Please note

Sounds good

Anyone waiting in anticipation for the letter from Boris? Me neither.

I bet it includes the phrase 'right measures at the right time' that I'm so sick of hearing.

(Too little, too late, wrong priorities, springs to mind.)

It will tell us that things will get much worse before they get better. Is there anyone out there who still hasn't worked that out?

Despite my disdain for those morons ignoring the rules, I do resent the public being targeted for blame. It'll be all our own fault next!

I'd like to know what 'further measures' are planned. What exactly does complete lockdown mean? No leaving the house at all? How long for? If I knew, at least I could prepare for it.

This email is a little bit different to the ones I normally send. Right now Coronavirus is at the top of every news bulletin. But what’s not being talked about as much is the pressure this puts on our already overstretched NHS staff.

We might not be able to solve the crisis, but that doesn’t make us powerless. We can make sure that those who are putting themselves on the frontline to look after us know we appreciate it. It could give them a little reminder of hope to keep them going in the tough weeks ahead.


So, will you sign a massive thank you card to our incredible NHS staff who work day in day out to protect us, even when it’s overwhelming or scary? If thousands of us add our name - and share it all over social media - NHS staff will know just how valued they are.

Will you join me and add your name to the card today?
http://bit.ly/2IHWBCU

When [if ?] things get back to normal where will you be going/what will you do ?

Don't forget to do your clocks

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/reduce-the-risks-of-getting-infected

Please share any useful advice

Please note, this is the second in a series of messages we are sending over the next few days, all relating to the current situation. This email does contain links, please click here for guidance about whether you can trust links in emails.

Action Fraud have received reports of #COVID19 related scams. The majority relate to the online sale of protective items such as facemasks and other items in short supply due to the outbreak, that don't exist..

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-related-fraud-reports

What scams are we seeing?
The majority of reports are related to online shopping scams where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser and other products, which have never arrived. Other frauds being reported include ticket fraud, romance fraud, charity fraud and lender loan fraud

Protection advice
Detailed counter fraud advice is available online, including from Scamsmart, ActionFraud, CIFAS, TakeFive, Citizens Advice, Trading Standards and the National Cyber Security Centre.

Reporting to Action Fraud can be done online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling ‪0300 123 2040‬.

To report offers of financial assistance from HMRC contact phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.

How are we doing?
We hope this information is useful, please use the Rate button below to provide feedback about the value of this service. If this and subsequent messages are useful, please use the Share button below to share it to your own email lists and social media channels.

If you would prefer not to receive these messages from Action Fraud, please click the red Settings button below and un-tick Action Fraud.

Best regards

Message Sent By
Action Fraud Admin (Action Fraud, Administrator, Global)

As so much doom and gloom about thought we could each pick out something we notice that we realise is a positive thing in our days while trapped at home.
My positive thought today was thank goodness I have a garden to get some air and to do some gardening regularly to keep moving and also to sit out in when the temperatures start to rise.

https://vm.tiktok.com/GhFc6G/

Weather grey and blowy hope sun comes out soon.Are we brain washed? Surface sanitiser--get rid of all your germs. TV programs going around with little sticks showing you how many germs there are in your house. ---I started once spraying but soon gave up ---(half full bottle might come in handy now) ----In all my fairly long life I had hardly any flu, colds. I only stopped washing meat which I did in my younger days. I hope I build up a good resistance. I am not referring to the present day crisis as this is too serious but in general. Are we brain washed by manufacturers so they can sell their wonder cleaning stuff?

Find I have to log in fresh every time. Notifications have gone awry. And comments are now last one first which is perhaps deliberate but I don’t like it. I am on ios system (iphone).

A letter from the future - well written and well worth reading. Your thoughts?

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/a-letter-to-the-uk-from-italy-this-is-what-we-know-about-your-future

I went to bed at midnight tonight last night early 10.30 & wake at 2 or 3 and that’s it can’t sleep from then night after night.. has anyone else's sleep pattern changed since this virus has arrived?. I want to sleep but just can’t relax beginning to get me down now and I worry lack of sleep if I get the virus my body won’t be as healthy to fight it because I’m not sleeping 😔
Any ideas on how to get my sleep pattern back to normal?

Message from Neighbourhood Alert this afternoon:

Covid19 Four Phase Policing Approach

In these unprecedented times, it’s important that we’re in this together and each and every one of us has a role to play by following government advice. The vast majority are following the advice, and we thank you for listening.

However, for those who are not heeding the stay at home guidance, our officers will seek to engage, explain the circumstances and encourage you to do the right thing in complying with the government request. If considered necessary, we may take enforcement action by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice if you are putting others at risk.

Our top priorities are to ensure that we keep our local communities safe, maintaining the best service to the public, while also protecting officers and staff during these challenging times. We, together, can help support the nationwide response by following Government advice.

#StayHomeSaveLives

For more information, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Message Sent By
Graeme Barbour (Police, Digital Communications Officer, Hampshire)


Fixed Penalty Notices will start at £30 if paid within 30 days. For repeat offenders the penalty will double with each offence, up to a maximum of £960.

What is the point of the new separate section for Coronavirus when it is filled with narsty political comments and inaccurate information?

This should be for useful information, from all areas. It doesn't allow for comments. It doesn't let people know the good projects or actions happening throughout the Country or information and helpful advice.

My mother died of COVID-19, in hospital at the weekend and if anyone needs help or information about making arrangements, please let me know.

Sealed coffin. Cremation, no one can attend. Ashes to remain at crematorium until Gov gives clearance for them to be collected.

Not sure if already posted anywhere ;)
#coronavirus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QnEXnHeuI8

So don't!
(Sorry if you can't see it, try a different viewer).

He’s said to have mild symptoms and is self isolating but still working from his isolation

Click on to enlarge

Get Safe Online Advice Re Coronavirus
Dear resident,

You, Coronavirus and staying safe online

We all have enough to be concerned about from the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. That’s why our online experts have put together some top tips about how to protect yourself, your loved ones, finances and devices from the scams that are currently circulating. As well as advice about keeping yourself and your organisation protected whilst working from home.

To see more about online safety during this uncertain time visit www.getsafeonline.org/coronavirus or take a look at our new online leaflet attached.

Stay well and stay safe online,
The Get Safe Online Team

Attachments
GSO_COVID-19_Leaflet.pdf - 697.8 KB

Message Sent By
Get Safe Online Admin (Get Safe Online, Content Director, National)

Thought it might be better to have a thread just for this instead of bits posted here and there on other threads.

Another sunny day. Hope you are all well and doing jobs long put off 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♂️We are only in the early stages in this scenario but have the feeling some people rubbing their hands with glee counting all the profits. Namely the bosses of food/goods companies.I had deliveries for months now. At the moment I come to the point where I do not know what to order as what I want to order is not available. (got plenty of candles in case of power cuts😁) One can pay out for under minimum deliveries a few times but it gets expensive over a long period. We get emails from all the chiefs we doing our best but have seen nothing "We are reducing the minimum spend to help the crisis.😒

My partner has two kids, one just a teenager and one nearly a teenager.

(unfortunately we don't live together).

She's started a home currency using monopoly money.

The kids can earn money by doing their school work, helping around the house and so on.

They can spend the money on time with the X box or TV, sweets, ice cream and so on.

She's posted lists on the fridge of how much each "treat" costs (screen time is 300 per hour and ice cream is 40 for two small scoops), how to earn currency (for example 30 minutes reading gets them 100, cleaning their room earns them 50 and mowing the lawn pays 400) and fines (100 for throwing a tantrum, shouting, half a chore, argueing etc).

I think this is an excellent idea which deserves sharing

Click on the video in this link to see How the UK clapped and cheered to show appreciation. Very moving.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/millions-of-britons-clap-for-carers-on-coronavirus-frontline


Perhaps we could Make this post to show our thanks and show our appreciation for them.
We could also share how the nhs have helped you in the past. As we are lucky to have our nhs.

So Thank You to each and everyone in the nhs whatever your roll is in helping save the lives of as many people as possible. 👏🏻

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSaV3YUGiM8

Just been thinking about how quick or slow the government has reacted to the pandemic.
What if Theresa May had still been PM? Would she have ordered the lockdown sooner or still be dithering?
It's a strong and stable virus. Covid 19 is Covid 19.
What if it was a Labour Chancellor announcing the employee financial help? Would the tory supporting newspapers be running stories about how Labour is putting the country in more debt?

https://www.facebook.com/hunter.hamlin.14/videos/508131296805974/?t=10

It is getting harder for me to remember all my pass words. So I came up with the following and would like comments if it is safe. Number the alphabet ---- then think of a word --- look up numbers.

Hoping this works! 🤔

Apologies if this has already been posted. It's a tweet from the Met Police. It basically says as part of the battle against the virus, HMRC has issued a goodwill payment of £285. Click on the link.

Don't click that link!!!!

-----

Move here everyone ... keep talking and sharing your thoughts etc

Police Update on Coronavirus
We understand that the new Government measures will undoubtedly have a major impact on you all and whilst this is difficult, it is a necessary adjustment. This is about protecting yourselves, each other and the emergency services working hard to keep you safe.

We ask you all to please take notice of the new direction from government and stay at home to help the national effort to stop the spread of the virus.

Thames Valley Police will, as always, police with respect and engagement and we will continue our day to day policing and we will be working with our communities so they understand the importance of complying with the government direction.

We continue to follow government, Public health England and the National Police Chief’s Council’s direction in the fight against Coronavirus.

We have tried and tested contingency plans in operation to enable us to continue to protect the most vulnerable in society and respond to where the need is most.

All precautions are being taken in order to protect our officers and staff so that we continue to police the Thames Valley.

Thank you for your support.

We will continue to share updates on social media and through Thames Valley Alerts. For more information on Coronavirus, you may want to visit the following sites:
NHS advice - How to avoid catching or spreading germs and when to seek medical help
PHE advice - Daily updates, signs and symptoms, current risk level
Government updates - Daily updates on the outbreak

Message Sent By
Emma Tarry (Police, Communications Officer, Thames Valley)

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/11254410/bob-the-builder-star-william-dufris-dead-after-cancer-battle/

He was 62

What is happening if you are in the progress of moving?

Any recommendations please? Thank you

I need a key box fitted outside. Any recommendations please? Are they all electric? Have an electric door bell. Thank you

Continuing from round 2. Put up your own smiles.
--------------------------------------------
Joe was thrilled when he picked up his blind date - she was a knock-out!
They went to a carnival that was in town and Joe asked, "What would you like to do first, Kim?"
She said, "I want to get weighed."
So they ambled over to the weight guesser, Joe paid the dollar, and he guessed 120 pounds. She got on the scale; it read 117 and she won a prize.
Next they went for a ride on the Ferris wheel, and when the ride was over, Joe again asked Kim what she would like to do.
"I want to get weighed," she said.
So back to the weight guesser they went. Since they had been there before, he guessed her correct weight, and Joe lost his dollar.
The couple walked around the carnival and again Joe asked where to next.
"I want to get weighed," she responded.
By this time, Joe figured she was really weird, so he took her home early, dropping her off with a handshake.
Her roommate, Laura, asked her about the blind date, "How'd it go?"
Kim responded, "Oh, Waura, it was wousy."

Can not call you campers. How are you faring?


Sue L @SueL1 Your post is a similar subject. Just wondered if we could split the subject. One for a bit of chit-chat other for advise. What does everybody think?

Turn the page onto this new chapter... all over here now keep sharing and support each other at this difficult time.

Abog standard video.

Usually a quiet area but standing outside today is "eerie" quiet. How is your area?

DO NOT OPEN IT!
https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2020/03/23/whatsapp-martinelli-hoax-is-back-warning-about-dance-of-the-pope/

I received this from my theatre ticket supplier the other day and think it's about time I passed the message on to you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It goes without saying how hard everyone employed by the NHS is working - and in the most challenging situations. Today we became aware that some hospitals are now asking for donations as they struggle to deal with all the demands they face.
It feels bleak but we want to do what we can so we are launching a new project today, "The BIG NHS Thank You", and would like your help in sharing these details with your friends and colleagues so we can be as impactful as possible.

★ ★ ★ - "The BIG NHS Thank You" - Treat a NHS Worker to a pair of West End Theatre Tickets

So how will it work?

Firstly, you purchase one or more "BIG NHS Thank You" vouchesr. Each voucher costs £100.00 which can be paid to GREAT TICKETS LTD by a Bank Transfer or by Credit Card or Debit Card.

The BIG NHS Thank You invites you to nominate an NHS worker who will then receive two tickets to a top West End Show later in the year as a surprise thank-you. You can either nominate someone you know or has treated you or you can simply nominate an anonymous worker and we will work with our colleagues in the NHS to distribute your generous gift.

Once you have purchased your voucher you have the two options below to choose from;

1. You can nominate a specific worker and provide us with their contact details if you have (Full name and e-mail address and Mobile if you have) . We will then contact them as soon as theatres are open again with the surprise of two top price tickets to a London show which will have a normal face value much higher that the cost of the voucher. Once they have been to the show, we will e-mail them to make sure they had a good time and if we have your permission, let them know who donated the tickets. If you only know where they work we will be able to track them down if you give us the hospital and their name.

2. If you do not have a specific person you would like to nominate then your voucher will go into a pool of tickets that will then be distributed across Hospital staff. Or you can if you prefer just nominate the particular hospital you would like to benefit from your voucher and we will work with our colleagues at the NHS in that hospital to make that happen.

But there’s more - for each £100.00 voucher bought, GREAT TICKETS will donate £10.00 from each voucher to the London hospitals who are asking for donations right now.

For more info on that please see https://www.cwplus.org.uk/news/2020/03/18/covid-19-rapid-response-fund

Don’t forget, if you don’t know someone to nominate but would still like to buy tickets to treat our wonderful NHS staff, we will ensure tickets get to the deserving NHS staff as outlined above.

(*** To start the ball rolling, Graham stated at this point what he has personally bought on behalf of him and his family. I have deleted those details as I don't think it relevant for you all to see. ***)

We have over 5500 companies and individuals on our database so really hope between us all, we can give lots of NHS workers this special treat.

Regards

Graham Roberts

GREAT TICKETS LTD
07919 550054
grahamroberts@fastmail.co.uk

Continue sharing your thoughts and support for each other now we’re in lockdown...

I need to move to using Zoom or Skype to work remotely from home I have been told.

I've never used either so would value advice on how to go about setting it up and using it.

I have a temperamental laptop but which appears to have a camera function which I've also never used.

Any advice or links would be greatly appreciated.

Something to smile at.

As we are Going into self isolation I thought over the weeks we should put up some games to keep people occupied:
First game songs that are appropriate for the prospect of self isolating for 12 weeks..
Eg I want to break free-queen

You can slightly alter a song title to make it humorous if you like.

Click to enlarge