Thread: CoronaVirus ==> Empty Shelves

just some very rough numbers

there's something like 26 million people in Australia.
we're going to be under enhanced "self-isolation" for at least 90 days.
if each person ventures outside once every third day, that would require 26,000,000 x 30 = 800 Million (in round numbers) masks.

Where is the Government going to source that amount of PPE just for the great "now washing their hands" unwashed?

It may sound callus, but reserving PPE supplies for the medical professionals is IMO the only logical response.

I dunno where the government will source 800million masks, but they say they have secured 400million masks so far.

COVID-19 in Australia: we are not Italy, Iran or Spain | Australian Government Department of Health

On top of this, we will soon start taking delivery of more than 400 million additional masks, as well as additional hand sanitiser, goggles, gloves and gowns. These new supplies build on the 3.1 million masks distributed to states and territories over the past week.

Originally Posted by Kuffy

I dunno where the government will source 800million masks, but they say they have secured 400million masks so far.

COVID-19 in Australia: we are not Italy, Iran or Spain | Australian Government Department of Health

I reckon they're buying them from China who cornered the market when all this started.

They probably are sourcing the gear from China. I reckon the government would be willing to source the vaccine or cure too from China for many 10's of billions of dollars if China was selling a proven vaccine. I have no problem with this.

Someone sent me this, seems repurposing is alive and flourishing.

Originally Posted by NeilS

I just love the Dunning and Kruger Effect when you see it in action. In the report on their research, titled Unskilled and Unaware of It: How Difficulties in Recognizing One’s Own Incompetence Lead to Inflated Self-Assessments, (1999)

Quote: compared with their more competent peers, incompetent individuals…will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria; that they will be less able…to recognize competence when they see it (whether their own or someone else’s).

This is not a function of low intelligence, but more a failure in meta-cognition and perhaps to some extent motivational biases (temperament).

I just love the Dunning Kruger effect too.

It accounts for all those in this thread who are running around telling most of the others that they are wrong and citing their qualifications (even though the authoritiesare saying that the world is in uncharted waters and nobody has all the answers).

Originally Posted by NeilS

However, the most competent group in the study did the reverse, they underestimated their competence. I observe that over and over again in competent people. In my experience highly competent people don't claim to be experts, they become identified as experts in their domain when they are acknowledged a such by the others in their field.

Not much of that going on around here is there?

Originally Posted by ian

... reserving PPE supplies for the medical professionals is IMO the only logical response.

I agree, keep the surgical grade PPE for the med staff.

However, basic washable masks - even a bandana or a pair of undies will be better than nothing, one in the wash and one on the face when you go outside. If you get really desperate one on the face on one on the bum.

For people staying at home they should not need to wear a mask most days. They should only need to use it for the couple of times a week they need to go shopping or to the doctor - otherwise stay home. Exercise should be done well away from everyone else. I envisage the main users will be commuters.

I've had my couple of washable masks for a week - I take one with with me in the car in case of a breakdown and may have to interact with other people but otherwise I have not had to wear one at all.

SWMBO has worn her mask when we have taken the dog to the vet, and to the shops.

Again I reiterate - how does anyone not know they are not just mildly infected and just helping to spread it around?
It's not rocket science.

Originally Posted by NeilS

However, the most competent group in the study did the reverse, they underestimated their competence. I observe that over and over again in competent people. In my experience highly competent people don't claim to be experts, they become identified as experts in their domain when they are acknowledged a such by the others in their field. .

That's because successful research poses more questions than it answers. Put another way the more you know about something the more you realise how little you know about even that "something". My PhD students had to come up with at least half a dozen serious questions or recommendations for further research in their conclusions chapter. The best research always opens up far more doors than it closes.

The US is desperate,even some hospitals in the US are now accepting home made masks

Childrens hospital of Philadelphia.
Making Homemade Face Masks | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

CDC expected to reverse position on home made masks
Homemade face masks and coronavirus: New CDC guidelines expected and everything to know - CNET

Minnesota Dept of HEALTH
https://www.health.state.mn.us/disea...p/masksalt.pdf

FenceFurniture, I'll gladly stay in your will if it involves a few tools or a stash of timber Can't promise to behave though... I'm not one of the "be nice to Rich Uncle" types.


Must say, I'm terribly interested in how places like Iran, India and Africa are doing. I hear so little about them - and they, i think, are REALLY going to cop it hard.

Poor bastards.


RiverBuilder may be onto something with that picture. A spacesuit reminds my of the movies Contagion and 12 Monkeys.

Perhaps, just perhaps, we can design an open source version using garbage bags, PU plastic sheeting and some of that bright orange concrete-slab underlay from Bunnings

Originally Posted by BobL

It's not rocket science.

It is for some.

Originally Posted by Tccp123

I'll bet you were a chalkie in a previous life

Yes, for part of it. For example, I had a substantial role over twenty years ago in pioneering and managing online education in Australia. All three levels of education, but mostly with the TAFE system. That has become a focus lately.

Did a bit of work internationally. Having been the nominated rappoteur for a UNESCO working group I agree with Bob that the politics and cultural issues are 90% of the effort.

As curriculum manager for a TAFE system I was engaged with the key representatives of a wide range of industries from aircraft maintenance mechanics to hairdressers, from panel beating to aged care.

I have also worked in telecommunication engineering, was a kiln designer and builder and earned my income from art and investing.

As a child I lived in a farming community, working on farms (yes, child labour) and immediate members of my family are still on farms. I also worked in factories on the night shift.

If by suggesting that I might have been a chalkie you are hinting that I have had a narrow experience and understanding of life outside a classroom, think again...

However, for the purposes of these forums I am a woodturner, which I have been doing on and off for over 50yrs and 'more on' for the last 20yrs.

Originally Posted by woodPixel

RiverBuilder may be onto something with that picture. A spacesuit reminds my of the movies Contagion and 12 Monkeys.
Perhaps, just perhaps, we can design an open source version using garbage bags, PU plastic sheeting and some of that bright orange concrete-slab underlay from Bunnings

Too late this is already happening. The daughter of a friend of ours is on a DIY group making disposable hospital gowns working in conjunction with a hospital in Melbourne.

Don't be embarrassed though, everyone tries to play up their past.

i just wished I’d had more time to play up during my past.