SARS CoV-2 coronavirus / Covid-19 (No tin foil hat silliness please)

GPs to be put on standby in case vaccine rollout begins in December - report

Family doctors will be told to prepare for vaccinating over-85s and frontline health workers from early next month, according to GP magazine Pulse.

GPs will receive a "directed enhanced service" (DES) from next week setting out how they can deliver a service above their usual contract.

The two frontrunners in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine - BioNtech and the Oxford vaccine - have suggested clinical data could be sent to regulators within weeks.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "While there are no certainties in the development, production, and timing of new vaccines, there is a possibility a COVID-19 vaccine could be available in the UK in the first part of 2021.

"It will only be rolled out once proven to be safe and effective through robust clinical trials and approved by medicines regulator the MHRA.

"Once approved, the NHS stands ready to begin the vaccination programme to those most at risk, before being rolled out more widely.

[Sky]
They need to prepare the process, it is a big project to roll out this vaccine. So this is a positive sign and good preparation.

But, personally I don't think they will actually have the vaccine ready in December.
 
I belong to a group of about 500 walkers and heard of what might be our first positive case today. We all live in high risk Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Maybe prolonged exposure to mud and rain is good for you.
 
Numbers in Ireland continue to fall:

9-AB75018-7828-471-A-BE91-8-A5-A18-CD92-BF.jpg
 
Yes, it came up on here a couple of moths back:


I don't think that was related to a specific vaccine, just to the broad principle that a vaccine could arrive within months and that getting a flu vaccine early couldn't be a disadvantage, but could be a big deal.
So a few weeks after I posted that I was drafted onto the immunisation project. We expect 2 vaccines will be available early January. Care homes, Front-line health and social care staff, then over 85s down to over 50s are the priority lists. The rest will be done by primary care/privately I assume if people wish to have it. It lines up with what’s been said by Boris/others recently so nothing new in that information - that’s what we’ve been working toward since October though.
 
I've stayed away from this page and COVID numbers as of late and just cracked on with work.
I had two patients, literally bed-neighbours, die within 2 minutes of each other today. Absolutely terrible. We were trying to help the first one, despite her being on maximal treatment (OptiFlow), and could see the gentleman next to her visibly entering the stages of dying in our eyes. Literally nothing we can do.

It's truly heartbreaking even after all these months. It's draining, and I'm absolutely shattered from those people who still don't take it seriously or those who say that "the government are releasing false numbers" or "ThEy pUt COVID oN the dEaTh cErtiFicAte even though they died of something else".

That is absolutely bollocks. In my 5 years of working as a doctor, I've completed more death certificates in the last 8 months than I have in the first 4 years of working combined - and not once have I put the words of COVID down unless that's the thing that's killed them.

I'm dreading the winter pressures already - our hospital is already beyond full capacity and the daily recording released the information that we have 102 COVID patients admitted at present. Granted, a certain percentage are asymptomatic who happen to have it along with another issue - but I'll tell you what - I'd love to see one of those patients round about now because I don't see them.

I completely understand that from a non-medical point of view, this is infuriating/terrible in a different manner to mine. Some people can't even work because of this. I couldn't imagine not working during the last few months. Staying at home with feck all to do for weeks intermittently sounds very shit.

Unfortunately, until a vaccine comes, people are going to have to accept this as a way of living for the time being.
Seeing a 50 and 60 odd year old dying today - with barely a medical co-morbidity to their name - is a daily reminder that it isn't a poxy virus.
I'm scared shitless for my parents. I don't want to see them just in case I manage to bring it to them on a strand of my hair.
 
I've stayed away from this page and COVID numbers as of late and just cracked on with work.
I had two patients, literally bed-neighbours, die within 2 minutes of each other today. Absolutely terrible. We were trying to help the first one, despite her being on maximal treatment (OptiFlow), and could see the gentleman next to her visibly entering the stages of dying in our eyes. Literally nothing we can do.

It's truly heartbreaking even after all these months. It's draining, and I'm absolutely shattered from those people who still don't take it seriously or those who say that "the government are releasing false numbers" or "ThEy pUt COVID oN the dEaTh cErtiFicAte even though they died of something else".

That is absolutely bollocks. In my 5 years of working as a doctor, I've completed more death certificates in the last 8 months than I have in the first 4 years of working combined - and not once have I put the words of COVID down unless that's the thing that's killed them.

I'm dreading the winter pressures already - our hospital is already beyond full capacity and the daily recording released the information that we have 102 COVID patients admitted at present. Granted, a certain percentage are asymptomatic who happen to have it along with another issue - but I'll tell you what - I'd love to see one of those patients round about now because I don't see them.

I completely understand that from a non-medical point of view, this is infuriating/terrible in a different manner to mine. Some people can't even work because of this. I couldn't imagine not working during the last few months. Staying at home with feck all to do for weeks intermittently sounds very shit.

Unfortunately, until a vaccine comes, people are going to have to accept this as a way of living for the time being.
Seeing a 50 and 60 odd year old dying today - with barely a medical co-morbidity to their name - is a daily reminder that it isn't a poxy virus.
I'm scared shitless for my parents. I don't want to see them just in case I manage to bring it to them on a strand of my hair.
Ah, hell - that's a tough read. I hope you and your family stay well and the vaccine does what we're all hoping it can do. Meanwhile, stay strong and all the best.
 
Thanks for posting , it must be hard to do but is a stark reminder about what is really going on. Look after yourself, stay strong and stay well.
 
Im in exactly the same boat mate.
I have literally just come here to ask if an office can be legitimately classed as 'Covid secure'

My boss wants everyone in the office as productivity suffers 15% at home.

Boris said to work from home if we can, and we can. He did not say to work from home unless your office is covid secure!?!? Is that even a thing?
What your boss wants doesn't matter
 
I've stayed away from this page and COVID numbers as of late and just cracked on with work.
I had two patients, literally bed-neighbours, die within 2 minutes of each other today. Absolutely terrible. We were trying to help the first one, despite her being on maximal treatment (OptiFlow), and could see the gentleman next to her visibly entering the stages of dying in our eyes. Literally nothing we can do.

It's truly heartbreaking even after all these months. It's draining, and I'm absolutely shattered from those people who still don't take it seriously or those who say that "the government are releasing false numbers" or "ThEy pUt COVID oN the dEaTh cErtiFicAte even though they died of something else".

That is absolutely bollocks. In my 5 years of working as a doctor, I've completed more death certificates in the last 8 months than I have in the first 4 years of working combined - and not once have I put the words of COVID down unless that's the thing that's killed them.

I'm dreading the winter pressures already - our hospital is already beyond full capacity and the daily recording released the information that we have 102 COVID patients admitted at present. Granted, a certain percentage are asymptomatic who happen to have it along with another issue - but I'll tell you what - I'd love to see one of those patients round about now because I don't see them.

I completely understand that from a non-medical point of view, this is infuriating/terrible in a different manner to mine. Some people can't even work because of this. I couldn't imagine not working during the last few months. Staying at home with feck all to do for weeks intermittently sounds very shit.

Unfortunately, until a vaccine comes, people are going to have to accept this as a way of living for the time being.
Seeing a 50 and 60 odd year old dying today - with barely a medical co-morbidity to their name - is a daily reminder that it isn't a poxy virus.
I'm scared shitless for my parents. I don't want to see them just in case I manage to bring it to them on a strand of my hair.

Stay strong mate. People like you are bloody heroes.
 
I've stayed away from this page and COVID numbers as of late and just cracked on with work.
I had two patients, literally bed-neighbours, die within 2 minutes of each other today. Absolutely terrible. We were trying to help the first one, despite her being on maximal treatment (OptiFlow), and could see the gentleman next to her visibly entering the stages of dying in our eyes. Literally nothing we can do.

It's truly heartbreaking even after all these months. It's draining, and I'm absolutely shattered from those people who still don't take it seriously or those who say that "the government are releasing false numbers" or "ThEy pUt COVID oN the dEaTh cErtiFicAte even though they died of something else".

That is absolutely bollocks. In my 5 years of working as a doctor, I've completed more death certificates in the last 8 months than I have in the first 4 years of working combined - and not once have I put the words of COVID down unless that's the thing that's killed them.

I'm dreading the winter pressures already - our hospital is already beyond full capacity and the daily recording released the information that we have 102 COVID patients admitted at present. Granted, a certain percentage are asymptomatic who happen to have it along with another issue - but I'll tell you what - I'd love to see one of those patients round about now because I don't see them.

I completely understand that from a non-medical point of view, this is infuriating/terrible in a different manner to mine. Some people can't even work because of this. I couldn't imagine not working during the last few months. Staying at home with feck all to do for weeks intermittently sounds very shit.

Unfortunately, until a vaccine comes, people are going to have to accept this as a way of living for the time being.
Seeing a 50 and 60 odd year old dying today - with barely a medical co-morbidity to their name - is a daily reminder that it isn't a poxy virus.
I'm scared shitless for my parents. I don't want to see them just in case I manage to bring it to them on a strand of my hair.

Appreciate you taking the time to write this and for the great work you're doing. Very sobering post but one that's very important to hear.
 
I've stayed away from this page and COVID numbers as of late and just cracked on with work.
I had two patients, literally bed-neighbours, die within 2 minutes of each other today. Absolutely terrible. We were trying to help the first one, despite her being on maximal treatment (OptiFlow), and could see the gentleman next to her visibly entering the stages of dying in our eyes. Literally nothing we can do.

It's truly heartbreaking even after all these months. It's draining, and I'm absolutely shattered from those people who still don't take it seriously or those who say that "the government are releasing false numbers" or "ThEy pUt COVID oN the dEaTh cErtiFicAte even though they died of something else".

That is absolutely bollocks. In my 5 years of working as a doctor, I've completed more death certificates in the last 8 months than I have in the first 4 years of working combined - and not once have I put the words of COVID down unless that's the thing that's killed them.

I'm dreading the winter pressures already - our hospital is already beyond full capacity and the daily recording released the information that we have 102 COVID patients admitted at present. Granted, a certain percentage are asymptomatic who happen to have it along with another issue - but I'll tell you what - I'd love to see one of those patients round about now because I don't see them.

I completely understand that from a non-medical point of view, this is infuriating/terrible in a different manner to mine. Some people can't even work because of this. I couldn't imagine not working during the last few months. Staying at home with feck all to do for weeks intermittently sounds very shit.

Unfortunately, until a vaccine comes, people are going to have to accept this as a way of living for the time being.
Seeing a 50 and 60 odd year old dying today - with barely a medical co-morbidity to their name - is a daily reminder that it isn't a poxy virus.
I'm scared shitless for my parents. I don't want to see them just in case I manage to bring it to them on a strand of my hair.
Heart goes out to you chap, the work you guys are doing is just beyond what anyone could ever expect of you, thank you.
Thanks mate. I’m sure there are millions going through the same thing at the moment.
True enough mate, feel free to drop me a message if you need a chat or just to vent though.
 
My friend's wife is in intensive care as she gave premature birth last week and got infected while being very weak. She's been in coma since last week and it's looking very grim. I'm devastated, praying she pulls through. She's 30. Two kids. Feels like I was drunk at their wedding yesterday. :(

We are also going into harder lockdown and idiots are once again on the streets protesting against plandemic. We are at 24k cases per day, if we go to 30k we will be in hard lockdown.
 
Have heard it from a source that is actively working on a vaccine that it will be ready for December, possibly at the end of this month.

The newspaper headlines are true, and barring any last minute hitches, NHS front line workers will get the vaccine.
 
That’s disgraceful! This government have so much to answer for, as well as those morons who have carried in as normal.

Also who are the 38 morons voting against the restrictions today?
 
That’s disgraceful! This government have so much to answer for, as well as those morons who have carried in as normal.

Also who are the 38 morons voting against the restrictions today?

Couldn't agree with you more. Let us remember that 42 days ago when the scientists called for a Circuit Breaker of two to three weeks, the deaths were 11.
Most incompetent government and PM in history.
 
Couldn't agree with you more. Let us remember that 42 days ago when the scientists called for a Circuit Breaker of two to three weeks, the deaths were 11.
Most incompetent government and PM in history.
Yep! They then proceeded to mock labour and used it as a political weapon. Now look at us under Welsh Labour, out of lockdown Monday and county lockdown ends too.
 
That's a stretch. If you look at all the boards politicians sit on you won't have many companies left. It's a non story.

It’s almost like politicians shouldn’t be sitting on boards of corporations while they have to make these decisions ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
 
Yep! They then proceeded to mock labour and used it as a political weapon. Now look at us under Welsh Labour, out of lockdown Monday and county lockdown ends too.

Good news for Wales. Despite that, I do wish that the UK operated as a Union instead of the separate countries.
Anyway. It is becoming clear that Boris has made lots of enemies within his party. I do feel that if this semi lockdown does not work and he is forced to extend it beyond December, Boris could easily be faced with a vote of no confidence. Bring it on..
 
If a Vaccine is close, it'll be the way out of this lockdown (no way in 4 weeks this will end)

What happens if NHS staff refuse to take it? On grounds of not enough testing on it?
 
Have heard it from a source that is actively working on a vaccine that it will be ready for December, possibly at the end of this month.

The newspaper headlines are true, and barring any last minute hitches, NHS front line workers will get the vaccine.

All sounds very promising now and not just the press jumping the gun. I presume if roll out to NHS starts sometime in December it won't be too long into next year before general population start getting the jab?

Next 2-3 months are going to be very s*** but that's the light at the end of the tunnel you have to cling onto.
 
All sounds very promising now and not just the press jumping the gun. I presume if roll out to NHS starts sometime in December it won't be too long into next year before general population start getting the jab?

Next 2-3 months are going to be very s*** but that's the light at the end of the tunnel you have to cling onto.
Yeah, they said to me January at latest for the most vulnerable with views to a spring time/March/April roll out time for the general population.
 
If a Vaccine is close, it'll be the way out of this lockdown (no way in 4 weeks this will end)

What happens if NHS staff refuse to take it? On grounds of not enough testing on it?

Hopefully medical professionals will know enough to know that the compressed testing doesn't compromise safety as the normally longer phase 3 testing is primarily to more precisely and accurately assess effectiveness. We can't afford to delay for a year or 3 to know if effectiveness is +/- 1% of the initial figure.
 
My friend's wife is in intensive care as she gave premature birth last week and got infected while being very weak. She's been in coma since last week and it's looking very grim. I'm devastated, praying she pulls through. She's 30. Two kids. Feels like I was drunk at their wedding yesterday. :(

We are also going into harder lockdown and idiots are once again on the streets protesting against plandemic. We are at 24k cases per day, if we go to 30k we will be in hard lockdown.
Really sorry to hear that, hope she pulls through.
 
Yep! They then proceeded to mock labour and used it as a political weapon. Now look at us under Welsh Labour, out of lockdown Monday and county lockdown ends too.

Unless Wales have the R number below 1 come Monday then your crowing will mean diddly squat. I will keep my fingers crossed that the decision proves to be the right one.
 
Unless Wales have the R number below 1 come Monday then your crowing will mean diddly squat. I will keep my fingers crossed that the decision proves to be the right one.
No, not by Monday, things will be relatively the same R number wise, apparently we won’t see the full effects until the end of the month.

Regardless though, what I appreciate is that Mark Drakeford has said we’re gonna try this lockdown, it might not work but we gotta slow down the spread and then review at the end of the month, and maybe back into lockdown, this is what leadership looks like. It might not work but it’s a solid plan, and took an unpopular decision.

None of this world beating, were so brilliant crap.
 
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Hopefully medical professionals will know enough to know that the compressed testing doesn't compromise safety as the normally longer phase 3 testing is primarily to more precisely and accurately assess effectiveness. We can't afford to delay for a year or 3 to know if effectiveness is +/- 1% of the initial figure.

The opposite is actually the case. You can get a good idea about efficacy early (if it’s a very effective drug) but longer term data, with higher numbers of subjects exposed, is how you get a better understanding of the safety profile.