The Nice People No. 17

GDB2222

Hi all. Everything went smoothly on the flight. I was expecting to be able to post a picture of an empty plane. Only it was more than half full. There are lots of very religious UK people in Israel, studying at religious colleges. These colleges have all closed now, and the students headed back to the UK. 

We had to wait before taking off, as Easyjet had to take an extra passenger back to the UK. The poor chap had just flown in, but he'd been refused entry, as he didn't have anywhere to self-isolate for 14 days. All people entering Israel have to self-isolate for 14 days.

Getting back to the UK, it is striking that there are no checks at all on arrivals from abroad. Not even a guy taking your temperature. In Israel, lots of people wear masks and gloves. Restaurants, museums, cinemas, theatres, offices, and most shops are closed. Not more than 10 people in a gathering, and that means no more than 10 people in the supermarkets (which are still open).

The UK is following the same trajectory, just 2/3 weeks later, which is completely daft. We should either shrug and accept that a large chunk of the population will catch the virus. Or, we should have taken all these steps weeks ago. 

Pyxis

Thank goodness you’re back, GDB! I was getting quite worried! 

GDB2222

@SingleSue
Leaving aside that your employer has an obligation to keep you safe, it's easy to get latex-free gloves. These ones are made of Nitrile (whatever that is, but it's not latex), and they seem to be easily available still. They're not going to break the bank at £6.99 for 50 pairs.  Surely, your employer could stretch to a box?  Or go halves? 
https://www.screwfix.com/p/ansell-versatouch-92-200-nitrile-powder-free-disposable-gloves-blue-small-100-pack/306gx

 We bought a box for DW, but they fit me too. 

GDB2222

Pyxis said:

Thank goodness you’re back, GDB! I was getting quite worried! 

I'm sorry.

We got back in the early hours of Wednesday morning and had a short sleep, waking up early because our body clocks are 2 hours ahead still.

We donned masks and gloves, and did some urgent shopping, and then I went back to sleep again!  

silvercar

GDB2222 said:

Hi all. Everything went smoothly on the flight. I was expecting to be able to post a picture of an empty plane. Only it was more than half full. There are lots of very religious UK people in Israel, studying at religious colleges. These colleges have all closed now, and the students headed back to the UK. 

We had to wait before taking off, as Easyjet had to take an extra passenger back to the UK. The poor chap had just flown in, but he'd been refused entry, as he didn't have anywhere to self-isolate for 14 days. All people entering Israel have to self-isolate for 14 days.

Getting back to the UK, it is striking that there are no checks at all on arrivals from abroad. Not even a guy taking your temperature. In Israel, lots of people wear masks and gloves. Restaurants, museums, cinemas, theatres, offices, and most shops are closed. Not more than 10 people in a gathering, and that means no more than 10 people in the supermarkets (which are still open).

The UK is following the same trajectory, just 2/3 weeks later, which is completely daft. We should either shrug and accept that a large chunk of the population will catch the virus. Or, we should have taken all these steps weeks ago. 

They changed that yesterday and announced they were closing their borders to foreigners.  Our neighbour  over there (never met him) who actually lives in London went last week as he decided he was safer there than here, took his grandchildren with him and now has to self isolate for 14 days. Day 2 and he is asking to use our lounge to spread out the kids!

Pyxis

GDB2222 said:

Pyxis said:

Thank goodness you’re back, GDB! I was getting quite worried! 

I'm sorry.

Aw, don’t apologise! 
I’m a professional worrier.
I would win a gold at the Worry Olympics! 😁

Just glad you got back before the drawbridge goes up! 

PasturesNew

I am now wondering if I might struggle to find somewhere to buy because the London wealthier than me lot are more likely to head this way and "buy something there, that looks a safe spot" in the coming year or so. 

Pyxis

PasturesNew said:

I am now wondering if I might struggle to find somewhere to buy because the London wealthier than me lot are more likely to head this way and "buy something there, that looks a safe spot" in the coming year or so. 

I don’t think so, Pastures. This is only the first week of the Drastic Steps, and I think that once people  get over the initial panic, things will settle.

Keep looking, as this puts you in a very good position with anyone that just has to sell. 

GDB2222

PasturesNew said:

I am now wondering if I might struggle to find somewhere to buy because the London wealthier than me lot are more likely to head this way and "buy something there, that looks a safe spot" in the coming year or so. 

I really don’t think so. It’s a major upheaval to move towns, and people will only do that for long term lifestyle reasons, not because of a plague that is expected to last only a year or two. 

Out of interest, do many people expect CV to be around for years? Or is the general expectation just a few weeks?

SingleSue

GDB2222 said:

@SingleSue
Leaving aside that your employer has an obligation to keep you safe, it's easy to get latex-free gloves. These ones are made of Nitrile (whatever that is, but it's not latex), and they seem to be easily available still. They're not going to break the bank at £6.99 for 50 pairs.  Surely, your employer could stretch to a box?  Or go halves? 
https://www.screwfix.com/p/ansell-versatouch-92-200-nitrile-powder-free-disposable-gloves-blue-small-100-pack/306gx

 We bought a box for DW, but they fit me too. 

Bearing in mind that I was laughed at over 2 weeks ago when I suggested we should have hand sanitiser for customers and staff.....I highly doubt it. In their eyes, they have provided gel and gloves and it is not their problem if someone can't use them, they just think they are being precious about it.