Covid-19 - Suspend Chess Immediately

[Nick Grey]

70 Year Olds barred to protect the Young. Four Months.

Wow. Lets go with that.

[Matt Bridgeman]

The Guardian ran a piece a couple of hours ago based on a leaked Public Health England briefing report to senior NHS officials, running with the headline, ‘UK coronavirus crisis’ to last until spring 2021 and could see 7.9m hospitalised.’ Really scary stuff; https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/ ... spitalised

[Andrew Zigmond]

70 Year Olds barred to protect the Young. Four Months.

Wow. Lets go with that.

They are being barred to protect themselves. The young aren't at risk (unless they have underlying health issues). Also `young` and `under 70` aren't exactly the same thing.

[Nick Grey]

Yorkshire League
Harrogate Chess Club
Are you suspending all OTB Chess Immediately?

[Andrew Zigmond]

Yorkshire League
Harrogate Chess Club
Are you suspending all OTB Chess Immediately?

In both cases I am consulting with those affected ... while not discussing it with those who are not!

[David Robertson]

I think a `keep calm and carry on` approach was ultimately necessary and very much the lesser of two evils, particularly in light of the panic buying and hysteria we're seeing.

This next bit is controversial but I am going to jump in with both feet and say it. Most people are not going to die of coronavirus. There IS a real risk to elderly and vulnerable people but surely the people in this demographic (who aren't in semi and full time care already) can identify themselves and take all reasonable precautions? There is talk of the restrictions lasting until next Spring. I had quite a few things planned, not just my usual congresses (limited to the British, Scarborough and Hull) but a list of rock concerts that could all fall by the wayside. It's no massive skin off my nose in the end as I just take my money back but for the people depending on my custom for their livelihoods it may well be a death blow (literally)

Frankly, Andrew, I don't think you're quite up with the project here. Forgive me for saying so in these terms, but some w@nker$ in here get shirty if I told you what I really think of this

[Matt Mackenzie]

Even more drastic measures being taken in Norway.

The Republic of Ireland health minister announced this afternoon that all pubs and bars will close from this evening until at least 29 March. Some will probably never reopen.

If there isn't compliance, emergency legislation will be passed, I think.

This has been done because too many (mostly young?) people went out enjoying themselves on Friday night and last night ignoring the big public health advice on radio, press and tv about social distancing etc.

Good Friday in Ireland used to be dry and Lent was effectively suspended for St Patricks Day (which is Tuesday, a bank holiday).
The boozing will no doubt continue, but at home.

This is the part of the whole Coronavirus issue that is starting to scare me. If pubs, clubs (and other venues such as restaurants and cinemas) are forced to close then the people who work there are unlikely to get paid and obviously won't be able to find work elsewhere. These will be mainly (but not all) young people who will be unable to pay rent or pay for food and will end up homeless or starving. There is a serious risk of public disorder, particularly if food supplies grow scarce. This is why I think a `keep calm and carry on` approach was ultimately necessary and very much the lesser of two evils, particularly in light of the panic buying and hysteria we're seeing.

Which is where the government needs to step in.

Will they?

[Andrew Zigmond]

Frankly, Andrew, I don't think you're quite up with the project here. Forgive me for saying so in these terms, but some w@nker$ in here get shirty if I told you what I really think of this

This wanker promises not to get shirty as I really have more important things to worry about than trading blows with you. I am worried about many of my chess friends if this pandemic takes hold, many of whom are 70 plus and like surrogate uncles to me. At the same time I'm also desperately worried about my many young friends who work in hospitality are are likely to be left without jobs, income, shelter and food if this lockdown drags on. But that's all I'm going to say on the matter.

[Nick Grey]

Andrew … it is not about you.

[JustinHorton]

. This is why I think a `keep calm and carry on` approach was ultimately necessary

How calm do you think people are going to be when ICUs are overflowing and the desperately sick can't be admitted to hospital

[Andrew Zigmond]

. This is why I think a `keep calm and carry on` approach was ultimately necessary

How calm do you think people are going to be when ICUs are overflowing and the desperately sick can't be admitted to hospital

Which is why we need a robust response to ensure our hospitals are as ready as they can ever be and that steps are taken to manage infection. That bit is not in dispute. What I don't think is helping is all the fighting over toilet roll and mass closures that will likely lead to an economic (and possibly humanitarian) crisis. But that's just my view and other people have the right to beg to differ. One thing unites us; the fear and uncertainty is unsettling us all.

[JustinHorton]

. This is why I think a `keep calm and carry on` approach was ultimately necessary

How calm do you think people are going to be when ICUs are overflowing and the desperately sick can't be admitted to hospital

Which is why we need a robust response to ensure our hospitals are as ready as they can ever be

That's a reason for the lockdowns, Andrew, they buy time

[Matt Bridgeman]

It’s not just hospitals, the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock told the BBC today that hotels could be used as makeshift hospitals. It’s really that bad!

[JustinHorton]

That's happening in Madrid, by the way

[Alan Walton]

Why do people (and the BBC) keep using the word lockdown, it is quarantine; lockdown is something you do to prisoners to keep them in check; from the last i seen none of these people are convicts