, but worried - mainly for the wider family.  My cousin's other half was carted to hospital after his Corvid became pneumonia.  He was released again with lots of meds becuase my cousin is a nurse and can monitor his condition properly and get him carted  in  again  quickly if need be.  James is early 60s  with (AFAIK) no underlying health conditions but he does smoke and always has done so.

He is the 2nd person I know that has developed symptoms that  are far from "mild"   with this wretched thing ! 

I think the penalty for  continuing  to eat "wildlife meals"  should be draconian - I'm not generally in favour of the death penalty but I could be persuaded to make this an  exception  given the  Millions world wide that are going to be killed by this.  The only way to stop  the markets and all the other crap associated  with daft medieval medicine  and  "wildlife meals" is to kill the demand !

Originally Posted by: Bugglesgate 

I’m thinking along those lines.  The current crisis is uncovering the cracks in the system and weakening unions.  Much like wartime, countries are discovering their true allies and finding that it’s more a case of every man for himself.  I think there will be some rethinking done in the aftermath!

Originally Posted by: Caz 

Give me a few nukes, and I will sort out those markets in an instance. They are evil beyond expression. 

Originally Posted by: Chunky Pea 

Corvid is putting a whole new perspective on things for me.

Originally Posted by: Bugglesgate 

Is everyone disinfecting the shopping/deliveries they receive? 

I only ask, as we’re not doing that (I know we probably should be), and I’m not really seeing any official advice that it should be done.

We do have some disinfectant wipes so maybe we should be making more effort to do so. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

No Joe!  I’m not disinfecting my shopping but I am being careful with packaging, like washing my hands after touching it.  There are no guidelines that say we should be doing it and no real evidence that packaging is a real risk.  

Originally Posted by: Caz 

Cheers Caz. 

It’s a nightmare really because in theory you’d need to wash your hands after touching every item for days on end e.g wine bottles. 

I’d like to think contracting the virus from touching your shopping (certainly after a day or two) is very low risk. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

I am also talking into account the commentary of ordinary Italians. And I would think that they would know better than thee or me what is going on between them and the EU. 

Originally Posted by: Chunky Pea 

No Joe!  I’m not disinfecting my shopping but I am being careful with packaging, like washing my hands after touching it.  There are no guidelines that say we should be doing it and no real evidence that packaging is a real risk.  

Originally Posted by: Caz 

Why would you expect the average Italian to know what's going on between them and the EU? 

I understand that countries are under huge pressure but this just sounds like opportunistic EU bashing.

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

The scientific evidence suggests the virus can stay viable for several days on hard surfaces; up to 24 hours on cardboard.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-covid-19-how-long-does-the-coronavirus-last-on-surfaces

We're going to step up precautions when we shop this week as the risk is mounting steadily.

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

I think that's a VERY important and valid point. The risk from shopping is rising all the time and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Originally Posted by: Brian Gaze 

I think that's a VERY important and valid point. The risk from shopping is rising all the time and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Originally Posted by: Brian Gaze 

I agree with you Joe. I think there's a degree of balance that needs to be taken otherwise we'll all go mental. 

Besides I'm hoping the viral load theory is right, meaning a very small dose of the virus present on an object would mean a you were more likely to get mild symptoms. 

Originally Posted by: Northern Sky 

Is everyone disinfecting the shopping/deliveries they receive? 

I only ask, as we’re not doing that (I know we probably should be), and I’m not really seeing any official advice that it should be done.

We do have some disinfectant wipes so maybe we should be making more effort to do so. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs