UK Justice Forum 🇬🇧

News and current affairs => The Coronavirus and Covid-19 => Topic started by: John on March 26, 2020, 10:06:34 PM

Title: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: John on March 26, 2020, 10:06:34 PM
The government is prevaricating on the issue of testing despite the advice of the World Health Organisation who last week advised the UK must Test! Test! Test!   The government claimed last night that millions of these test kits had been ordered 'from abroad' yet in the next breath they claimed that these kits were not accurate so worthless. I ask myself why is the UK government buying kits from abroad when there are British laboratories manufacturing them here in the UK?  It all stinks for some reason.

I have been in touch with one reputable UK-based laboratory weeks ago who have been testing in Wuhan, China, for some time and have perfected a rapid test kit which is 97.8% effective for(IgM) and 99.6% for (IgG).

What are IgG and IgM?

Immunoglobulins are antibodies themselves and are part of our immune system. When we get an infection, such as COVID-19, immunoglobulins are produced, which attach to the virus and activate the rest of the immune system to attack and clear the virus. IgM is the first immunoglobulin to be produced and is a general antibody that can bind to many different types of pathogen. The presence of IgM is an indicator of early infection. IgG is a more specialised antibody that specifically binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The presence of IgG is an indicator of later stage infection (usually 7 days or longer after infection).

There is no doubt that this UK kit is accurate at detecting the virus but despite this I was told this morning that the majority of their kits were being shipped abroad? 

What exactly is going on?  Is the government afraid that if the true number of infections are realised it could cause panic?

Your views please?
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Angelo222 on March 27, 2020, 10:30:33 AM
There appears to be a difference of opinion between Public Health England and what the WHO is saying which is not helpful. British citizens will die because of our government's intransigence.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Mr Gray on March 27, 2020, 11:17:21 AM
There appears to be a difference of opinion between Public Health England and what the WHO is saying which is not helpful. British citizens will die because of our government's intransigence.

The UKs doing better than most European countries as regards the number of deaths....so I think your criticism is unjustified. Look at Spain , Italy, France . Countries with similar populations
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Angelo222 on March 27, 2020, 04:19:18 PM
The UKs doing better than most European countries as regards the number of deaths....so I think your criticism is unjustified. Look at Spain , Italy, France . Countries with similar populations

They have warmer climates which meant that they lead the curve, the UK is two weeks behind them.

ETA. My criticism of the UK government is well justified, they are still allowing thousands to enter the country every day with no checks while some idiots go off on holiday to Spain.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Venturi Swirl on March 27, 2020, 04:23:25 PM
Latest estimates put the total number of deaths in the UK at fewer than 6000. Of course even one death is too many but still a far cry from the half a million that has been touted recently.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Mr Gray on March 27, 2020, 05:03:21 PM
They have warmer climates which meant that they lead the curve, the UK is two weeks behind them.

ETA. My criticism of the UK government is well justified, they are still allowing thousands to enter the country every day with no checks while some idiots go off on holiday to Spain.

Spain has been not allowing entry into its country for around a week. it looks like anything to criticise the uk govt will do. Surely a warmer climate is supposed to slow the disease. Other countries are showing more deaths but you want to criticise the UK.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Mr Gray on March 27, 2020, 05:12:53 PM
They have warmer climates which meant that they lead the curve, the UK is two weeks behind them.

ETA. My criticism of the UK government is well justified, they are still allowing thousands to enter the country every day with no checks while some idiots go off on holiday to Spain.
deaths in spain started only a couple of days before the uk which shows the Uk is handling things far better than spain.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Venturi Swirl on March 27, 2020, 06:18:21 PM
They have warmer climates which meant that they lead the curve, the UK is two weeks behind them.

ETA. My criticism of the UK government is well justified, they are still allowing thousands to enter the country every day with no checks while some idiots go off on holiday to Spain.
Northern Italy is the worst hit area and the climate there is not warmer than here.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Mr Gray on March 27, 2020, 06:56:30 PM
There appears to be a difference of opinion between Public Health England and what the WHO is saying which is not helpful. British citizens will die because of our government's intransigence.

Who are the WHO suggesting is tested.  i think the govt to a large extent have got it just about right.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Carana on March 27, 2020, 09:07:17 PM
Latest estimates put the total number of deaths in the UK at fewer than 6000. Of course even one death is too many but still a far cry from the half a million that has been touted recently.

The higher estimates were if no measures were taken - the "take it on the chin" approach.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Carana on March 27, 2020, 09:10:21 PM
The government is prevaricating on the issue of testing despite the advice of the World Health Organisation who last week advised the UK must Test! Test! Test!   The government claimed last night that millions of these test kits had been ordered 'from abroad' yet in the next breath they claimed that these kits were not accurate so worthless. I ask myself why is the UK government buying kits from abroad when there are British laboratories manufacturing them here in the UK?  It all stinks for some reason.

I have been in touch with one reputable UK-based laboratory weeks ago who have been testing in Wuhan, China, for some time and have perfected a rapid test kit which is 97.8% effective for(IgM) and 99.6% for (IgG).

What are IgG and IgM?

Immunoglobulins are antibodies themselves and are part of our immune system. When we get an infection, such as COVID-19, immunoglobulins are produced, which attach to the virus and activate the rest of the immune system to attack and clear the virus. IgM is the first immunoglobulin to be produced and is a general antibody that can bind to many different types of pathogen. The presence of IgM is an indicator of early infection. IgG is a more specialised antibody that specifically binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The presence of IgG is an indicator of later stage infection (usually 7 days or longer after infection).

There is no doubt that this UK kit is accurate at detecting the virus but despite this I was told this morning that the majority of their kits were being shipped abroad? 

What exactly is going on?  Is the government afraid that if the true number of infections are realised it could cause panic?

Your views please?

Which test, John? The antigen (current infection one or the antibody one (already had it and now innoculated)?
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Carana on March 27, 2020, 09:12:47 PM
Coronavirus: NHS staff first to receive 'antigen testing' for COVID-19
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-nhs-staff-first-to-receive-antigen-testing-for-covid-19-11964673
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Carana on March 27, 2020, 09:24:52 PM
I've been trying to get to the bottom of whether the UK accepted the offer of the EU Joint Procurement for medical supplies / equipment, and if not, why not.

EU Delegation UK
@EUdelegationUK
The UK is welcome to participate in any EU procurements in the transition period.  This was discussed at the Health Security Committee meetings where the UK participated.

https://twitter.com/EUdelegationUK/status/1243554945166696458

Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Brietta on March 28, 2020, 12:31:43 AM
I've been trying to get to the bottom of whether the UK accepted the offer of the EU Joint Procurement for medical supplies / equipment, and if not, why not.

EU Delegation UK
@EUdelegationUK
The UK is welcome to participate in any EU procurements in the transition period.  This was discussed at the Health Security Committee meetings where the UK participated.

https://twitter.com/EUdelegationUK/status/1243554945166696458
Asked if the UK was taking part in EU procurement schemes, the prime minister’s spokesman said: “I think the short answer to that is no.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-boris-johnson-medical-equipment-eu-brexit-a9424631.html
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Carana on March 28, 2020, 11:54:18 AM
Asked if the UK was taking part in EU procurement schemes, the prime minister’s spokesman said: “I think the short answer to that is no.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-boris-johnson-medical-equipment-eu-brexit-a9424631.html

 Boris Johnson’s dilemma over EU coronavirus help
The pandemic causes an awkward problem: can the UK reach out to Brussels?

https://www.ft.com/content/c87393c8-6791-11ea-800d-da70cff6e4d3
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Angelo222 on March 28, 2020, 01:44:26 PM
Latest estimates put the total number of deaths in the UK at fewer than 6000. Of course even one death is too many but still a far cry from the half a million that has been touted recently.

Wait two or three weeks and see what happens.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Angelo222 on March 28, 2020, 01:47:03 PM
deaths in spain started only a couple of days before the uk which shows the Uk is handling things far better than spain.

The UK government had every warning of what is to come but still they dithered. They're only starting to test healthcare workers now which is two weeks lost already.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Angelo222 on March 28, 2020, 01:48:37 PM
Coronavirus: NHS staff first to receive 'antigen testing' for COVID-19
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-nhs-staff-first-to-receive-antigen-testing-for-covid-19-11964673

They should have had the double test weeks ago.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Angelo222 on March 28, 2020, 01:49:50 PM
Boris Johnson’s dilemma over EU coronavirus help
The pandemic causes an awkward problem: can the UK reach out to Brussels?

https://www.ft.com/content/c87393c8-6791-11ea-800d-da70cff6e4d3

They're buying masks and gloves from China now...you couldn't make it up if you tried.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Mr Gray on March 28, 2020, 02:37:41 PM
The editor of the lancet is criticising the govt for not testing enough.....yet in january he said this...

richard horton
@richardhorton1
·
24 Jan
A call for caution please. Media are escalating anxiety by talking of a “killer virus” + “growing fears”. In truth, from what we currently know, 2019-nCoV has moderate transmissibility and relatively low pathogenicity. There is no reason to foster panic with exaggerated language.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Mr Gray on March 28, 2020, 02:39:04 PM
They're buying masks and gloves from China now...you couldn't make it up if you tried.

I would think weve been buying masks from china for a long time
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Eleanor on March 29, 2020, 01:36:26 PM
.
Why does any private citizen need a Test?  They have either had It or got It or haven't had It yet.  What difference will it make?

Any seriously ill person won't be in any doubt, and if self isolating won't give it to very many people.

I do think that people in general need to be a bit sensible about this.

Economically?  I have no idea.  But The Virus is out there and if I am going to die then I will.  And Britain will certainly get the benefit of not having to pay my Pension.  That could save them a few years as I have every intention of living to be at least 100 years old, Something willing.  But I have had a fair few years so far.  Not quite enough, but there you go.

As it is The French Health System is excellent.  Way better than UK.  They won't be bumping me off because I have to contribute, albeit not all that much.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Venturi Swirl on March 29, 2020, 02:02:18 PM
The UK government had every warning of what is to come but still they dithered. They're only starting to test healthcare workers now which is two weeks lost already.
If only you'd been in charge, I expect we'd all be back at work by now.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Mr Gray on March 29, 2020, 02:13:21 PM
lets have a bit of common sense...the WHO says test test test....but who should be tested.
lets say the govt decides to test everyone...so everyone has to attend a centre where they are tested by a nurse who is testing another 2 to 300 poeple......what a wonderful way to spread the disease....
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Wonderfulspam on March 29, 2020, 04:48:10 PM
If only you'd been in charge, I expect we'd all be back at work by now.

If only I'd been in charge. Corona virus would have been eradicated by now.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Venturi Swirl on March 29, 2020, 05:53:25 PM
If only I'd been in charge. Corona virus would have been eradicated by now.
Tell us how then (she asked, feeding the troll)?
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Mr Gray on March 29, 2020, 06:29:33 PM
Tell us how then (she asked, feeding the troll)?

it would be quite easy to eradicate coronavirus relatively quickly.

first encourage social contact...
then deny any medical treatment to those who caught the disease and allow them to die..
this would build up herd immunity very quickly and halt the disease
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Wonderfulspam on March 29, 2020, 07:14:00 PM
Tell us how then (she asked, feeding the troll)?

Quarantine the infected in the empty sports stadiums until they recover or die.
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Wonderfulspam on March 29, 2020, 07:21:01 PM
India is f×××ed.
Thousands will likely starve to death, let alone die of the virus.

India will be a no go zone for years to come, their standard of hygiene is great.
They drink from, do their laundry & bathe in the very same river they dump bodies in.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-52081396
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Wonderfulspam on March 29, 2020, 07:40:36 PM
it would be quite easy to eradicate coronavirus relatively quickly.

first encourage social contact...
then deny any medical treatment to those who caught the disease and allow them to die..
this would build up herd immunity very quickly and halt the disease

Excellent idea. I'd have you as my Health Secretary  8((()*/
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Venturi Swirl on March 29, 2020, 11:07:19 PM
India is f×××ed.
Thousands will likely starve to death, let alone die of the virus.

India will be a no go zone for years to come, their standard of hygiene is great.
They drink from, do their laundry & bathe in the very same river they dump bodies in.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-52081396
Yeah because they all have lovely houses with hot and cold running water but will still insist on doing their business in the river, the filthy foreigners. 
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Venturi Swirl on March 29, 2020, 11:09:06 PM
Excellent idea. I'd have you as my Health Secretary  8((()*/
I trust you are flouting sociall isolating advice at every opportunity and are actively coughing in the faces of every pensioner you happen upon?
Title: Re: The government appears to be resisting offering the public the Covid-19 test!
Post by: Wonderfulspam on March 30, 2020, 12:28:14 AM
Yeah because they all have lovely houses with hot and cold running water but will still insist on doing their business in the river, the filthy foreigners.

And you can be Minister of Sarcasm.