“A pestilence does not have human dimensions, so people tell themselves that it is unreal, that it is a bad dream which will end. But it does not always end and, from one bad dream to the next, it is people who end, humanists first of all because they have not prepared themselves.” ― Albert Camus
Last Sunday, our Premier declared Victoria to be in a “State of Disaster” as the second-wave COVID-19 cases and deaths continued to rise despite the second lockdown and Stage III restrictions that had been imposed about three weeks ago. These measures, however, failed to control the outbreak and hence the Stage IV restrictions imposed now. The new restrictions will last for six weeks, at least, but hopefully will be curbing the alarming spread of the virus in the community sooner than that.
Under Melbourne’s new restrictions, beginning 6pm Sunday night, only one person in each household can do shopping once a day. Exercise can be undertaken once a day for one hour, and no more than two people can exercise together. Residents can’t travel more than five kilometres from their home for shopping or exercise. The wearing of masks by everyone is mandatory and social distancing rules still apply. Regional Victoria will enter stage 3 restrictions from midnight on Wednesday. Travel of course, is out of the question, especially so travel for pleasure. The state borders have already been closed and there is no international flight traffic into or out of Melbourne Airport.
From the 2nd of August, a curfew will be in place in metropolitan Melbourne. Curfews will be in operation from 8pm to 5am every evening, with people only allowed to leave their house for work, and essential health, care or safety reasons. Furthermore, retailers that have been deemed non-essential will need to close for six weks from 11.59 pm on Wednesday 5th of August. The list of retailers forced to close includes furniture and homewares, stationery, electrical and electronics, motor vehicle and motor parts, recreational goods, department stores, and clothing and footwear retailers. Hardware, building and garden supplies retailers will be allowed to serve only trade customers in stores; consumers will have to rely on online delivery or click and collect.
Perhaps more alarming for some people is the declaration of a “State of Disaster”. Deeming our current situation thus, confers extra powers on the police minister to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. It allows the minister to direct government agencies to act in certain ways (or refrain from doing so) in order to deal with the disaster, and they can also override legislation. Other relevant powers conferred on the minister include the power to control movement within, and entry into or departure from, the disaster area (which is the whole of the state) or any part of it.
Most people reacted positively to the declaration of a State of Disaster and realise that the current situation with spread of COVID-19 is a grave emergency that warrants such drastic measures being taken. However, we also have the minority component of the population who are screaming and shouting that our civil liberties are being eroded, our democracy is being suspended and that a totalitarian regime has been imposed on us. Needless to say that there are also those people who believe that COVID-19 is not real and that we are being duped by a multinational conspiracy. The latter groups are usually the ones that engage in behaviours that are risky and contribute greatly to the spread of virus in the community.
The truth of the matter is that people are becoming sick, are being admitted into hospital, some in intensive care, and some unfortunately dying. The elderly, the infirm and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable. The pandemic has revealed immense deficiencies in our aged care sector, with many nursing homes for the aged being substandard in their level of care and in basic hygiene procedures. This has caused enormous numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths in the sector. Needless to say, psychological problems and suicide rates are on the increase throughout the community, with depression becoming a common affliction.
The economy is taking nosedives into abysmal regions and many businesses have been forced to close their doors permanently. For the first time in many decades we are seeing deflation and the price of real estate is decreasing while the gold price is increasing. Many people have become unemployed, our unemployment rate jumping to double figures and predicted to rise even further, making people dependent on special government allowances in order to survive. Many are dipping into their superannuation funds, making withdrawals so as to cope financially. It seems that our affluent, pleasure-seeking and lackadaisical lifestyle has been disrupted in a major way and the future may be quite a different one to what most Australians had planned and envisioned for themselves.
Politicians here in Australia are struggling to cope with these enormous social, health and financial problems, while at the same time juggling with populist policies to appease an increasingly disgruntled and skeptical electorate. We are seeing a wide spectrum of political responses and quite often the blame game is started, with opposing sides finger-pointing and trying to exonerate themselves from past inappropriate decisions that allowed us to reach the present critical situation.
Internationally, some politicians are doing even worse. There are deniers, obfuscators, and blatant, arrogant and deceiving demagogues that have blood on their hands as they have done next to nothing to protect their country’s people from this scourge that the world has to deal with. They abjure science, twist facts to suit their own agendas and label anything that they cannot logically discount as “fake”, but at the same time they fabulate their own personal little worlds that have nothing to do with reality or truth.
We are travelling on rough ground here in Melbourne and the road ahead is uneven, precipitous and bleak. I look out of my window on this dark, wet, cold Winter’s night and the normally busy road outside is deserted and eerily lit by the sickly street lamps. As the rain falls, a solitary car careers down the street, and one hopes that the person in it is not rushing to some emergency that has forced them to break curfew. Travel Tuesday is rather gloomy today, but excuse my melancholy, as these are sad times we are experiencing.
I leave you with some wisdom and some hope, some simple and effective advice that we should all heed and try and follow. These are the thoughts and words of 92-year-old Joss Ackland:
Last Sunday, our Premier declared Victoria to be in a “State of Disaster” as the second-wave COVID-19 cases and deaths continued to rise despite the second lockdown and Stage III restrictions that had been imposed about three weeks ago. These measures, however, failed to control the outbreak and hence the Stage IV restrictions imposed now. The new restrictions will last for six weeks, at least, but hopefully will be curbing the alarming spread of the virus in the community sooner than that.
Under Melbourne’s new restrictions, beginning 6pm Sunday night, only one person in each household can do shopping once a day. Exercise can be undertaken once a day for one hour, and no more than two people can exercise together. Residents can’t travel more than five kilometres from their home for shopping or exercise. The wearing of masks by everyone is mandatory and social distancing rules still apply. Regional Victoria will enter stage 3 restrictions from midnight on Wednesday. Travel of course, is out of the question, especially so travel for pleasure. The state borders have already been closed and there is no international flight traffic into or out of Melbourne Airport.
From the 2nd of August, a curfew will be in place in metropolitan Melbourne. Curfews will be in operation from 8pm to 5am every evening, with people only allowed to leave their house for work, and essential health, care or safety reasons. Furthermore, retailers that have been deemed non-essential will need to close for six weks from 11.59 pm on Wednesday 5th of August. The list of retailers forced to close includes furniture and homewares, stationery, electrical and electronics, motor vehicle and motor parts, recreational goods, department stores, and clothing and footwear retailers. Hardware, building and garden supplies retailers will be allowed to serve only trade customers in stores; consumers will have to rely on online delivery or click and collect.
Perhaps more alarming for some people is the declaration of a “State of Disaster”. Deeming our current situation thus, confers extra powers on the police minister to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. It allows the minister to direct government agencies to act in certain ways (or refrain from doing so) in order to deal with the disaster, and they can also override legislation. Other relevant powers conferred on the minister include the power to control movement within, and entry into or departure from, the disaster area (which is the whole of the state) or any part of it.
Most people reacted positively to the declaration of a State of Disaster and realise that the current situation with spread of COVID-19 is a grave emergency that warrants such drastic measures being taken. However, we also have the minority component of the population who are screaming and shouting that our civil liberties are being eroded, our democracy is being suspended and that a totalitarian regime has been imposed on us. Needless to say that there are also those people who believe that COVID-19 is not real and that we are being duped by a multinational conspiracy. The latter groups are usually the ones that engage in behaviours that are risky and contribute greatly to the spread of virus in the community.
The truth of the matter is that people are becoming sick, are being admitted into hospital, some in intensive care, and some unfortunately dying. The elderly, the infirm and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable. The pandemic has revealed immense deficiencies in our aged care sector, with many nursing homes for the aged being substandard in their level of care and in basic hygiene procedures. This has caused enormous numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths in the sector. Needless to say, psychological problems and suicide rates are on the increase throughout the community, with depression becoming a common affliction.
The economy is taking nosedives into abysmal regions and many businesses have been forced to close their doors permanently. For the first time in many decades we are seeing deflation and the price of real estate is decreasing while the gold price is increasing. Many people have become unemployed, our unemployment rate jumping to double figures and predicted to rise even further, making people dependent on special government allowances in order to survive. Many are dipping into their superannuation funds, making withdrawals so as to cope financially. It seems that our affluent, pleasure-seeking and lackadaisical lifestyle has been disrupted in a major way and the future may be quite a different one to what most Australians had planned and envisioned for themselves.
Politicians here in Australia are struggling to cope with these enormous social, health and financial problems, while at the same time juggling with populist policies to appease an increasingly disgruntled and skeptical electorate. We are seeing a wide spectrum of political responses and quite often the blame game is started, with opposing sides finger-pointing and trying to exonerate themselves from past inappropriate decisions that allowed us to reach the present critical situation.
Internationally, some politicians are doing even worse. There are deniers, obfuscators, and blatant, arrogant and deceiving demagogues that have blood on their hands as they have done next to nothing to protect their country’s people from this scourge that the world has to deal with. They abjure science, twist facts to suit their own agendas and label anything that they cannot logically discount as “fake”, but at the same time they fabulate their own personal little worlds that have nothing to do with reality or truth.
We are travelling on rough ground here in Melbourne and the road ahead is uneven, precipitous and bleak. I look out of my window on this dark, wet, cold Winter’s night and the normally busy road outside is deserted and eerily lit by the sickly street lamps. As the rain falls, a solitary car careers down the street, and one hopes that the person in it is not rushing to some emergency that has forced them to break curfew. Travel Tuesday is rather gloomy today, but excuse my melancholy, as these are sad times we are experiencing.
I leave you with some wisdom and some hope, some simple and effective advice that we should all heed and try and follow. These are the thoughts and words of 92-year-old Joss Ackland:
and also part of the Wordless Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Blue Monday meme.
Feel free to link up any cheering post, even if it means digging deep into your archives!
Thanks for this thoughtful post, Nicholas. Add to your list of problems associated with the pandemic bogus doctors, alternative therapy nuts, anti-vaxers, and crazy cure advice. Such people that deny scientific fact and evidence-based medicine are downright dangerous and responsible for much distress or even fatalities.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post. I praying that people really start listening and following the rules that are set by sceince. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteClosing electrical stores seems a bit drastic to me, but drastic times call for drastic measures.
ReplyDeleteStay in health...
ReplyDeleteRegards from Poland
It is sad to see what is happening in Melbourne and the rest of Victoria. I am dreading the numbers rising again in the UK. Some people always think they know better. I am glad to see the fines are large enoughto deter the majority of people from ignoring the rules.
ReplyDeleteThat video is a lovely share. It's so rough watching Melbourne, even from afar. But when you watch how quickly the numbers jump, it seems necessary. I think our messaging on the flu has been wrong, especially as we're now seeing all the ongoing (for the rest of their lives) diseases that are hitting recovered COVID patients in the 20-50 range. Diabetes, Epilepsy, Heart disease, Liver failure and issues and Cognitive issues meaning people can't work. What happens when those health problems are the majority of the population? How do we manage that? The UK has set up a rehab for the under 30s COVID recovered patients with ongoing physical and mental issues as a result. That should be our alarm bell. Stay safe. I hope this move swiftly locks down the numbers.
ReplyDeleteHere is the USA we have similar problems. The rate of infection is going up, especially in states that have not mandated masks or closures. People yell about their liberties and the right to do what they please. Some store employees have been physically assaulted for telling customers to wear masks.
ReplyDeleteStay well.
Melbourne is doing the right things to curb the virus, Nickolas. I wish other countries would have the same measures in place to get rid of this pandemic.
ReplyDeleteLove the video, what a sweet man!
As an American, I am absolutely shocked at what is going on in your country. I had no idea. Even though I fear being chastised and hated here in the comments, I must admit I am in the "minority" that you describe. It's not that I don't believe there is a virus. I do. But I believe the virus is being used and manipulated by globalists to bring about a New World Order. Everyone loves to say "believe the science" when the truth is the scientists don't understand this virus yet. They have changed their minds about what to do/what not to do multiple times here in America, First we were told the virus was spread from surfaces and then we would touch our eyes or mouth and get infected. Then they told us "don't wear a mask" because it would only create fear and we would actually get the virus if we wore a mask because we would touch our face. Now it's "Wear a mask, or you'll spread the virus to others!" They also refuse to listen to any practicing doctors who might have other ideas for treatment. Why? Why would you refuse to listen if someone, who is also a practicing doctor and has seen something that works? They have been caught many times manipulating the Coronavirus statistics and the death rate. Here in my own community a family member died and the next day a newspaper headline read "First resident in .....county to die of Covid 19". The family was livid. I also worry that the politicians are not taking into considerations that the deaths as a result of the lockdowns will far supersede the deaths from the virus itself...starvation, lack of cancer treatment and other health care procedures, depression, suicide, spousal abuse, murders, etc. etc. etc. I think many people are easily manipulated by media and then easily condemn those who are not. We have to be careful that we are all not blindly following our leaders and "scientists" without asking questions and seeking other alternatives to find the solution to the problem.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Dr Raoult is a charlatant, he is a virus specialist and he did treated thousands of people and NONE died! He even had the "Lancet" to retract. He has been fighting for using the medication and they tried to shut him up for months! https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2020/07/27/facebook-censors-viral-video-of-doctors-capitol-hill-coronavirus-press-conference/
ReplyDeleteI agree. I don’t like that they refuse to listen to other doctors
DeleteI did not know about him and had to read several reports of what he has done. From what I read, Dr Raoult has not told the whole truth. He conducted unethical studies on vulnerable people who were hoping for cures and his actions are lamentable because he concealed his data sets from peer review and independent scrutiny. His 100s of published papers are unfortunately mediocre and non-reproducible by other clinicians. See here:
Deletehttps://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20200624-french-doctor-didier-raoult-championed-hydroxychloroquine-respond-covid-inquiry-france-mps-medicine
and here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/12/magazine/didier-raoult-hydroxychloroquine.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didier_Raoult He knows more about virus than most... The LANCET did retracted because he PROVED that they were wrong. If you studied microbiology in any study books it is well know that this medicine is working for virus.
DeleteI think that the drastic restrictions that some countries have put in place to limit the spread and the deaths due to COVID are the right thing to do. If we take this virus too lightly, we see surges in infection numbers and death rates. If we put in place restrictions, the spread decreases, the deaths decrease.
ReplyDeleteIn the USA there 1,000 COVID deaths per day. That's 1,000 deaths too many due to this virus in the richest country of the world, which should have put in place all the necessary restrictions in place as early as possible. Masks work, disinfection works, quarantines work, isolation where indicated works. Common sense works. Good science and mainstream medicine work, their advice is invaluable in eradicating this virus.
What doesn't work is taking this pandemic lightly, listening to "alternative" practitioners who advance unorthodox (and in many cases dangerous) "cures" and who advocate "getting on with life as normal". We know a lot about infectious diseases and how they spread, we know how to protect ourselves from viruses like COVID. Ignoring harsh reality and evidence-based medicine because it's too hard to cope with or comply with leads to disaster. Taking the advice of alternative practitioners because it's pleasanter, easier, more convenient is not the way to go. These easy paths of action that don't interfere with our "freedoms" lead to disaster.
What is really annoying is that people foolishly continue to support ONE doctor/researcher who maintains that hydroxychloroquine is effective, and take no account of MOST doctors/researchers who say that based on the evidence that has been evaluated and peer-reviewed, this drug DOESN'T work.
ReplyDeleteSee: https://www.smh.com.au/national/thumbs-down-for-hydroxychloroquine-from-government-virus-taskforce-20200806-p55j76.html
Viruses are an extremely diverse group of pathogens and they do not ALL respond to the same antiviral drugs (some viruses don't even respond to any chemotherapeutic agents commonly used clinically in other viral infections). Any virology or pharmacotherapy book will tell you the same, any researcher working in the field of antiviral therapy will tell you the same.
Roualt has been proven guilty of many sins and misdemeanours as far as good scientific method is concerned. His failure to cooperate and collaborate honestly with other scientists/researchers (which well documented and has been reported) should ring alarm bells in even a lay person with a modicum of good sense.
And by the way, I just found this about what Breitbart is:
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breitbart_News
Great video!
ReplyDeleteglad to read your post about covid-19, and tips to avoid it
ReplyDelete