Coronavirus

Guys, Guys, there is no way an over 70's 'going outdoors' ban could be enforced, we have bugger all police or army to do it. i suggest it might be sensible but hey who knows?

Tony

The taxpayer should make substantial savings as the House of Lords will be over half empty with the over 70s not going out to attend there.

Edited By V8Eng on 16/03/2020 15:02:06

Now that's a good point!!!

I think that if, by self isolation or whatever, those of us 'at risk' can avoid getting it this time around then there might just be a vaccine ready for the next dose|||

Just my thoughts

Roger

Here, in France, us over 70s have been advised to stay at home and only go out for essentials such as food and excersise. So I can still garden and take country walks. Oh, and tobacconists are allowed to remain open so if the virus doesn't kill you you can do it withnicotine!

Russell

Can somebody tell me how to un bookmark this thread please.

Martin P

Edited By martin perman on 16/03/2020 16:12:58

Found it

Well, we can explore the outer extremes of government power for fun, though I must emphasise it's extremely unlikely to come about.

Briefly, in an National Emergency, the Civil Contingency Act (2004) can be invoked. It allows Temporary Emergency Regulations to be imposed, normally by Order in Council, or exceptionally by a Minister of the Crown.

Temporary Regulations only last 30 days unless extended by Parliament, but - and this is the exciting bit - the only Primary Legislation that cannot be overturned by a Temporary Emergency Regulation is the Human Rights Act (1998) and Part Two of the Civil Contingency Act itself. All other UK law can be suspended or replaced by an Emergency Regulation.

Tony's absolutely right to draw attention to the difficulty of enforcing such extreme measures. But a Temporary Regulation could grow authority very quickly if necessary, for example by giving police powers to Civil Servants, Private Security Firms and others. Police powers could also be extended and normal legal protections relaxed. There's nothing to stop government conscripting a Citizen Militia or Cell & Block Wardens on the National Socialist Model, or introducing Tribunals, Camps, and other unusual measures for dealing with awkward customers. I think I'd obey if I were stopped during an illegal stroll by an untrained patrol of jumpy young men during a chaotic national crisis!

In the event the country is invaded, or civil war breaks out, the Army can Requisition civilian property as required. If they want your house for a barracks or latrine, it can be Requisitioned with almost no fuss. If they decide it has to be demolished, or turned into a fortification, that can happen too. Compensation is sorted out after, but it's rough work.

Brits live in a society that's been politically stable and externally unchallenged since 1945. We've grown used to the idea that water comes out of the tap, food is plentiful, health and pensions are catered for and the legal system protects us. While these benefits may seem to be our birthright, we skate on thin ice. At a personal level, life can go sour overnight due to Cancer, or a Stroke, or Dementia, or an road accident, crime, money or family problems. Society is more resilient, but it too can be badly shaken by 'events'. History is littered with examples of failed societies.

Coranavirus is a major event, but there are many other human and natural risks responsible governments must plan for. Fortunately none of the really nasty horrors are particularly likely, fingers crossed. Some come and go - the threat of Nuclear War and Famine is much diminished, but for all we know a large meteorite is on course to whack the planet next year!

In the event of a really major crisis, it's our job to manage as best we can. That means not panicking and putting the women and children first, not ourselves. I wish I was essential and irreplaceable but none of us are. I'm a bag of vulnerable biological processes, one of billions in a herd, all hoping for the best. Only death and taxes are certain.

Dave

Chloroquine does show promise; it was sold out about a week ago...

Unfortunately as an old generic drug mass producing it won't make anyone rich, but hopefully someone, somewhere is ramping up production just in case.

Neil

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I spotted this article yesterday, so maybe someone is thinking ahead, but not announcing it widely to save panic buying depleting national stocks.
I assume, as a generic drug, it should be easy to ramp up production though.

The Australians are doing clinical trials, but not heard about any over here.

Bill

Living "across the pond" I have not heard of Anyone using this calamity as an excuse for buying any more ammo. We don't need an excuse, I think Everyone is busy standing in line to get bog roll.

Chaps,

No excuses for me now. I have a pile of castings, plenty of material, a huge stash of HSS blanks and the electricity is still connected.

This virus virtually isolates us all according to the news I have just seen.

Neil, just imagine all the articles that are going to be written with all the work being done in the sheds across the country.

Phil H.

Just reading Phil H1 post. Mnn could be small steam engines going into mass production. Yea.

Steve.

We could group design a nice small, simple engine and call it the 'Corona'.

My thoughts as well Phil, maybe I will get my Emma Victoria that I have 'making' for the last 7 years (where did that time go?) finished this year!! Bill D

I was thinking about a Corona Trophy for the best model built in the coming 4 months.

As a professional boiler maker I have been self isolating for several years with no sign of any change. And whats with the loo roll....your more likely to end up constapated than the other way round?

In a panic situation, logic is the first thing to go absent
Previous panic episodes, bread/petrol/sugar, and now loo-rolls. I despair.
DaveD

... and in the States, panic buying of guns. Probably as much at risk of being shot by some idiot in a state of panic as from the virus.