Good News For the Over 70's

[cambrensis]

Haha - a Knowledgeable Person! I live in sight of the River Medway - albeit in Man of Kent territory these days, but, hey, I don't mind slumming it a bit...

Hahaha!

I always have problems when there is a referendum or a census. The media, and also inviduals around me who have followed the media, tell me that the majority of Welsh people think or do this that or the other; of course, their language is confused as they mean the majority of people living in Wales, which is not the same thing at all. There is no factor to separate the two, which might make for interesting analyses. The same is true of several regions of the UK.

[Mandart]

Oh indeed it is, indeed it is... I've often thought Kent should declare UDI, after all, Medway is no longer part of Kent so the rough bit's gone...we'll just have the nice bits left, well, apart from Dover, but that does have it's uses...

[HerMajesty]

I'm glad we live in Wales. Now - England, just watch as in a week the number of cases and deaths will be going up. Not sure the over 70's thing is good news. All it means is people over 70 are now invited out in England like other age groups, but knowing they are more at risk of complications and death than other groups. England is going for the herd immunity theory, which has not yet been proven. Last I heard, there is no proof that getting Covie-19 infers immunity to everyone, tho it may, for an indefinite period of time. So, no thanks, Boris. I plan to keep my powder dry and my stick on the floor.

[moonwitch]

I'm glad we live in Wales. Now - England, just watch as in a week the number of cases and deaths will be going up. Not sure the over 70's thing is good news. All it means is people over 70 are now invited out in England like other age groups, but knowing they are more at risk of complications and death than other groups. England is going for the herd immunity theory, which has not yet been proven. Last I heard, there is no proof that getting Covie-19 infers immunity to everyone, tho it may, for an indefinite period of time. So, no thanks, Boris. I plan to keep my powder dry and my stick on the floor.

I saw treating healthy over 70s as younger healthy people meant the have more choices. It means that they don't have to stay indoors but can sit in the park in the sunshine...I thought that would be a good thing. Mt husband is in the shielding group at aged 61 so is expected to stay indoors.

[johnwash1]

I'm glad we live in Wales. Now - England, just watch as in a week the number of cases and deaths will be going up. Not sure the over 70's thing is good news. All it means is people over 70 are now invited out in England like other age groups, but knowing they are more at risk of complications and death than other groups. England is going for the herd immunity theory, which has not yet been proven. Last I heard, there is no proof that getting Covie-19 infers immunity to everyone, tho it may, for an indefinite period of time. So, no thanks, Boris. I plan to keep my powder dry and my stick on the floor.

'Herd immunity' is not a theory, it's a term used by epidemiologists.

See https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/52/7/911/299077

[HerMajesty]

I understand the concept of herd immunity. With this virus, herd immunity is still a theory, as is the idea of a vaccine. This particular corona virus, related to Ebola, Influenza, etc, has not yet been proven to confer immunity on people who had had it. And for those who it appears may have acquired some degree of immunity, it is not clear if they can still get the virus again, or transmit it, nor is it know how long any immunity may last. There is also the ability of viruses to mutate, meaning you might be immune after a bout of virus a, but in a few months it my change into virus x, to which you would nomt have immunity.

[moonwitch]

With this virus, herd immunity is still a theory, as is the idea of a vaccine.

Herd immunity isn't a theory in the sense of being an untested opinion. It is a scientifically tested and proven theory

I expect you already know, there is a huge difference between an opinion and scientific theory.

We will have to wait and see whether herd immunity applies to this particular strain

[HerMajesty]

Yep, that's what I said. It is still theoretical whether it applies to this virus. Herd immunity works with some viruses, not all. The more infectious a disease is, the higher lever of immunity needs to be present to provide herd immunity (or community immunity, if you don't want to feel like you should be standing out in a field chewing your cud!).

[Maelbrigda]

another 627 dead today, Think of all those poor families that have lost a loved one. Lockdown shouldn't lift until the numbers are at or below 100 a day. Boris is lifting restrictions too soon, I despair.

[tony41]

another 627 dead today, Think of all those poor families that have lost a loved one. Lockdown shouldn't lift until the numbers are at or below 100 a day. Boris is lifting restrictions too soon, I despair.

At least you can be grateful that Boris' folly does not apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Seaside resorts, National Parks and other beauty spots in England are likely to be invaded by visitors from a distance bringing the virus with them and potentially overwhelming the local NHS facilities. There will be very little benefit to the local economies because cafes, pubs B&Bs and many shops are closed and they are not allowed to stay the night even in a tent or caravan.