Media Coverage of COVID -19

[kristiang85]

As long as your second point is shown to be working, the transmission shouldn't matter - if the risk of vulnerable people developing serious illness is vastly reduced, there is no need for more restrictions on our freedoms.

Hopefully the effectiveness will be shown in the next few weeks. Already the data from Israel is looking good.

 

[Domh245]

As long as your second point is shown to be working, the transmission shouldn't matter - if the risk of vulnerable people developing serious illness is vastly reduced, there is no need for more restrictions on our freedoms.

Hopefully the effectiveness will be shown in the next few weeks. Already the data from Israel is looking good.

Agreed - we just need to get the vulnerable vaccinated now! If it does reduce transmission though, it's a benefit (and should already start to make a difference by reducing hospital transmission)

 

[brad465]

When I looked at this Sky headline, my first reaction was anger.
If being vaccinated does not give you back your freedoms, why bother? Especially when there is a risk (however small) of serious side effects

COVID-19: 'Vast majority' of over-80s should be vaccinated before jabs offered to over-70s, minister says

There are concerns people who've had the jab will bend or ignore the rules out of false sense of confidence.

news.sky.com

My other half says this also plays right into the hands of conspiracy theorists who claim ‘this was never about controlling a virus, it’s about controlling YOU’

You’re right about the conspiracy theorists. I often hear them say “how much more needs to come true before you see it’s not a theory” and in all honesty they do have a point. That’s not to say there is a conspiracy, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to discredit what they’re saying (I don’t mean the Bill Gates and 5G stuff!).

Yes that should be an argument made loud and clear for ending most/all restrictions as soon as everyone over 50/60 is vaccinated and the weather is better: the longer the restrictions drag on for, the more we play into the hands of conspiracy theorists and those sorts of people really annoy those who believe in the current strategy (I suspect they also annoy those against the current strategy as being overblown because it undermines their attempts for action).

Also the BBC have managed to produce a couple of headlines that are showing the downsides of lockdown. The first, which is top, is about the backlog in the courts, the second is about parent stress levels going up in lockdown:

Covid and the courts: 'Grave concerns' for justice, warn watchdogs

A pandemic backlog of 54,000 crown court cases could have a lasting effect on justice, watchdogs warn.

www.bbc.co.uk

Four criminal justice watchdogs for England and Wales have warned they have "grave concerns" about the impact of court backlogs caused by the pandemic.

The inspectorates for policing, prisons, probation and prosecutions say issues it has caused could damage the criminal justice system for years.

It comes after figures revealed the backlog in the crown courts has reached 54,000 unheard cases.

That means some crimes from last year will not go before a jury before 2022.

The inspectorates say the unprecedented situation in the courts is having a ripple effect across all of criminal justice.

Court work slowed and, in the case of jury trials, stopped during the first part of the pandemic, when the lockdown advised people to stay at home, except for certain circumstances.

While it has now crept back up, with social distancing measures in place, the watchdogs warn continuing delays will increase the likelihood of damage to the entire justice system.

Justin Russell, the chief inspector of probation, said: "Crown courts deal with the most serious cases, so this backlog concerns us all. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant severe delays and numerous cancellations throughout 2020, and this has had a negative impact on everyone involved.

"Delays mean victims must wait longer for cases to be heard. Some will withdraw support for prosecutions because they have lost faith in the process.

"Witnesses will find it difficult to recall events that took place many months ago, and prosecutors waste significant periods of time preparing for cases that do not go ahead."

MPs will question Mr Russell and the other chief inspectors on their conclusions later on Tuesday.

Parents' stress and depression 'rise during lockdowns'

Many parents struggle to meet their children's needs during the pandemic, say researchers.

www.bbc.co.uk

Levels of stress, depression and anxiety among parents and carers have increased with the pressures of the lockdowns, suggests research from the University of Oxford.

Issues include difficulty relaxing, feeling hopeless and being irritable.

Many parents, especially those of secondary-age pupils, say they are worried about their children's futures.

The government has said it is aware how challenging it is for parents to support children with home learning.

 

[Bantamzen]

Yes that should be an argument made loud and clear for ending most/all restrictions as soon as everyone over 50/60 is vaccinated and the weather is better: the longer the restrictions drag on for, the more we play into the hands of conspiracy theorists and those sorts of people really annoy those who believe in the current strategy (I suspect they also annoy those against the current strategy as being overblown because it undermines their attempts for action).

Also the BBC have managed to produce a couple of headlines that are showing the downsides of lockdown. The first, which is top, is about the backlog in the courts, the second is about parent stress levels going up in lockdown:

Covid and the courts: 'Grave concerns' for justice, warn watchdogs

A pandemic backlog of 54,000 crown court cases could have a lasting effect on justice, watchdogs warn.

www.bbc.co.uk

Parents' stress and depression 'rise during lockdowns'

Many parents struggle to meet their children's needs during the pandemic, say researchers.

www.bbc.co.uk

The damage is mounting rapidly, and will only be compounded on the 3rd March when the Budget is revealed. How much longer do we have to put up with ever deteriorating living conditions?

 

[brad465]

The damage is mounting rapidly, and will only be compounded on the 3rd March when the Budget is revealed. How much longer do we have to put up with ever deteriorating living conditions?

We'll get an insight on Friday when the latest borrowing figures are released by the ONS, but of course the budget will get more publicity and potentially measures to combat the debt.

 

[kristiang85]

And to add to this, from the Telegraph:

One in four young people feeling 'unable to cope' as lockdown takes toll on mental health

Crisis has taken 'devastating toll' on teenagers and young adults and many are losing hope for the future, Prince's Trust warns

www.telegraph.co.uk

One in four young people feels unable to cope with life, a Prince's Trust survey has found, as the charity reveals the mental health impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the under-25s.

The crisis has taken a "devastating toll" on teenagers and young adults, with the unemployed more likely to feel depressed, it says.

Many are losing hope for the future because of a disrupted education, a shrinking jobs market and isolation from their friends and loved ones.

The charity, founded by the Prince of Wales in 1976, said its survey of 2,180 people aged 16 to 25 across the UK indicated that that more young people are feeling anxious than at any point in the last 12 years.

Half those surveyed said their mental health has worsened since the start of the pandemic, while a quarter said they felt "unable to cope with life".

The impact on people not in work, education or training was even worse, as 40 per cent said they felt "unable to cope with life" and 48 per cent "can't see an end" to their unemployment.

Meanwhile, 99.7% of people survive COVID if they are infected.

 

[SS4]

The damage is mounting rapidly, and will only be compounded on the 3rd March when the Budget is revealed. How much longer do we have to put up with ever deteriorating living conditions?

It'll be the same as ever, the poor and the sick will pay for the rich to get richer.

 

[Yew]

Agreed - we just need to get the vulnerable vaccinated now! If it does reduce transmission though, it's a benefit (and should already start to make a difference by reducing hospital transmission)

Indeed, I think there are around 30% of the population going around with some level of exposure immunity, add in another 15million vaccinations (i.e 30% of the UK's adults) and we're getting remarkably close to the 60-70% region where we see endemic equilibrium. Presuming these preliminary studies are correct, hopefully that means that it can be suppressed with very minor restrictions.

 

[Mag_seven]

I've created a new thread which can be found here that is discussing the left vs right wing responses to COVID.

In the meantime we should use this thread for continuing discussion of the media's coverage of COVID.

thanks

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Indeed, I think there are around 30% of the population going around with some level of exposure immunity, add in another 15million vaccinations (i.e 30% of the UK's adults) and we're getting remarkably close to the 60-70% region where we see endemic equilibrium. Presuming these preliminary studies are correct, hopefully that means that it can be suppressed with very minor restrictions.

The most recent ONS figures suggest 1 in 10 people are carrying antibodies.

Covid: Positive antibody tests doubled since autumn

Some 10% of the UK population is showing signs of recent infection, a doubling since October, says ONS.

www.bbc.co.uk

Meanwhile I was listening to Radio 2 on my drive to work earlier and on the Jeremy Vine show they were talking about the vaccine. Susan Mitchie, "a Sage Scientist", was proffering the standard dose of doom and gloom. Her suggestion was that even after vaccination we should continue with the current measures for quite some time and we shouldn't get excited about lifting restrictions soon. She suggested we need 90% of the population to be immune one way or the other before we relax restrictions, even then some precautions will still be needed.

Her justification was that

a) there is no evidence the vaccine reduces transmission
b) there is no evidence the vaccine prevents long covid
c) some people won't or can't have the vaccine and vaccinated people might carry the virus and give it to the unvaccinated people who might then get very ill and might die.

 

[mralexn]

The most recent ONS figures suggest 1 in 10 people are carrying antibodies.

Covid: Positive antibody tests doubled since autumn

Some 10% of the UK population is showing signs of recent infection, a doubling since October, says ONS.

www.bbc.co.uk

Meanwhile I was listening to Radio 2 on my drive to work earlier and on the Jeremy Vine show they were talking about the vaccine. Susan Mitchie, "a Sage Scientist", was proffering the standard dose of doom and gloom. Her suggestion was that even after vaccination we should continue with the current measures for quite some time and we shouldn't get excited about lifting restrictions soon. She suggested we need 90% of the population to be immune one way or the other before we relax restrictions, even then some precautions will still be needed.

Her justification was that

a) there is no evidence the vaccine reduces transmission
b) there is no evidence the vaccine prevents long covid
c) some people won't or can't have the vaccine and vaccinated people might carry the virus and give it to the unvaccinated people who might then get very ill and might die.

So if this is the case, what is the point in getting the vaccine for the vast majority of people. Good old BBC being doom merchants as per usual.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

So if this is the case, what is the point in getting the vaccine for the vast majority of people.

That is exactly what Jeremy Vine asked. I seem to recall her response was a bit waffly but referred to more studies being needed.

 

[yorksrob]

The most recent ONS figures suggest 1 in 10 people are carrying antibodies.

Covid: Positive antibody tests doubled since autumn

Some 10% of the UK population is showing signs of recent infection, a doubling since October, says ONS.

www.bbc.co.uk

Meanwhile I was listening to Radio 2 on my drive to work earlier and on the Jeremy Vine show they were talking about the vaccine. Susan Mitchie, "a Sage Scientist", was proffering the standard dose of doom and gloom. Her suggestion was that even after vaccination we should continue with the current measures for quite some time and we shouldn't get excited about lifting restrictions soon. She suggested we need 90% of the population to be immune one way or the other before we relax restrictions, even then some precautions will still be needed.

Her justification was that

a) there is no evidence the vaccine reduces transmission
b) there is no evidence the vaccine prevents long covid
c) some people won't or can't have the vaccine and vaccinated people might carry the virus and give it to the unvaccinated people who might then get very ill and might die.

Hmm, so continuing with lockdown even after the adult population has supposedly been vaccinated in September. I don't see the value of giving these people the oxygen of publicity, let alone a seat at the policy table. There need to be sackings at SAGE.

 

[Philip]

The most recent ONS figures suggest 1 in 10 people are carrying antibodies.

Covid: Positive antibody tests doubled since autumn

Some 10% of the UK population is showing signs of recent infection, a doubling since October, says ONS.

www.bbc.co.uk

Meanwhile I was listening to Radio 2 on my drive to work earlier and on the Jeremy Vine show they were talking about the vaccine. Susan Mitchie, "a Sage Scientist", was proffering the standard dose of doom and gloom. Her suggestion was that even after vaccination we should continue with the current measures for quite some time and we shouldn't get excited about lifting restrictions soon. She suggested we need 90% of the population to be immune one way or the other before we relax restrictions, even then some precautions will still be needed.

Her justification was that

a) there is no evidence the vaccine reduces transmission
b) there is no evidence the vaccine prevents long covid
c) some people won't or can't have the vaccine and vaccinated people might carry the virus and give it to the unvaccinated people who might then get very ill and might die.

I was glad to hear Jeremy Vine strongly challenging her about it. She kept referring to 'getting out of the pandemic', which as we know may never happen, rather than 'getting out of lockdown'. Thankfully I don't think Johnson will pay too much attention to the likes of her opinions.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

I was glad to hear Jeremy Vine strongly challenging her about it.

Yes.

She Struck me as a "we must save every life, all dieing must stop, and we must have a zero risk approach" type of person, which is totally unrealistic.

 

[westv]

The BBC's news bulletins were particularly depressing tonight, with images of corpses being locked away into cold storage, graves being dug and prolonged tearful interviews with people who have suffered recent bereavements.

More of the same on BBC 6 o' clock news this evening.

 

[bramling]

I think I said earlier in this thread that the Mail is completely frustrating - it gives a platform to those who are skeptical of lockdowns, which is much needed for balance, yet are among the worst when it comes to using the numbers to make dramatic negative headlines.

For a paper that has traditionally championed Conservative principles, it does disappoint me they willing contribute to the fear narrative. But I guess clicks are more important than truth?

In the case of the Daily Mail it will probably be because they have a difficult balancing act to please their readership. Their younger working-age readership will likely be anti restrictions, but this wouldn’t necessarily sit well with pensioners who no doubt form their other main readership group.

Alarmist doom and gloom headlines tend to appeal to pensioners for some reason that I’ve never really fathomed. The Express even more so.

 

[packermac]

That is exactly what Jeremy Vine asked. I seem to recall her response was a bit waffly but referred to more studies being needed.

Which is exactly the correct answer. All that is known at the moment is that the vaccines SHOULD stop people getting so ill.
Where we are at the moment that is the best scientists have.
Although many on here only seem to believe science that has nothing to do with SAGE.

 

[DB]

Which is exactly the correct answer. All that is known at the moment is that the vaccines SHOULD stop people getting so ill.
Where we are at the moment that is the best scientists have.
Although many on here only seem to believe science that has nothing to do with SAGE.

The point remains that we cannot carry on like this, even if they aren't as effective as hoped.

 

[greyman42]

In the case of the Daily Mail it will probably be because they have a difficult balancing act to please their readership. Their younger working-age readership will likely be anti restrictions, but this wouldn’t necessarily sit well with pensioners who no doubt form their other main readership group.

Alarmist doom and gloom headlines tend to appeal to pensioners for some reason that I’ve never really fathomed. The Express even more so.

I don't think that pensioners are pro lockdown. Most realise that they have limited years left and have no desire to spend them in lockdown. Younger people, say in their 30s, seem more pro lockdown to me, especially those who are dodging going to work.

 

[102 fan]

Did anybody watch the BBC news at 10? Fear mongering ramped up as much as possible. It really was unbelievable how far they went to frighten people. Quite a bit on the Covid patients in the hospital. No question from the BBC as to which patients were admitted with it, and which had caught when in the Hospital.

 

[farleigh]

Did anybody watch the BBC news at 10? Fear mongering ramped up as much as possible. It really was unbelievable how far they went to frighten people. Quite a bit on the Covid patients in the hospital. No question from the BBC as to which patients were admitted with it, and which had caught when in the Hospital.

Yes. I wonder if the BBC will continue to decline or if it will turn back to the values that once made it great.

 

[westv]

Did anybody watch the BBC news at 10? Fear mongering ramped up as much as possible. It really was unbelievable how far they went to frighten people. Quite a bit on the Covid patients in the hospital. No question from the BBC as to which patients were admitted with it, and which had caught when in the Hospital.

Was it the same report as they did at 6pm?

 

[102 fan]

Was it the same report as they did at 6pm?

I didn't see the 6 PM one, but I would assume it was.

 

[Andyh82]

It also showed the same mortuary scenes that they showed last night, and indeed in the preview on Sunday night

 

[Yew]

It also showed the same mortuary scenes that they showed last night, and indeed in the preview on Sunday night

Interesting that they don't show lots of people having a mild cough for a few days? I thought the BBC was required to avoid 'undue prominence'?

 

[Mag_seven]

When are the BBC going to show us footage inside a cancer ward? I'd bet the scenes there are just as distressing as in a COVID ward.

 

[DustyBin]

I don't think that pensioners are pro lockdown. Most realise that they have limited years left and have no desire to spend them in lockdown. Younger people, say in their 30s, seem more pro lockdown to me, especially those who are dodging going to work.

Rather to the point, but nonetheless true!

 

[Mugby]

Did anybody watch the BBC news at 10? Fear mongering ramped up as much as possible. It really was unbelievable how far they went to frighten people. Quite a bit on the Covid patients in the hospital. No question from the BBC as to which patients were admitted with it, and which had caught when in the Hospital.

Quite frankly, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, to repeat the same scenes for the second night in a row was a determined attempt to create a climate of hopelessness and despondency.

It was so bad, I could quite easily imagine some of the more feint hearted feeling suicidal after watching it.

It was a shameful news bulletin and the BBC ought to be held to account for it.

 

[Bertie the bus]

Meanwhile I was listening to Radio 2 on my drive to work earlier and on the Jeremy Vine show they were talking about the vaccine. Susan Mitchie, "a Sage Scientist", was proffering the standard dose of doom and gloom.

I had a look at her Twitter feed and found this:

https://twitter.com/SusanMichie/status/1351498477990195205

Hi tweeps, can anyone share preferably recent evidence as to why people are not wearing masks when mandated eg transport, shops? Thanks!

It’s reassuring that one of the scientists advising the government conducts her research via Twitter. Who needs to conduct scientific studies when you can just ask random people on the internet to supply the answers for you?