IF the Government had bought Covid19 tests in advance ....... ?

[*concerned*]

….would they still be in date ?

I know an exercise was completed 3 years ago, the result was the UK could not cope at that time with a Pandemic, so it was suggested that at that time, tests and ventilators should be bought on a 'just in case' basis

But, at that time would there have been a reliable test for Covid19, knowing its a NEW virus, and if there was would it have a safe shelf life of 3 years ?

[Alikado]

….would they still be in date ?

I know an exercise was completed 3 years ago, the result was the UK could not cope at that time with a Pandemic, so it was suggested that at that time, tests and ventilators should be bought on a 'just in case' basis

But, at that time would there have been a reliable test for Covid19, knowing its a NEW virus, and if there was would it have a safe shelf life of 3 years ?

There would not have been a test 3 years ago but having a stock of everyday items such as gloves, aprons and masks would be prudent but such a policy flies in the face of the modern policies of 'just in time'.
You would have thought that when it became obvious that there was a problem in China that could spread something would have been triggered to order an extra months supply and further triggers for it spreading to Europe and this Country. Nothing would have been wasted apart from warehouse space. It is diabolical that not even respirators were in stock so if there had been something like a chemical leak at Runcorn or Ellesmere Port they wouldn't have been prepared, god help us if there is a nuclear incident.
Because of the lack of testing a quarter of doctors are off most through self isolation if they and their families were to be tested many would be able to return to work.
Incompetence springs to mind but I think that is being generous.

[silver fox]

There would not have been a test 3 years ago but having a stock of everyday items such as gloves, aprons and masks would be prudent but such a policy flies in the face of the modern policies of 'just in time'.
You would have thought that when it became obvious that there was a problem in China that could spread something would have been triggered to order an extra months supply and further triggers for it spreading to Europe and this Country. Nothing would have been wasted apart from warehouse space. It is diabolical that not even respirators were in stock so if there had been something like a chemical leak at Runcorn or Ellesmere Port they wouldn't have been prepared, god help us if there is a nuclear incident.
Because of the lack of testing a quarter of doctors are off most through self isolation if they and their families were to be tested many would be able to return to work.
Incompetence springs to mind but I think that is being generous.

Stocks of test kits couldn't be stockpiled until the virus was identified, but even then our government did precisely zilch in terms of preparation when the reality was known, instead went for a wait and see policy, then of course the herd immunity policy.

Eventually the real situation penetrated the thick skulls of this government and surprise, surprise found that other countries had already bought up most available stocks, plenty of statements from wholesalers and distributors who had or could obtain supplies being ignored or refused.

[Toodles McGinty]

….would they still be in date ?

I know an exercise was completed 3 years ago, the result was the UK could not cope at that time with a Pandemic, so it was suggested that at that time, tests and ventilators should be bought on a 'just in case' basis

But, at that time would there have been a reliable test for Covid19, knowing its a NEW virus, and if there was would it have a safe shelf life of 3 years ?

How could there be a test for a virus nobody knew about? It isn't about a test. It's about being equipped for the crisis. The test could have been brought in sooner and been more widespread. But not 3 years ago.

A pandemic was inevitable, sooner or later. Just as other natural occurrences will test us as a race. Pandemic was the most likely. And one we should have been prepared for. Perhaps if the NHS had been of utmost importance in the last 10 years - fully staffed, fully equipped - we might have been in a better place. If the government had elected to join other countries when offered the chance, in 10 different meetings as I understand, we could be better equipped.

But what we have is a government that cheered when they voted against a pay rise for NHS staff. A government that has lied about testing chemicals. A government that lied about how many ventilators they have - Robert Jenrick: We have over 12,000 ventilators at the moment - also Robert Jenrick within an hour: we have 8000 ventilators. Perhaps they are counting the 4000 ventilators that they can persuade to stay?

And even now, nearing the height of a pandemic, there still isn't enough PPE for front line staff, never mind those slogging their guts out to save lives behind the front line.

Be careful what you wish for.

[*concerned*]

I should have been more specific.

Whilst I do realise the actual test stuff would not be available (as its a new virus) but it appears the swabs and the containers used to put the swabbed DNA in DO have a use by date - its one of the instructions for use - check the use by date.

Don't know how long the use by date is though?

[Alikado]

How could there be a test for a virus nobody knew about? It isn't about a test. It's about being equipped for the crisis. The test could have been brought in sooner and been more widespread. But not 3 years ago.

A pandemic was inevitable, sooner or later. Just as other natural occurrences will test us as a race. Pandemic was the most likely. And one we should have been prepared for. Perhaps if the NHS had been of utmost importance in the last 10 years - fully staffed, fully equipped - we might have been in a better place. If the government had elected to join other countries when offered the chance, in 10 different meetings as I understand, we could be better equipped.

But what we have is a government that cheered when they voted against a pay rise for NHS staff. A government that has lied about testing chemicals. A government that lied about how many ventilators they have - Robert Jenrick: We have over 12,000 ventilators at the moment - also Robert Jenrick within an hour: we have 8000 ventilators. Perhaps they are counting the 4000 ventilators that they can persuade to stay?

And even now, nearing the height of a pandemic, there still isn't enough PPE for front line staff, never mind those slogging their guts out to save lives behind the front line.

Be careful what you wish for.

The old Civil Defence planning that Thatcher abolished as not being relevant or economic would have had plans and stocks of vital items in stock ready to go, Town Halls, Army Camps and other Public Buildings had items stored, the accent in those days was the Cold War and war with Russia, times have moved on but if we do get bombed there are plenty of Field Ovens still stored in Bootle Town Hall (or there was 5 years ago)

[Alikado]

I should have been more specific.

Whilst I do realise the actual test stuff would not be available (as its a new virus) but it appears the swabs and the containers used to put the swabbed DNA in DO have a use by date - its one of the instructions for use - check the use by date.

Don't know how long the use by date is though?

I would imagine the use bay date would be pretty short but it's been revealed on Tv tonight that they were prevented from testing staff with a cap on tests, surely all logic should be if you can do 1,000 tests do them not hold back because some are staff.
This is moving from the realm of negligence to being criminal.

[Toodles McGinty]

I should have been more specific.

Whilst I do realise the actual test stuff would not be available (as its a new virus) but it appears the swabs and the containers used to put the swabbed DNA in DO have a use by date - its one of the instructions for use - check the use by date.

Don't know how long the use by date is though?

You know, I haven't a clue. Wish I could help. I was wittering on more about the ventilators and PPE.

I suppose it depends on whether or not the swabs are specific to this situation, or it's the sort of thing that is used in other areas. I've seen medics swabbing folk's cheeks while they are sat in a car, but never gave much thought to it. I assumed it was the sort of thing they''d swab for other infections.

I've never typed 'swab' so much.

[*concerned*]

As an example, these swab collection kits have an expiry date of 2021/09 but cannot see a date of manufacture, so no idea how long they would be in date for ?

https://www.copanusa.com/covid-19-sa...act-specimens/

[Hamble]

You know, I haven't a clue. Wish I could help. I was wittering on more about the ventilators and PPE.

I suppose it depends on whether or not the swabs are specific to this situation, or it's the sort of thing that is used in other areas. I've seen medics swabbing folk's cheeks while they are sat in a car, but never gave much thought to it. I assumed it was the sort of thing they''d swab for other infections.

I've never typed 'swab' so much.

A long swab is needed plus saliva and mucus with a different swab/sample,

A lot of the problem is chill storing large amounts of samples .

G.p's make sure all non urgent lab samples go on the last van collection Friday before the weekend.

https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/31/far-b...irus-12482026/

[Toodles McGinty]

The old Civil Defence planning that Thatcher abolished as not being relevant or economic would have had plans and stocks of vital items in stock ready to go, Town Halls, Army Camps and other Public Buildings had items stored, the accent in those days was the Cold War and war with Russia, times have moved on but if we do get bombed there are plenty of Field Ovens still stored in Bootle Town Hall (or there was 5 years ago)

I bet there still is. It'll be the sort of thing 'urban explorers' find years after the Town Hall has shut. Covered in 3 inches of dust.

I love those types of videos.

[Toodles McGinty]

As an example, these swab collection kits have an expiry date of 2021/09 but cannot see a date of manufacture, so no idea how long they would be in date for ?

https://www.copanusa.com/covid-19-sa...act-specimens/

Just had a quick Google. Seems there's a lot of swabs for every orifice.

Looking at those, I'm going to assume the medium that the sample is kept in wouldn't last for very long.

[Hamble]

I would imagine the use bay date would be pretty short but it's been revealed on Tv tonight that they were prevented from testing staff with a cap on tests, surely all logic should be if you can do 1,000 tests do them not hold back because some are staff.
This is moving from the realm of negligence to being criminal.

Have you got a link to this news?

[Alikado]

Have you got a link to this news?

It was on the daily propaganda show.

[Alikado]

I bet there still is. It'll be the sort of thing 'urban explorers' find years after the Town Hall has shut. Covered in 3 inches of dust.

I love those types of videos.

Every one has a brass plate bolted on with a unique number, in Waterloo T H there is an area that still has the boards, maps act that has all the stuff they used during the coordination of resource during the bombing in the second world war, fascinating and all intact complete with authentic dust!