Coronavirus (2021) thread

[Tim of the Oak]

The NIH statement is very, very unusual.

I'd go so far as to say totally unprecedented for a major trial from a major company.

Absolutely no idea what's behind it, AZ have said nowt to date.

What I would say, however, is that the real world data from the UK tells us the vaccine is very effective and very safe, and covers ~1000x more doses than this trial. So no need for anyone to worry about having it.

But really odd. Let's see how AZ respond.

Possibly, confirmation of the continuation of the America First strategy.

 

[twosips]

I'm not sure I understand this logic. What are these very obvious reasons? Hospitalisations and deaths continue to plummet in the UK and this is something you yourself have understandably taken as a huge positive when posting those daily updates so once we've opened up and holidays are allowed over here, if France for example is still recording 6 or 7 times the number of daily cases that we are you'd sooner be holidaying in France than in the UK? How about the Czech Republic or Poland? Both great places for a break but would you want to be taking a trip over there if their case numbers and deaths are still way higher than ours? There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to get back to holidaying abroad but is it really palatable to want to do that if the country we're travelling to is still reporting three figure daily deaths for example?

The way I see it is this. Compared to most of the rest of Europe, we'll be out of the worst of this a bit sooner than they are due to our incredible vaccine rollout so while they're catching up (which they will) it will just mean that those foreign holidays may have to wait a little longer. We - and Europe - will get there though.

Really? You can't get why someone wouldn't just want to be sat on a hot beach somewhere after the year we've had? It really is just as simple as that. Doesn't mean I'll do it, but it's hardly hard to comprehend is it?

EDIT - sorry if that sounded defensive, just tired.

 

[twosips]

Same here fella.

But right now, I'll take a holiday in the UK with family over nothing.

Same! And we have a trip to Cornwall booked, just wish it was a hot beach instead ha

 

[west didsblue]

The NIH statement is very, very unusual.

I'd go so far as to say totally unprecedented for a major trial from a major company.

Absolutely no idea what's behind it, AZ have said nowt to date.

What I would say, however, is that the real world data from the UK tells us the vaccine is very effective and very safe, and covers ~1000x more doses than this trial. So no need for anyone to worry about having it.

But really odd. Let's see how AZ respond.

Responding to the NIAID’s statement, AstraZeneca said that the numbers published Monday were “based on a pre-specified interim analysis,” with the data cut-off being February 17.

“We have reviewed the preliminary assessment of the primary analysis and the results were consistent with the interim analysis,” said the company. “We are now completing the validation of the statistical analysis.”
AstraZeneca added it would immediately engage with the data safety monitoring board to share their primary analysis with the most up-to-date efficacy data. Results of this analysis will be issued within 48 hours.

 

[M18CTID]

Really? You can't get why someone wouldn't just want to be sat on a hot beach somewhere after the year we've had? It really is just as simple as that. Doesn't mean I'll do it, but it's hardly hard to comprehend is it?

Perhaps I read way too much into what you posted then. Yeah, I'd snatch your hand off now for a few days on a beach somewhere. While all this is still up in the air though, I'll settle for the 4 days I've booked in a Haven caravan in Yorkshire at the end of June for £165. Bargain ;)

 

[Rammy Blue]

In complete seriousness, have a look at the Furness Railway, the Spoons Hotel in Barrow. We found a great family room there for £49 a night in September; ideal for visiting the southern Lakes and Barrow isn't at bad as all that. Very easy access off the A590. Not sure they're accepting bookings yet but worth looking as Lockdown eases.

“Barrow isn’t as bad as all that”!!!! Hahahaha.

No, you’re right......it’s worse. An utter dump of a place. I’d rather never holiday again than stay there for a week, lol.

There are some nice places round there though, I had to work there for 6 months of the year for 2 years (commuting every day) when I worked for the good old Yellow Pages.

 

[lancs blue]

“Barrow isn’t as bad as all that”!!!! Hahahaha.

Beat me to it, it's an utterly depressing place. Good base for the Lakes though, I'll give it that, ok for a few sleeps while touring around.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Still convinced that part of the anti AZ agenda is purely financial, the one that’s the cheapest and easiest to store seems the constant target , I imagine the other major pharmaceutical companies don’t like the concept of a non profit vaccine on the market.

Doubt it in this case. It's not a pharma company pushback, it's a federal agency or equivalent.

And it appears their concerns are reflecting the independent data monitoring committee for the trial, which is appointed by AstraZeneca.

I have no idea what's going on.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Responding to the NIAID’s statement, AstraZeneca said that the numbers published Monday were “based on a pre-specified interim analysis,” with the data cut-off being February 17.

“We have reviewed the preliminary assessment of the primary analysis and the results were consistent with the interim analysis,” said the company. “We are now completing the validation of the statistical analysis.”
AstraZeneca added it would immediately engage with the data safety monitoring board to share their primary analysis with the most up-to-date efficacy data. Results of this analysis will be issued within 48 hours.

Thanks!

Very, very strange. If they wanted the full analysis why didn't they just wait a few days. All really odd.

 

[Healdplace]

Sheffield and South & West Yorkshire seems very stubborn. Cases aren't exactly escalating, but Sheffield has been getting just under 100 cases a day since January when it had some of the lowest rates.

Can't see any reason why we'd be worse than average; many people wear masks outside and behave well, but the factories and workshops are of course as busy as ever.

Perhaps it's just the strain that started south and worked its way across the east Midlands in February heading north.

Yorkshire was the last place to get the Kent variant and was quite low throughout the time when first the southern regions then the North West rose because of it. It may well have been partly that.

Though population and urban density mean that both the North West and Yorkshire/Humber are always going to be the two big regions for cases in this pandemic.

They were before the new variants appeared relative to elsewhere.

There are lots of factors that determine the rate of cases locally - ethnicity and its impact on severity of disease also complicates things and explains why places like Rochdale, Oldham and Blackburn in the NW are what might otherwise seem unexpectedly high.

Leicester in the Midlands has been an anomalous location throughout and its waves have more to do with local factors than many other places I suspect.

Sheffield has 41, 469 total cases and a Pop Score of 7090. It has about 580,000 population.

Manchester has 51, 426 cases and a Pop Score of 9302. It has about 552, 000 population.

So Manchester has done significantly worse across the pandemic as you can see.

 

[Man_City_Loyal]

I have no issue holidaying the UK. I accept it, no problem.

Last night I had a look at cottages and hotels. I may have looked in the wrong places but availability is fairly low and the prices are scandalous. Even an old fashioned, very basic B&B in Kendal was nearly £2k for the week to accommodate the three us (one room). For research purposes, I looked at a motorway services Days Inn. Of course, I would never consider that as an option. The cost was £1300 for a week.

I've heard they are upping the prices for uk holidays. Shameful in that reason

 

[Man_City_Loyal]

Same! And we have a trip to Cornwall booked, just wish it was a hot beach instead ha

Hopefully the weather will be sunny when you go

 

[unicorn]

Beat me to it, it's an utterly depressing place. Good base for the Lakes though, I'll give it that, ok for a few sleeps while touring around.

Takes all sorts ! Barrow is run down but the pubs are fun, the sunsets spectacular, and Roa Island eerie. As you say, a good base for a few days if you're desperate for a base near the Lakes.

SUNSET OVER BARROW MORRISONS – retiredmartin

 

[Manc in London]

Stay at home mate, bank the money and put it towards a blow out holiday next year. That's what we're going to do. And to say I am desperate for a holiday is an understatement.

That's what I am coming around to. Can spend a week at my mum's in Robin Hoods Bay for a week instead.

I would like a new car and loft extension....

 

[carlosthejackal]

Doubt it in this case. It's not a pharma company pushback, it's a federal agency or equivalent.

And it appears their concerns are reflecting the independent data monitoring committee for the trial, which is appointed by AstraZeneca.

I have no idea what's going on.

And the giant pharmaceutical companies have no sway politically in the US ?? I doubt that very much

 

[LangleyBlue1970]

Same! And we have a trip to Cornwall booked, just wish it was a hot beach instead ha

If you're lucky, that's what you'll get.
I've been plenty and experienced all kinds of weather, including the Ashes in 05 when it was just unbearable to be out on the beach, so enjoyed the local instead with plenty of cold beer. On it's day, the heat down there is amazing.

 

[Manc in London]

In complete seriousness, have a look at the Furness Railway, the Spoons Hotel in Barrow. We found a great family room there for £49 a night in September; ideal for visiting the southern Lakes and Barrow isn't at bad as all that. Very easy access off the A590. Not sure they're accepting bookings yet but worth looking as Lockdown eases.

I will have a further look. If we do travel up as far as the lakes though, we would want to do as little driving as possible when there.

As I said in my response to Chippy, I am coming around to the idea of knocking it on the head.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

And the giant pharmaceutical companies have no sway politically in the US ?? I doubt that very much

AZ is a giant pharma.

And to reiterate, concerns are reflecting the independent data monitoring committee for the trial, which is appointed by AstraZeneca.

 

[BlueAnorak]

The NIH statement is very, very unusual.

I'd go so far as to say totally unprecedented for a major trial from a major company.

Absolutely no idea what's behind it, AZ have said nowt to date.

What I would say, however, is that the real world data from the UK tells us the vaccine is very effective and very safe, and covers ~1000x more doses than this trial. So no need for anyone to worry about having it.

But really odd. Let's see how AZ respond.

Big Pharma doesn't want cheap vaccines around.

 

[wayne71]

I will have a further look. If we do travel up as far as the lakes though, we would want to do as little driving as possible when there.

As I said in my response to Chippy, I am coming around to the idea of knocking it on the head.

Unless your family spend all year locked in a cellar I really don’t think they’d appreciate Barrow.

Id honestly prefer to spend a week holidaying in Rochdale.