Someone got to start this one 🤔

[Stigster]

Believe it when I see it mate.

You'll see it I'm almost certain.

 

[Ric2013]

The problem is that, once they lockdown, numbers of new cases do not start to fall very quickly. Italy put in quite severe measures last Wednesday and Thursday and cases are still rising, but very slowly instead of exponentially like they were before.

 

[Jim09876]

You know what, I think they got this virus lockdown all wrong...surly only folks at risk should be isolated?

Seems bizarre shutting down everything when most folks would only suffer cold like symptoms....this virus is being put before gas safety in some instances also in the form of cancelled inspections.

 

[Best]

You know what, I think they got this virus lockdown all wrong...surly only folks at risk should be isolated?

Seems bizarre shutting down everything when most folks would only suffer cold like symptoms....this virus is being put before gas safety in some instances also in the form of cancelled inspections.

Problems if only the elderly or people with health issues are isolated, there will be some who will have severe symptoms and require medical care.
Also not everyone is careful and many healthy people will carry the virus and pass it on to others including to elderly.
I have some customers at present who seem to think I should be going to do their unimportant jobs, just because they have decided to renew something and means I would have to call at merchants and come in contact with people.
The expert medical advice across the world has clearly been to shutdown as much as possible in each country to reduce as many extra infections as possible. Seems this virus typically doubles infection, so one person getting it spreads to at least two other people, then those two spread to another four people, ....etc

 

[Jim09876]

It’s a interesting point...kids off school though? Have a heart mate.

I had that virus that Soded all over the Corona virus...shivering, sweating in bed and afraid to move half inch! Survived that so feel confident going forward....

 

[Stigster]

I had that virus that Soded all over the Corona virus...shivering, sweating in bed and afraid to move half inch! Survived that so feel confident going forward..

Swine flu? If so I caught that in 2009 and ended up in hospital for 5 days. I almost croaked due to dehydration before I got ambulanced to hospital and put on a drip. Every muscle in my body hurt so much but especially back and legs. I didn't even get a cough or runny nose, just shivering, pain and vomiting. I could only drink tiny sips of water and once I got about half a glass of water down it all came back up, every time for 2 full days and nights. It was absolutely hideous and I really felt like I might be dying.

I hope this new one is not as bad as that if I am unfortunate enough to get it.

 

[Jim09876]

Something similar dude...kicked bum!

 

[snowhead]

Just confirmed on T.V from no. 10.
THERE WILL BE NO LOCKDOWN OR RESTRICTIONS OF MOVEMENT IN AND OUT OF LONDON.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT WILL NOT SHUT DOWN, THERE MAY BE SOME DISRUPTION DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGES.

 

[SimonG]

Not yet.................

It's coming though. It has too.

 

[snowhead]

It'll only happen if people are too stupid to follow the guidance about social distancing.

 

[Harvest Fields]

if people are sensible it does not have to mate.

 

[Stigster]

New announcement from the Guernsey end. All schools and colleges to close for an early Easter break for the next four weeks at least.

Schools to close from Monday for extended Easter holiday

Schools, colleges and pre-schools will close from Monday for an extended Easter holiday period.

guernseypress.com

 

[centralheatking]

3 of my old farts who used to do medi gas have been contacted by our old sub contractor to see if they would go and put some streets in. Now they want me to factor the work like I used to do...
ie pay them and wait to get paid...It was a yes as Gordon the Moron who used to run the outfit in Brum has long gone and the new fella is offering way less than 100 days ...they do oxygen and vac all brazed with a nitrogen flood to blow any crap out. It appears there out of date certificates do not matter so it might be men in transits all over again ...my Mrs will go ballistic we used to disappear for 12 14 days
Centralheatking

 

[gmartine]

Aren't the retired NHS staff being recommissioned for this going to be in the age range that are most at risk?

 

[king of pipes]

Had my first job cancelled today the retired couple and their family have put the job on hold till we all know whats going to happen with this virus its going to become a serious problem if it carries on longer than a few months , my wife has now been told she cannot work for 12 weeks and has to stay at home and limit contact as she has diabetes and is high risk , grim times ahead chaps. Stay well people. Kop

 

[Jones82]

I’ve noticed customers delaying bigger jobs. Simply because they don’t want to be in the middle of a kitchen refurb and no one turn up for 4 weeks!

I’m getting maintainance work, in fact one customer said “ I don’t think British Gas will be doing my gas safety checks and that made me think do you do them?” Yes thanks!

I’ll be working until I either have it or the work dries up. But I can’t see that happening, people need plumbing, heating and gas. Some jobs just won’t wait.

Another customer called me the 5th emergency service!

Remember guys. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. The media is acting irresponsibly imho. It’s a minor flu in 98% of cases....

 

[snowhead]

Aren't the retired NHS staff being recommissioned for this going to be in the age range that are most at risk?

The retired / left at a younger age staff will be used in non critical non at risk of Virus areas.
People will still get sick with other ailments and need hospitalisation.

There are a lot of younger Nurses no longer working on the front line.
My Daughter in law who's only 40 is qualified and still registered but doesn't work in hospitals, she's in Public Health for a local authority, but needs her knowledge and qualification to do the job.
She has at least 2 part time, qualified but no longer registered, Nurses that work with her.
Her and her staff have moved into bigger offices and gained extra staff twice so far

Amongst hundreds of other things they've been planning community testing, which was always going to happen.

Some people think U.K Gov and others have been sitting back and not doing much, there has been a massive effort behind the scenes.

 

[Stanios]

I’ve noticed customers delaying bigger jobs. Simply because they don’t want to be in the middle of a kitchen refurb and no one turn up for 4 weeks!

I’m getting maintainance work, in fact one customer said “ I don’t think British Gas will be doing my gas safety checks and that made me think do you do them?” Yes thanks!

I’ll be working until I either have it or the work dries up. But I can’t see that happening, people need plumbing, heating and gas. Some jobs just won’t wait.

Another customer called me the 5th emergency service!

Remember guys. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. The media is acting irresponsibly imho. It’s a minor flu in 98% of cases..

I often lose jobs because people are just too busy with work.
Surely sitting at home will divert people's attention to their er home. Suddenly they will remember that dripping shower and that the boiler is on the last legs. Logic dictates its highly improbable a plumber with a full blown corona will turn up at your doorstep.

 

[king of pipes]

FM another customer just been laid off from potters leisure resort still wants his heating done but have to save where possible, kop

 

[oz-plumber]

FM another customer just been laid off from potters leisure resort still wants his heating done but have to save where possible, kop

Go and 'crunch' you suppliers.
See what they can do.
They may want your 'assistance' in moving or ridding themselves of stock.

We've only been in Covoid - 19 meltdown for a week now.

I have a small commercial plant to replace in the next couple of weeks.
One supplier called me today to negotiate on the price of the equipment.
Long story short - requoted almost 15% cheaper than they did 2 weeks ago.

You might be under pressure from you customer for a cheaper price - your suppliers may be under more pressure!!!

 

[Johnben]

What does everyone think of the ‘key workers’ list? Do us gas and water folks fall into that category do you think? Or are they talking about the supply chain

If we go full lock down I would imagine we still need to be working, emergencies only of course.

 

[gmartine]

The retired / left at a younger age staff will be used in non critical non at risk of Virus areas.
People will still get sick with other ailments and need hospitalisation.

There are a lot of younger Nurses no longer working on the front line.
My Daughter in law who's only 40 is qualified and still registered but doesn't work in hospitals, she's in Public Health for a local authority, but needs her knowledge and qualification to do the job.
She has at least 2 part time, qualified but no longer registered, Nurses that work with her.
Her and her staff have moved into bigger offices and gained extra staff twice so far

Amongst hundreds of other things they've been planning community testing, which was always going to happen.

Some people think U.K Gov and others have been sitting back and not doing much, there has been a massive effort behind the scenes.

I was being a little mischievous but thank you for the clarification.

 

[Ric2013]

Finally.

Cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants must close tonight
Johnson says the government is strengthening the measures announced on Monday – avoiding unnecessary social contact.
Following agreement of all the four nations of the UK, Johnson said all cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants must close tonight.
Night clubs, theatres, gyms, cinemas and leisure centures must also close on the same timescale.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Finally.

Cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants must close tonight
Johnson says the government is strengthening the measures announced on Monday – avoiding unnecessary social contact.
Following agreement of all the four nations of the UK, Johnson said all cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants must close tonight.
Night clubs, theatres, gyms, cinemas and leisure centures must also close on the same timescale.

What do you mean by finally mate? I’m lost.

 

[Jim Goodenough]

Had my first job cancelled today the retired couple and their family have put the job on hold till we all know whats going to happen with this virus its going to become a serious problem if it carries on longer than a few months , my wife has now been told she cannot work for 12 weeks and has to stay at home and limit contact as she has diabetes and is high risk , grim times ahead chaps. Stay well people. Kop

Trust you & yours keep well @king of pipes Shaun

 

[centralheatking]

I think it all got very serious today, I am confident that this unprecedented situation is being managed well. At the end of the day it’s down to individuals and families to do what’s best for them and where they can help others. That’s my approach. As I understand no power switch offs, no evictions rented or otherwise and once the sheep can cram no more into their cupboards things will reach some sort of balance. Also a good thing is how we have come to appreciate the the previously unseen and often derided now important jobs in society. Centralheatking

 

[king of pipes]

I think this new chancellor had come across quite well it remains to be seen if he lived up to his promises ? Alot of people have probably breathed a sigh of relief not alot of help for the self employed mind but thats no surprise is it , picked up a boiler change today and a bit of tiling in a kitchen so with the work I have should be ok for the foreseeable . Keep well all regards kop

 

[SimonG]

Too soon for this closure. Shops on the high street still open, more chance of catching it there than at the local.

But what will be will be.

 

[Harvest Fields]

I think this new chancellor had come across quite well it remains to be seen if he lived up to his promises ? Alot of people have probably breathed a sigh of relief not alot of help for the self employed mind but thats no surprise is it , picked up a boiler change today and a bit of tiling in a kitchen so with the work I have should be ok for the foreseeable . Keep well all regards kop

Make sure you take a 50% deposit mate.

 

[king of pipes]

Is that what your doing H ? I get the customer to purchase the boiler and main parts now mate keeps me under the Vat I sort it at my merchants they ring up and pay a account payment I know I lose out a bit but often add a few consumables to it they don't seem to mind . Keep well mate . Cheers kop

 

[Harvest Fields]

Yes mate. It just makes sure that I never have that supplier issue.

 

[centralheatking]

Get your drain rods out, every cloud etc. people are using wipes, newspaper etc. because they cannot get bog paper. BBC quote Northumbrian Water. Every cloud has a silver lining Centralheatking

 

[rpm]

Reckon that with all the pub, gym, leisure centres etc being closed and loss of income in households the divorce rate will soar as one partner has nowhere to escape to.

 

[king of pipes]

Best get on ya boat and sail off into the sunset bud . On a lighter note maybe when this whole virus nightmare is under control people and the countries around the world will look at the way they have conducted themselves, show a bit more compassion and understanding for each other stop the fighting , killing and suffering and work towards tolerant and a more peaceful world . Stay safe all kop

 

[oz-plumber]

Reckon that with all the pub, gym, leisure centres etc being closed and loss of income in households the divorce rate will soar as one partner has nowhere to escape to.

Boat sales may increase in the short period

 

[rpm]

Being on the boat means I'm self isolating 90% of the time anyway and I can always cast off and get out on the quiet waters for a different view out of the window plus with the pubs being shut moorings are plentiful lol.
People are withdrawing their boats from the market Oz not expecting buyers to view and brokers to be on skeleton staff at the moment, reckon that now could be a time to get a bargain tbh.

 

[Ric2013]

What do you mean by finally mate? I’m lost.

I mean that advising people to avoid pubs was never going to be enough, though I agree with others that other shops are equally likely to be areas of contagion.

The Italian lockdown is not enough to prevent spread, but it does seem to be slowing it down a bit. The UK has started the shutdown earlier, but the measures taken in the UK are still far less strict.

 

[centralheatking]

Two funny things I saw today. Man standing outside bookies can’t believe it and the pub next door are closed...where has he been. Second man in Boots buying £34 worth of ****** sensible man, no pub or bookies so 3 rd best form of entertainment Centralheatking

 

[Chuck]

3 rd best form of entertainment

It'll be interesting to see which increases more: the birth rate 9 months from now or the domestic murder rate. At Castle Chuck it's looking much more like the latter right now.

 

[centralheatking]

This was the queue at Aldi this morning ....not ...in fact it was all very civilized ..maybe things are calming down.

 

[Jones82]

In the light of the figures in Italy... 800 dead yesterday! I’m thinking of changing my approach. I’m due to visit 4 different properties tomorrow. Two gas safety checks, 1 service and replace a unvented control valve. I’m seriously thinking about rescheduling the gas safety checks and the service. They are due but could wait two weeks?

 

[king of pipes]

You all have to do what you think is best for you and your loved ones , and protect your customers.

 

[Jones82]

There’s an interesting dilemma going round my head about the gas safety checks. Essentially I am putting the virus above them in a risk assessment. I’ve serviced them for years, I’m 99% sure they are perfectly safe but legally they are due and the landlord would be liable if anything happened.

 

[king of pipes]

I think they would make a exception in this case bud but its your choice at the end of the day . Kop

 

[Harvest Fields]

I think they would make a exception in this case bud but its your choice at the end of the day . Kop

The gas safe website says they should be completed still.

 

[oz-plumber]

As of this afternoon, we are going into almost complete lockdown.
School's nation wide are closing in 48 hours.
School holidays scheduled in a weeks time but no date when schools will resume
All non essential services are being shut.
States are closing their borders - except for essential services.

We have a few things booked, but cancelling all non-essential works.
Just have to see how things pan out and see how serious the lockdown is.

I'm sure all major building works will cease this week.

 

[Ric2013]

There’s an interesting dilemma going round my head about the gas safety checks. Essentially I am putting the virus above them in a risk assessment. I’ve serviced them for years, I’m 99% sure they are perfectly safe but legally they are due and the landlord would be liable if anything happened.

That would be my line of thinking too.

Yes, the landlord would be liable, but that's his problem, and if he can't get the boiler serviced by anyone, that might lend him the judge's sympathy. Your responsibility is to your own safety and that of any employees, and we're in an international emergency.

After all, what is the probability that a boiler, diligently inspected a year ago, is ID? To be honest, if the boiler were in my own house, I wouldn't really want you coming to service it.

6500 new cases in Italy yesterday, up from 6000 the day before. We still haven't reached a peak in new cases.

 

[centralheatking]

The best representation of the facts about the virus I have yet to see, it’s self explanatory you might need to blow it up a bit. It shows the real risks and effects.

 

[bacon_sandwich]

I am in a similar situation but with commercial clients. I am going to ring them next week and determine a course of action where we can both be safe and the boilers / heaters are also safe.
I dont do domestic and glad in a way as i think the approach needed for these will entail, the client staying well out of the way and using high power cleaning sprays both before you go in and when you come out, along with desposible latex gloves, mask.... similar to how our doctors and nurses carry out , what is a daily routine against infection for them.