Someone got to start this one 🤔

[king of pipes]

Morning chaps sitting here watching the early morning news this cronavirus business is really getting a hold now , two families I know have had holiday's cancelled to Spain, this is going to effect us all personally and business wise I am lucky enough to have a shower upgrade a weeks work for a retired couple who are happy to have me in their home , then a full gas central heating job in a empty property to do so won't effect my work situation for the next 3 weeks or so. I have a elderly mother with asthma who lives alone who I am obviously conserved about she lives a 2 hour drive away and getting her to stay in will drive her stir crazy I am seriously considering bring her to stay with us for a month or so, how are you all coping with the problem ? Supermarket shelves are being stripped of basic essentials and I can see this getting worse your opinions please gentlemen. Keep well regards kop

 

[oz-plumber]

We've just had major changes in the last 2 days.

F1 GP - cancelled.
International Cricket - cancelled.
Football ( all codes ) - played at empty stadiums ...for now.
Cruise ships - banned for 30 days.
All international travelers to self quarantine for 14 days - where? how? if they don't have a home to do to!
( fines will be handed out to persons who don't self quarantine )

As for stockpiling of food - it was bad enough before these new laws come into play, now it's madness.

Re: Your Mum.
Go and get her.
If things get considerably worse, then there will be restrictions of travel and you may not be able to.

 

[townfanjon]

I will be totally honest , I think we have very worrying times ahead .

 

[Murdoch]

FWIW I don't think anybody knows what will happen and when - but we ALL know that improving on our personal hygiene and self isolating if the symptoms reveal themselves WILL help, not just individuals but EVERYBODY.

The glass is half full - as always

 

[Chuck]

I am seriously considering bring her to stay with us for a month or so,

Based on my own past experience, I think you should make the offer, ensure she understands that you are sincere, and be ready for her to take you up on it. But don't jump the gun; moving her in with you will create its own stresses and risks. Looking after her vacant house for weeks/months on end will be quite a worry/burden in itself.

Supermarket shelves are being stripped of basic essentials

I think that this will be a relatively short term phenomenon. Like many here, I remember the 'sugar crisis' and the 'bread crisis' during the winter of discontent in the 1970s. There wasn't a real shortage of either, it was just panic buying created by the BBC showing stock footage of 'empty shelves' that pre-dated the strikes and that was filmed early on a monday morning before the shelves, which were deliberately emptied over the weekend, were re-stocked.

 

[oz-plumber]

Very worrying..
I was told by a GP that sneezes / coughs are like farts......except you can smell farts.

Walk into an elevator, you can smell a fart.
Walk into an elevator you can't smell a sneeze or a cough.

You may walk into an elevator and breathe in a virus!!!

 

[centralheatking]

Morning chaps sitting here watching the early morning news this cronavirus business is really getting a hold now , two families I know have had holiday's cancelled to Spain, this is going to effect us all personally and business wise I am lucky enough to have a shower upgrade a weeks work for a retired couple who are happy to have me in their home , then a full gas central heating job in a empty property to do so won't effect my work situation for the next 3 weeks or so. I have a elderly mother with asthma who lives alone who I am obviously conserved about she lives a 2 hour drive away and getting her to stay in will drive her stir crazy I am seriously considering bring her to stay with us for a month or so, how are you all coping with the problem ? Supermarket shelves are being stripped of basic essentials and I can see this getting worse your opinions please gentlemen. Keep well regards kop

From what I understand is people under 20 are not at risk...but can carry it ...so mixing age groups in close proximity is not a great move. Elderly people and others with pre existing problems are at risk and are best keeping out of the way. It is inevitable that it will get worse but trying to stop it peaking as it did in Italy will mean the health service can cope and vulnerable people can be looked after in turn
PANIC BUYING ..no one I know admits and is pathetic ...in fact using this thread we can all compare notes and experiences outside of the government info machine. Cpl Jones on Dads Army had the right idea and I will not PANIC. Centralheatking

 

[RDS]

Morning chaps sitting here watching the early morning news this cronavirus business is really getting a hold now , two families I know have had holiday's cancelled to Spain, this is going to effect us all personally and business wise I am lucky enough to have a shower upgrade a weeks work for a retired couple who are happy to have me in their home , then a full gas central heating job in a empty property to do so won't effect my work situation for the next 3 weeks or so. I have a elderly mother with asthma who lives alone who I am obviously conserved about she lives a 2 hour drive away and getting her to stay in will drive her stir crazy I am seriously considering bring her to stay with us for a month or so, how are you all coping with the problem ? Supermarket shelves are being stripped of basic essentials and I can see this getting worse your opinions please gentlemen. Keep well regards kop

I would say to to go and get your mum, but i guess you ideally need to have somewhere at your home where she can be isolated i.e. annex or something. Otherwise my thinking is that if she just lives with you whilst you go about your regular business she probably stands more risk of picking it up from you if you get infected than she would being at her own home??

My understanding is that if this thing goes the way it is forecast too it looks like the whole year is written off. I had a holiday holiday booked to Spain and Sardinia at the end of the month touring in a campervan. A week or so ago i was saying to my wife we'll still be going, then FOC advise against all travel to italy, then a couple of days later parts of spain, and now today advising against travel to whole of Spain. Everything is moving so quickly. I'm just one of many trying to contact my travel insurance and putting in a claim and thinking they cant pay out to everyone without going broke?

 

[king of pipes]

Have a comfortable spare room for her but that's it agree with you it's moving very quickly I can't have her self isolating for four months she won't cope with that. Kop

 

[RDS]

Have a comfortable spare room for her but that's it agree with you it's moving very quickly I can't have her self isolating for four months she won't cope with that. Kop

Hope all goes well for you, and everyone else for that matter too!

 

[gmartine]

Hi Kop

I'd hang tight for a bit as they haven't quite imposed an elderly shutdown just yet. As RDS suggests, the question really is do you by bringing her to stay increase her risk of catching it? If you have a house full of kids probably not.

I popped into all my local supermarkets last couple of days trying to find some bog roll as we are genuinely down to using tissues. I don't give a stuff, I've travelled widely and happy to use hand and wash it after VERY carefully.

Shelves stripped bare, feck it bought some kitchen roll and cut it in half for the ladies.

 

[king of pipes]

Good advice bud i dont think we are at that point just yet but it may well come to it sooner than we think all the best . Kop

 

[gmartine]

Sorry, meant if you have a house full of kids you're likely to increase her chances of getting it not decreasing.

Kop heard half of this tonight, I've read and listened to Dr. Chris Smith (virologist) for years as my eldest is at med school. Thought it was the most rational discussion I'd hear of late with decent advice without the hyperbole. Bare this in mind, the mortality rate will probably be around 1%. Ok one pecent of alot of people is alot but even amongst the over 80's 90% will recover.

BBC Radio 5 Live - 5 Live News, Colin Murray

Colin Murray and Dr Chris Smith take your calls on the coronavirus pandemic.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Best]

From what some doctors have been told me I think the situation is very serious and unstoppable. We can't stop a virus which is basically similar to a cold virus.
It can be fatal to younger people and not just the over seventies.

Shops are being emptied here and I think they will get worse.
I am hoping to stop most work and stay at home as much as possible waiting to see how bad it becomes next few weeks.

 

[gmartine]

It can be fatal for younger people BUT that is very unlikely, lets tamp down the hype. This is supposed to be the youngest UK victim so far....

Tributes paid to UK's youngest victim of coronavirus

Wife of Nick Matthews calls former police officer, 59, her soulmate and adds that family in isolation

www.theguardian.com

 

[Jones82]

Let’s get a sense of perspective 170,000 cases worldwide, out of 7.5 billion. 1500 cases in England out of 60 million plus.

I really think the media is creating panic and I’m not really sure why.

The actual health condition of the virus is very mild, only fatal in 1% of cases and that figures even lower in Germany at 0.25%.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t prepare and yes the NHS will struggle but planning for a pandemic is different to creating a panic. Right now it feels like they are creating panic.

 

[oz-plumber]

The figures you are quoting are averages over all ages of the population.
Over 70's - 15% fatality
Under 10's - 0.25 % fatality.

 

[gmartine]

What figures are you quoting Oz? No way imo nearly one in five persons over 70's are dying of this.

 

[Best]

What figures are you quoting Oz? No way imo nearly one in five persons over 70's are dying of this.

That would be nearly 1 in 7 over 70s dying if 15%.
Problem is anyone who has already health issues or a weakened immune system will be at high risk of dying

 

[centralheatking]

Coronavirus...how it works. My friend is a professor of microbiology in Colorado USA. We talk in the early hours me at 5.0o am he before bedtime as that’s when our waking hours coincide. I asked him about the Virus.
1. The bug is contained/protected by a hard lipid (fat) shell which is very strong.
2. The hard shell is easily broken down by soap and hot water even fairy liquid...a bit like cleaning a varnish brush in thinners works but not in hot water.
3. Once the hard shell is broken the bug dies it transfers in this hard shell.
4. There is no point in using anti bacterial wipes as corona is a virus not a bacteria.
It really is that simple ...straight from a trusted friend and expert. Pass this on if you like as there is a lot of miss info about. Centralheatking

 

[gmartine]

That would be nearly 1 in 7 over 70s dying if 15%.
Problem is anyone who has already health issues or a weakened immune system will be at high risk of dying

Well yes I did say nearly and I was rounding up a few times just to exagerate the point about statistics and more damn statistics. Of course you're right those with health issues will most likely be elderly and therefore more likely to perish. Mind you that disabled ex copper in the earlier poste article had probably already half eaten or drunk himself into an early grave by the looks of him.
[automerge]1584367029[/automerge]

Coronavirus...how it works. My friend is a professor of microbiology in Colorado USA. We talk in the early hours me at 5.0o am he before bedtime as that’s when our waking hours coincide. I asked him about the Virus.
1. The bug is contained/protected by a hard lipid (fat) shell which is very strong.
2. The hard shell is easily broken down by soap and hot water even fairy liquid...a bit like cleaning a varnish brush in thinners works but not in hot water.
3. Once the hard shell is broken the bug dies it transfers in this hard shell.
4. There is no point in using anti bacterial wipes as corona is a virus not a bacteria.
It really is that simple ...straight from a trusted friend and expert. Pass this on if you like as there is a lot of miss info about. Centralheatking

Wipes or sanitser? I haven't heard anything about using wipes to clean your hands. Soap and water preferable and sanitiser works as long as there is a high enough alchohol content, I suppose wipes don't work for that reason.

 

[Ryooo]

Anyone now thinking about cancelling work? After watching tonight's pm press conference I'm seriously thinking about it.

 

[townfanjon]

Anyone now thinking about cancelling work? After watching tonight's pm press conference I'm seriously thinking about it.

I wont cancel any work but I am pretty sure the next few months will just be maintenance jobs , leaks , breakdowns etc etc . Cosmetic jobs will get left by us and the customer.

 

[Harvest Fields]

I wont cancel any work but I am pretty sure the next few months will just be maintenance jobs , leaks , breakdowns etc etc . Cosmetic jobs will get left by us and the customer.

I like this idea. Not sure I could pull it off. In the middle of a big job.
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I wont cancel any work but I am pretty sure the next few months will just be maintenance jobs , leaks , breakdowns etc etc . Cosmetic jobs will get left by us and the customer.

What was said mate. Haven’t seen it.

 

[king of pipes]

Started something here haven't I 🥴 don't really know what to do to be honest , a colleague of mine had a boiler swap cancelled today the customer didn't want him in the house to be on the safe side , I suppose we should expect this to happen more and more in the coming weeks. Kop
[automerge]1584383048[/automerge]

Anyone now thinking about cancelling work? After watching tonight's pm press conference I'm seriously thinking about it.

No I won't cancel work but probably avoid any toilet jobs you still got to earn a bit to pay your way . Kop

 

[centralheatking]

Started something here haven't I 🥴 don't really know what to do to be honest , a colleague of mine had a boiler swap cancelled today the customer didn't want him in the house to be on the safe side , I suppose we should expect this to happen more and more in the coming weeks. Kop
[automerge]1584383048[/automerge]

No I won't cancel work but probably avoid any toilet jobs you still got to earn a bit to pay your way . Kop

I think it’s correct to share our knowledge and thoughts so well done Centralheatking

 

[EvilDrPorkChop]

I've got a customer who's meant to be coming back from Germany (Permanently lives there) next week for us to fit a new boiler in his house here in the UK - doesn't look like that'll be happening and i'm not sure I even want it too!

 

[Sam Smile]

So, the boiler fit can wait until this 'sombrero' has waxed and waned but there are still some of us that have to support a mortgage and kids. There is always a lot of maintenance to be done. The last call I had today was to a Vokera29HE. Lets say the old dear will be having to wrap up warm tonight. Has anyone any useful info on how supply chains, that we rely on for boiler bits, are predicted to react?

 

[Harvest Fields]

I was talking to my local Wolseley yesterday. They have had their first staff member self isolate. (Luckily they were off most of last week on holiday) I was told that they have been told to follow the government guidelines.

 

[Best]

Anyone took time to study about the flu virus pandemic of 1918?
Seems this is similar to what is beginning now. Statistics are scary.
No wonder governments are taking this seriously.
Interesting programme on last night from two years ago comparing 1918 pandemic to what would be the biggest danger to world population when similar pandemic happens. Little did they know it would occur so soon.
Predictions so accurate to latest, -
1% of infected U.K. population would die, virus would gradually mutate and weaken, last a year or so ...

 

[centralheatking]

Anyone took time to study about the flu virus pandemic of 1918?
Seems this is similar to what is beginning now. Statistics are scary.
No wonder governments are taking this seriously.

Yes I did this morning, it was slightly different but up to 300m may have perished but it too morphed into a similar virus like this one has done. It’s the % mortality in specific regions is the one to watch and the statistical curve. I don’t expect we will ever really know the real figures. However mortality rates from alcohol abuse and road accidents etc. will fall. Centralheatking

 

[Best]

Yes I did this morning, it was slightly different but up to 300m may have perished but it too morphed into a similar virus like this one has done. It’s the % mortality in specific regions is the one to watch and the statistical curve. I don’t expect we will ever really know the real figures. However mortality rates from alcohol abuse and road accidents etc. will fall. Centralheatking

In 1918 they hadn’t the knowledge or any medicine to fight the virus, but unfortunately we are not much more capable today

 

[Ric2013]

However mortality rates from alcohol abuse and road accidents etc. will fall. Centralheatking

Had to laugh at that. Currently in Italy with my father who is in the 'at risk' category and who is self-quaranteening himself (due to a fever that was most likely to do with an existing health condition). He works as a journalist for a regional paper and commented that since Italy has now closed all pubs and made a lot of restrictions on people's movements, there hasn't been a single road accident locally.

The next day, a man in his 80s managed to roll a land rover off a road and into a woodland on a road between two towns. In my father's words, where on earth was the man going? Guess who wrote the article 🙂

Wishing you lot all the best. Not yet convinced the UK government's plan will protect people. Seems to me Italy has decided its elderly population is more important than its economy whereas the UK will quite happily allow a number of vulnerable to people to die while advising but not forcing people to avoid pubs. Hoping I'm wrong. For what I've heard from Walton-on-the Naze (Essex), there is a lack of the cheapest essential foods, but normal supplies of anything that costs 5p more than the cheapest. The run on toilet paper sounds a bit weird as it's not dysentery! In Italy we all have bidets...

 

[SimonG]

The governments plan isnt to protect people, it's to protect the NHS.

The chances are that the majority of people will catch the virus, various percentages bandied about, again another variable percentage will have no or little affect on their health. The remaining percentage will be split into two groups, those that suffer proper flu like symptoms and need a fortnight in bed. The remaining will need hospital treatment and potentially intensive care. The longer this is spread out then the better the nhs can cope.

We are advised to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants etc but schools are still open, buses and trains running etc etc.

I appreciate the seriousness of the situation, but being self employed I need to keep working, obviously I have additional measures in place and about a weeks worth of work in one spot in an empty house that I will drop onto as the numbers get worse.

Being 52, compromised immune system and the need to work has me in a difficult position.

 

[king of pipes]

Exactly the same here bud not in great shape got a empty bungalow to fit heating in but really not got a clue best thing to do , Mrs is in the high risk category and should really self isolate but we need to have some cash coming in. Kop
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On a lighter note maybe people will start having bidets fitted again chaps we could all be busy again soon add that to us website see how many hits ya get ha ha . Kop

 

[centralheatking]

Exactly the same here bud not in great shape got a empty bungalow to fit heating in but really not got a clue best thing to do , Mrs is in the high risk category and should really self isolate but we need to have some cash coming in. Kop
[automerge]1584509364[/automerge]
On a lighter note maybe people will start having bidets fitted again chaps we could all be busy again soon add that to us website see how many hits ya get ha ha . Kop

Shhhhh ! KOP there will be a run on bidets now, the shelves will be emptied of the things as people (sheep) stock up. I have a chocolate brown one buried in the depths of the far garage complete with gold Roman banding and faux gold fittings Centralheatking
[automerge]1584515661[/automerge]
The Sloop Inn at St Ives yesterday, clearly no panic or self isolation here are the press trying to panic everybody hmmm.

 

[king of pipes]

At least their all outside CHK I am gonna carry on till forced into staying at home just use common sense social distancing with customers and the public, regular hand washing and gloves when needed we all have freedom of choice here till forced to lock down which I am sure will come as and when this virus gets out of control . Regards kop.

 

[Ric2013]

My point is, it's not enough to advise people to avoid crowds. If the UK government were to close pubs by order, landlords could potentially claim on the insurance policies that some of them have. If not, the landlords just lose out if people stop going.

In practice, even the Draconian measures in place in Italy are nowhere near enough to stop the virus, but they do seem to have prevented an exponential growth in numbers of new people catching it. It's still not funny when you hear from a friend in Bergamo that her mother in law is at death's door on oxygen and will probably die and another of her friends is seriously unwell, but there are, of course, limits on what can be done.

A friend of mine in Colchester informs me she spent the other day at a fair and then at the swimming pool. So much for social distancing. It only works if everyone does it.

By contrast, in Italy, I'm allowed to go food shopping if I have to, and for a walk in the woods: alone.

I sadly predict exponential UK growth that will well overwhelm the NHS. At least plumbers are meeting a limited number of people and rarely have to get within spitting distance of their customers.

Wishing you all lots of work in empty houses!

 

[Stigster]

Shhhhh ! KOP there will be a run on bidets now, the shelves will be emptied of the things as people (sheep) stock up. I have a chocolate brown one buried in the depths of the far garage complete with gold Roman banding and faux gold fittings Centralheatking

The image of such a piece of kit has brought a smile to my face. It seems it is both hideous and amazing at the same time. I am not worried about bog roll, I will use one of our ormer shells as a scraper.

 

[centralheatking]

The image of such a piece of kit has brought a smile to my face. It seems it is both hideous and amazing at the same time. I am not worried about bog roll, I will use one of our ormer shells as a scraper.

It gets worse we put the fully co ordinated bathroom suite with all the fittings ..bog,cistern,basin & ped, Bath on the grass out the ft of that job one morning and some fella gave us £50 but didn’t want that bidet ...that was in early 90s that’s how old it is...I will try and find a pic Centralheatking

 

[Murdoch]

So we can't go to the cinema, theatre or the pub

BUT you can go to an overcrowded supermarket............

Puzzling to say the least

 

[Stigster]

So we can't go to the cinema, theatre or the pub

BUT you can go to an overcrowded supermarket...

Puzzling to say the least

I suppose that one of these things is not like the others and more important for one's well-being. We all need food. That said I could lock my front door and not leave the house for two months at this point and we'd eat OK. I did not go mad stockpiling and clearing shelves but the last three weeks did two shops per week instead of the usual one.

I feel well prepared. What I do not like right now is that yesterday and today our schools links program is still running and we've got another bus load of secondary school kids coming to the workshops. How getting dozens of kids from three separate schools together on busses and bringing them to what are rather small workshops fits in with current advice I do not know!

 

[Harvest Fields]

Bet Boris does the same this afternoon.

 

[centralheatking]

So we can't go to the cinema, theatre or the pub

BUT you can go to an overcrowded supermarket...

Puzzling to say the least

I really don’t like the great unwashed anyway, loath sitting in cinemas with them eating etc.I go to Aldi early to avoid them. I am very carefull where I drink and never in the suburbs and on,y with farmers etc that talk about real stuff ..drains, vehicles my local will not close we already know ..back door
Centralheatking

 

[townfanjon]

Its getting real now , London on lockdown any minute

 

[Harvest Fields]

Its getting real now , London on lockdown any minute

Believe it when I see it mate.

 

[Stu-B]

Schools are closing on Friday, only kids with parents who are key workers may attend (police, nhs, essential delivery drivers)

Tough times are on the horizon lads..... stay safe please.

 

[Stanios]

Have to say I don't watch news at all since about 3-4 years ago. I live in London and was only aware of the virus from other people and just tv/ radiao in background. Actually sat down last night to watch 30 mins of news and my corona virus alarm meter went from 0 to 100 in that space of time. Reminds me of the terrorist stuff, I am not trying to trivialise the virus nor terrorist but just the way I felt after watching them news was same as when they cover terrorist attacks it makes you proper paranoid.
Really hard to predict what will happen, if it starts dying down there will still be long terms reprocussions just due to the whole frenzy that has been whipped up. If the virus escalates the world just might change forever

 

[townfanjon]

Believe it when I see it mate.

Watch this space lol

 

[gmartine]

Watch this space lol

I agree it's just a matter of time. My elderly Ma was released from a London hospital about 10 days ago where they were initially struggling to find her a bed. She wasn't in intensive care but the critical datum for all the action taken over the virus is the ability of the hospital system to cope while it's still also recovering from seasonal traffic. I suspect it's probably at near capacity at the moment so as soon as the tipping point nears they'll lock down London hence the recent mobilisation of troops.

 

[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.

 

[king of pipes]

The gas safe website says they should be completed still.

Agreed H or completed up to 8 weeks prior to needing it , what I am saying is in these testing times ahead a modern well maintained boiler will not cause a major risk to health if left 3 months over its last service and gas safety check , there is a greater risk to the customer and ourselves of contracting or spreading this virus , we are being advised to keep away from eachother and common sense needs to be applied here. Look after your own health and that of your customers, I will be avoiding visiting multiple addresses and servicing appliances in favour of concentrating on work involving just one address and with the least amount of contact with people. Regards kop