Random Stuff!

[HPsauce]

Hi Andy. I only noticed one commercial flight yesterday, Ryanair from/to Dublin. Nothing showing at all today sadly.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there HPsauce, so what do you think think total pax will be at end of year... Andyc

 

[HPsauce]

Hi Andy. That is such a difficult question!. Best guess is 4 to 5 million. It depends on so many things. I really don't see anything settling down until next year as confidence in travel will be low for some time. Also carriers will have to review their planned destinations according to individual countries ability to have the Coronavirus under control. This will probably mean a reliable vaccine being available.

 

[JENNYJET]

A valid health certificate, affixed Visa style to the passport and recognised by all countries might ease concerns at the border. Travel will change thanks to the virus.

 

[CoalPowered]

Not a single arrival or departure as of 17:00 today. Is this a first?

 

[Brum X]

Some good news in all this bad news. I know some people think HS2 is a total waste of money but I am on the opposite fence with this and think it will be great for the cities that will benefit. And exactly what our economy needs right now providing much needed jobs for the construction industry.

Green light for construction work to start on HS2

Department for Transport has given civil contractors the go ahead to move from site preparation to detailed design and construction work

www.business-live.co.uk

 

[JENNYJET]

Is the airfield i.e. Runway closed or does it remain open as a strategic facility of the nation?

 

[HPsauce]

I understand the runway remains open except for the night closure period midnight to 6am. It's just that the sprinkling of flights that remained have all dropped away too!.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Kevin,

I believe that your background gives you a far greater insight into the CORONA-19 virus than mine, but one concern I have when out doing my daily exercise is someone speaking to me, especially if I'm down wind of them.

I live on the edge of a city in a suburb that is not overburdened with walkers and cyclists, although there are certainly more than in 'normal' times. I've so far managed to be at least 2 metres away from others - usually a lot more than that by crossing roads from one side to another when I see someone approaching on my side.

The much reduced traffic density also makes it easier to step well into a road to pass people who are on pavements.

If people step out of my way I acknowledge their courtesy with a wave of the hand and a smile. However, I notice that when the situation is reversed many will speak to me, saying, "Thank you" or utter some other polite response. What concerns me is that many people actually spit when speaking. They don't intend to and often may not be aware that they do, but things like slightly loose dentures or speech 'deficiencies' can cause tiny bits of saliva to be ejected from their mouth.

So not only do I keep a weather eye for people approaching in order to get out of their way - and constantly look behind in case joggers or cyclsits are coming from that direction - I also take account of the wind direction and strength to avoid the possibility of coming into contact with unintended spit particles from people whose only wish is to utter a friendly word in passing.

Sorry for my latr reply.

As a Scientist, it's possible that I do have a better understanding of viruses and how they work. I am however a Chemist (synthetic organic chemistry/peptide synthesis being my areas of experience) and make no claim to be a Virologist or have any expertise in the field.
What I can tell you is that viruses are extremely unusual entities. They are not really alive, in that they cannot produce their own energy or reproduce independently. They have to invade a host cell and use that cells mechanisms/chemistry to provide the means for replication after having deposited their own RNA/DNA into the cell. It's probably easiest to describe a virus as half way between chemistry and a living organism (although all biological pathways are ultimately chemistry).

I share your concern, regarding the 2 metre separation. I have no idea how this was arrived at, but would guess it's on the advice of chief scientists to the government (in the early days of the outbreak, I'm sure I heard of some countries stating 1 meter). However, if you've ever seen a slow motion video of a sneeze (not very pleasant to watch), the mucus/saliva is propelled significantly further than 2 metres.
I think that you are doing the best thing by keeping as great a distance as possible from others. Along with this, regular hand washing is advised.

Hopefully, we can get back to normal in the not too distant future, but I doubt it's going to be just a few weeks.

Stay safe.

Kevin

 

[JENNYJET]

I have learnt and understood more in that last contribution than anything from those press things from Downing Street. Thank you Kevin, no gobbledygook, and no flannel is exactly what is required.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

I have learnt and understood more in that last contribution than anything from those press things from Downing Street. Thank you Kevin, no gobbledygook, and no flannel is exactly what is required.

Wow, thank you Jennyjet! I feel truly honoured by your reply.

Kevin

 

[Ray Finkle]

However, if you've ever seen a slow motion video of a sneeze (not very pleasant to watch), the mucus/saliva is propelled significantly further than 2 metres.

Possibly similar to standing downwind to someone using one of those vape machines, the product of which looks to travel a significant distance in the right conditions?

Some good news in all this bad news. I know some people think HS2 is a total waste of money but I am on the opposite fence with this and think it will be great for the cities that will benefit. And exactly what our economy needs right now providing much needed jobs for the construction industry.

Green light for construction work to start on HS2

Department for Transport has given civil contractors the go ahead to move from site preparation to detailed design and construction work

www.business-live.co.uk

Totally agree mate especially when it comes to providing employment

 

[Creguk]

What do you guys think about opening schools soon? I've read about people believing social distancing cna still occur in schools. Personally I know it's not possible.

 

[Coathanger16]

What do you guys think about opening schools soon? I've read about people believing social distancing cna still occur in schools. Personally I know it's not possible.

The only way I think you could have social distancing in schools is if you only allowed schools to open for certain year groups.

After all the grief of being told their exams wouldn't be taking place, would it really be fair to those taking GCSE's and A Levels to now tell them "actually you will be taking exams this year"?

Until we're well over the "peak", IMO things should stay as they are now if not get even stricter. Whilst children themselves may not be at much risk from the virus, they can still act as carriers and take it home and infect their families.

 

[Ray Finkle]

What do you guys think about opening schools soon? I've read about people believing social distancing cna still occur in schools. Personally I know it's not possible.

I've had the same conversation with my wife as to how social distance could be achieved in schools. Like you she also says that it simply is not possible.

I appreciate that it's the Daily Mail but there are some interesting comments.

Headteacher says social distancing in schools is simply impossible

Katharine Birbalsingh, the formidable head of the Michaela Community School in Brent, north London, said it was a 'lie' that safe distancing within educational settings was possible.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[JENNYJET]

Makes me ask what is happening at the boarding schools, do Eton or Rugby simply disperse and reimburse or lock them indoors and allow 'Herd Immunity ' etc. and continue charging fees.....

 

[Ray Finkle]

More than £20 million.

 

[Aviador]

Is that a Banksy

 

[Ray Finkle]

Is that a Banksy

No idea mate, someone sent it to me earlier.

 

[thunderchild]

More than £20 million.

Amazing! And puts to shame all these so called “celebrities” posting videos of themselves crying in their £20 million mansions because they can’t cope!