Otto2

Sorry - I did not ring 111 - I was just explaining that the practice said I should call 111 and get an appointment that way with the ad hoc non-practice doctors who do not work for the practice rather than use them. Which is ridiculous.

Neither -

I've written to Helen Hayes and would encourage everyone to do so. I have tried for 3+ weeks for an appointment - including going in in person. I was told there is a staff shortage, to call 111 and they would assign a doctor so I could be seen thru the other side - by the for hire doctors that the other side of Tessa Jowell has spaces for. It is obviously to the advantage of doctors to work ad hoc for more money but this makes for a broken system.

Blackbird bakery on Grove Vale -

I think it will be the same as the spring booster - you will receive a text to make an appointment - after a few checks, it will then ask you to enter your postcode and you will be presented with choices to make an appointment with a nearby pharmacy or hospital from a list... And true re: - above -- prioritisation - so I guess be patient - you'll eventually be contacted....

You are correct Sue - though people may remain infectious longer for various reasons - for instance, if they are older or younger or haven't been immunised for a while. Other factors include the health of the person infected, as well as differences in variants, etc. There are still tests available though one has to pay now...I hope you don't have it but sending best wishes for a not so bad ride with it if you end up positive.

Best to test again tomorrow or the next day perhaps if there was a fine line. I think results are invalid after 15-20 minutes as well - the lines can fade or change...

Edited to say here is info but it looks like it is only for free kits - ? I think the prevalence data on the map is coming from hospital testing - not this unfortunately. https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result hope you feel better soon!

You can order tests online from Boots, or similar, perhaps someone you know can drop some off? Not going out and about in enclosed spaces while positive may save the life of someone else who might have a harder time with it. As well, the less it is spread, the less it can mutate. Mutations can give it an advantage over prior immunity - whether one has that by vaccination or infection (or both). We could face something worse than where we have been with it so keeping the spread down is smart from an epidemiological perspective. Fresh air, and, masks if you can bear it. Feel better everyone!

FYI...

There are Thames Water people who are dressed exactly like that who make late night visits to ascertain whether leaks detected on their network are from your property - I think they visit when it is unlikely you will be using water. We had such a thing on our road. Of course, it could also be something entirely different -- perhaps next time look to see if there is a Thames Water truck associated with them on the street at the same time...

Sending good vibes to you. The whole balaclava get-up adds to the unease. I hope time brings you back to a better feeling. I no longer check mine when out and about and sometimes do not even bring it. If I need to now - I step into a shop before using it - everywhere in London - not just around here. I feel like the police regard it as a nothing crime - like littering perhaps. That attitude has made the problem grow exponentially.

He just followed me home and then knocked on the door and started an unhinged threatening conversation. Awaiting police. Do have him on my door camera at least.

Hi Partygirl - The list of eligible people/high risk has been narrowed significantly (both as a result of data re: who has bad outcomes and also I'm guessing there is a smaller supply/cost savings being applied. They are being quite strict about it this round. I expect once they get data that backs up the idea that another booster is useful they will be opening things up more. Edit: If you think you meet the criteria that is laid out here - get an appointment with your doctor to get one. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine-people-with-severely-weakened-immune-system/

I see it is electric too - that's v. handy.

Thanks for that James.

Blackbird Bakery - love the crumble top!

That's brilliant news - thanks for explaining!

High ceilings do not mean a place is ventilated - ventilated is when there is a mechanism for fresh air to enter - a window, an air duct, etc. Here is a really great little widget from The British Medical Journal where you can calculate risk and what difference different measures make. Masks are not just a "public signal" - if the right mask is worn properly, it can make a real difference alongside other measures. https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-065312.full?ijkey=PuBVt2y7ykdLW5J&keytype=ref

?Children are a kind of indicator species. If we can build a successful city for children, we will have a successful city for everyone.? https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/feb/28/child-friendly-city-indoors-playing-healthy-sociable-outdoors

Organic Village (Lordship Lane) had plenty yesterday...

Here's a new report... https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1007815/gear-change-one-year-on.pdf