Post Coronavirus future

[Rocky]

I know things are dark right now and could be for a long time to come. But maybe a little bit of hope can help a little for those who are depressed, anxious, worried or just generally hacked off with the whole affair. So in that vein, what are people's hopes for societal improvements as a result of this battle we're fighting globally?

A few thoughts:
- Will the business owners who are currently selling hand sanitiser for £8 a bottle go out of business? Will the cafes who are supplying food to vulnerable customers thrive?
- Will the UK populace be more aware of the scale of societal safety nets (eg statutory sick pay) in other countries and start demanding a government focused on looking after the vulnerable?
- Will the actions we see of neighbour helping neighbour sustain when the threat has passed?

Or will it be Mad Max...

Be good to keep this about hopes rather than fears though, could do with a bit of perking up.

[lapsedhibee]

I know things are dark right now and could be for a long time to come. But maybe a little bit of hope can help a little for those who are depressed, anxious, worried or just generally hacked off with the whole affair. So in that vein, what are people's hopes for societal improvements as a result of this battle we're fighting globally?

A few thoughts:
- Will the business owners who are currently selling hand sanitiser for £8 a bottle go out of business? Will the cafes who are supplying food to vulnerable customers thrive?
- Will the UK populace be more aware of the scale of societal safety nets (eg statutory sick pay) in other countries and start demanding a government focused on looking after the vulnerable?
- Will the actions we see of neighbour helping neighbour sustain when the threat has passed?

Or will it be Mad Max...

Be good to keep this about hopes rather than fears though, could do with a bit of perking up.

Perhaps it'll be like post-1945 all over again, where people think properly funded public services are a great idea. (And the PM in charge during the crisis is summarily turfed out.)

[Killiehibbie]

Perhaps it'll be like post-1945 all over again, where people think properly funded public services are a great idea. (And the PM in charge during the crisis is summarily turfed out.)

Every cloud has a silver lining

[stuart-farquhar]

I've just seen the collapse of the pound.

More to come. We're looking more isolated literally and figuratively by the day.

[pacoluna]

I know things are dark right now and could be for a long time to come. But maybe a little bit of hope can help a little for those who are depressed, anxious, worried or just generally hacked off with the whole affair. So in that vein, what are people's hopes for societal improvements as a result of this battle we're fighting globally?


A few thoughts:
- Will the business owners who are currently selling hand sanitiser for £8 a bottle go out of business? Will the cafes who are supplying food to vulnerable customers thrive?
- Will the UK populace be more aware of the scale of societal safety nets (eg statutory sick pay) in other countries and start demanding a government focused on looking after the vulnerable?
- Will the actions we see of neighbour helping neighbour sustain when the threat has passed?

Or will it be Mad Max...

Be good to keep this about hopes rather than fears though, could do with a bit of perking up.

Will have a positive impact with regards to global warming I would imagine.

[Jones28]

It will mean we’re better prepared for this happening again.

[lord bunberry]

My worry is we see another decade of austerity and recession. The country hasn’t really recovered from the previous round of austerity and the thought of it happening again isn’t something I’m looking forward to.

[easty]

My worry is we see another decade of austerity and recession. The country hasn’t really recovered from the previous round of austerity and the thought of it happening again isn’t something I’m looking forward to.

Seems inevitable really

[lord bunberry]

Seems inevitable really
I think so mate.

[Rocky]

My worry is we see another decade of austerity and recession. The country hasn’t really recovered from the previous round of austerity and the thought of it happening again isn’t something I’m looking forward to.

I didn't see many details but the commentators I follow seemed to interpret last week's budget as an admission that austerity hasn't worked. If that's the case then we could be looking at a quite different approach with a bigger focus on stimulating the economy whatever it takes.

[Killiehibbie]

The emergency detention powers or matial law or whatever it is was such a resounding success that they will continue forever.

[Bristolhibby]

I didn't see many details but the commentators I follow seemed to interpret last week's budget as an admission that austerity hasn't worked. If that's the case then we could be looking at a quite different approach with a bigger focus on stimulating the economy whatever it takes.

You mean a Socialist approach? Who’d have thunk it. Guess Jezza was right all along.

Funny how countries move to Socialist ideas in times of war or crisis. Wonder if that would work in times of peace?

J

[danhibees1875]

Will have a positive impact with regards to global warming I would imagine.

The emission comparison for China going around last month showed a huge change. The lack of flights and general transport being used just now will be staggering. It will be interesting to see what a short term drop in flights etc will have.

The canals in Venice are clear with fish visible and apparently dolphins are swimming closer to the shore around Italy also.

Locally, I think people have pointed to the local shops and pubs and other businesses which have went under appreciated in the past - hopefully they see a bit of a revival too.

There's undoubtedly going to be economic consequences, the extent of which are hard to measure now, but there's hopefully also scope for a step change in society towards a better future too.

[Pretty Boy]

I'd love to think we will see a renewed sense of community, support for small and local businesses and an appreciation for the low paid workers who have kept things moving in trying times.

In reality I think there will be a lot of platitudes and well intentioned statements of intent from people but they will resort to type pretty quickly.

[lapsedhibee]

I didn't see many details but the commentators I follow seemed to interpret last week's budget as an admission that austerity hasn't worked. If that's the case then we could be looking at a quite different approach with a bigger focus on stimulating the economy whatever it takes.

Yep, the government'll do Whatever It Takes. We know this because they've been working Round The Clock to tell us so.

[Onceinawhile]

I'd love to think we will see a renewed sense of community, support for small and local businesses and an appreciation for the low paid workers who have kept things moving in trying times.

In reality I think there will be a lot of platitudes and well intentioned statements of intent from people but they will resort to type pretty quickly.

I suspect this will be the case unfortunately.

From a purely work point of view, I suspect that more businesses will allow working from home on a grander scale and probably allow more flexible hours too.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

My worry is we see another decade of austerity and recession. The country hasn’t really recovered from the previous round of austerity and the thought of it happening again isn’t something I’m looking forward to.


That is very likely, but perhaps in the words of what passes as a Leader , this is no time for ideology. Given that the weak and vulnerable have taken the brunt of austerity up to now, perhaps this time it will be more evenly spread.

[greenlex]

A cure and vaccine will be found pretty quickly and within 6-8 months we’ll be talking about something else. The most vulnerable will be inoculated first and it will be rolled out. Everything will be back to normal shortly after.
More will be spent on research and having the next pandemic under control quicker.

[DH1875]

A cure and vaccine will be found pretty quickly and within 6-8 months we’ll be talking about something else. The most vulnerable will be inoculated first and it will be rolled out. Everything will be back to normal shortly after.
More will be spent on research and having the next pandemic under control quicker.
Was in the paper today that Russia are pretty close to a vaccine. Could have it ready by June apparently. Wonder how much that will cost the world.

[RyeSloan]

Was in the paper today that Russia are pretty close to a vaccine. Could have it ready by June apparently. Wonder how much that will cost the world.

There are multiple vaccines in the works. A couple are already in human testing.

But that’s the crux. Human testing, even accelerated as much as possible, takes time at around 9 months absolute minimum so very unlikely a vaccine will be available this year.

I’m sure once one is proven the world will ensure all available facilities to produce it are put to max use but anyone hoping for a vaccine solution anytime soon will be disappointed.

But it’s worth remembering that it wasn’t long ago that vaccines took up to 15 years to produce so even a 12 month period would be a medical marvel.

[Hibrandenburg]

I know things are dark right now and could be for a long time to come. But maybe a little bit of hope can help a little for those who are depressed, anxious, worried or just generally hacked off with the whole affair. So in that vein, what are people's hopes for societal improvements as a result of this battle we're fighting globally?

A few thoughts:
- Will the business owners who are currently selling hand sanitiser for £8 a bottle go out of business? Will the cafes who are supplying food to vulnerable customers thrive?
- Will the UK populace be more aware of the scale of societal safety nets (eg statutory sick pay) in other countries and start demanding a government focused on looking after the vulnerable?
- Will the actions we see of neighbour helping neighbour sustain when the threat has passed?

Or will it be Mad Max...

Be good to keep this about hopes rather than fears though, could do with a bit of perking up.

Just got back from 2315 and there was an interesting history documentary running on Sky Hologram. They were reading extracts from Hibs Net and viewers were amazed that even as late as April 2020 the pre-apocalypse civilisation still didn't fathom what was about to happen.

[Bostonhibby]

Locally it's helped me single out a few selfish oafs that I can stick straight on permanent ignore once normality resumes and they've eaten all their toilet paper and pasta.

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[JimBHibees]

That is very likely, but perhaps in the words of what passes as a Leader , this is no time for ideology. Given that the weak and vulnerable have taken the brunt of austerity up to now, perhaps this time it will be more evenly spread.

:faf: unlikely given who is in charge.

[Dmas]

There are multiple vaccines in the works. A couple are already in human testing.

But that’s the crux. Human testing, even accelerated as much as possible, takes time at around 9 months absolute minimum so very unlikely a vaccine will be available this year.

I’m sure once one is proven the world will ensure all available facilities to produce it are put to max use but anyone hoping for a vaccine solution anytime soon will be disappointed.

But it’s worth remembering that it wasn’t long ago that vaccines took up to 15 years to produce so even a 12 month period would be a medical marvel.

Dietmar Hopp has gone public saying his company CureVac will have a vaccine ready for August, America made an attempt at buying the company and taking it to the states to be used exclusively by Americans first, he’s reportedly refused $1b

[RyeSloan]

Dietmar Hopp has gone public saying his company CureVac will have a vaccine ready for August, America made an attempt at buying the company and taking it to the states to be used exclusively by Americans first, he’s reportedly refused $1b

Just one of many companies working on a vaccine. CureVac previously said they might be ready for trials in June. Despite what Hopp is saying absolutely no way will they have one available for general use in August.

As for the Trump reports...well here is what the current CEO of CureVac had to say on them:


"There was and there is no takeover offer from the White House or governmental authorities. Neither to the technology nor to CureVac at all as a company," CureVac acting CEO Franz-Werner Haas said on a Tuesday conference call with reporters.

Just the latest in along string of denials from them that the story had any truth whatsoever.

[CloudSquall]

I hope to see a re-emergence of Keynesian economics, try cutting your way out of this one..

[Bostonhibby]

I hope to see a re-emergence of Keynesian economics, try cutting your way out of this one..You do know who is running our country at the moment and for the next 3 or 4 years?[emoji6]

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[CloudSquall]

You do know who is running our country at the moment and for the next 3 or 4 years?[emoji6]

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I didn't specify the depth of my hope :greengrin

[pollution]

Seems inevitable really


In the short to medium term yes but pre virus world trade was very strong and there will be huge pent up demand released

when things even out, all around the world.

The last few years have seen a strong economy here - only the virus had interrupted this, no other reason.

The problem is we cannot go to the pub to see it out, like some Xmas/New year hangover.

[Bostonhibby]

I didn't specify the depth of my hope :greengrinIf I could get enough people to vote for me I'd take the whole GNP down the bookies.

At least it's all over in a flash and you don't have the spectacle of the current leadership lurching from one sound bite to another.

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[Jones28]

So the second week lock down is half way gone, do any of you guys that are working from home feel it’s something you could do full time?

I was thinking yesterday that the world could change for the better in the aftermath of Coronavirus. We could see more flexible working, mostly from home for those that can, less commuting and less space in cities being used for offices. More time for those working from home to City centres becoming more about homes in the vacant space left by offices.

Transforming the way we shop - doing things almost exclusively online, especially groceries. Jobs created in delivery and distribution. More people using smaller outlets like butchers doing meat packs/ greengrocers who do veg boxes etc delivered to your door. It could be a Renaissance for these kinds of businesses.

It could change the way we look at groceries themselves, looking more seasonally and closer to home. I hope this won’t happen but if our transport companies start to take a beating we could see the need to look closer to home for our produce really ramped up.

It’s an awful thing obviously, and if anyone finds this offensive or hurtful I’ll delete it.

[Ozyhibby]

So the second week lock down is half way gone, do any of you guys that are working from home feel it’s something you could do full time?

I was thinking yesterday that the world could change for the better in the aftermath of Coronavirus. We could see more flexible working, mostly from home for those that can, less commuting and less space in cities being used for offices. More time for those working from home to City centres becoming more about homes in the vacant space left by offices.

Transforming the way we shop - doing things almost exclusively online, especially groceries. Jobs created in delivery and distribution. More people using smaller outlets like butchers doing meat packs/ greengrocers who do veg boxes etc delivered to your door. It could be a Renaissance for these kinds of businesses.

It could change the way we look at groceries themselves, looking more seasonally and closer to home. I hope this won’t happen but if our transport companies start to take a beating we could see the need to look closer to home for our produce really ramped up.

It’s an awful thing obviously, and if anyone finds this offensive or hurtful I’ll delete it.

I think things will go back to pretty much how they were but with less trade with China.


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[lapsedhibee]

I hope we can go back to using the word "increase" instead of "ramp up" :greengrin

[Bishop Hibee]

An end neo-liberal economics. More locally grown food. An end to people flying round the world for two day meetings.

The ‘no magic money tree’ excuse is now put to bed. Especially relevant re the eradication of world poverty and tackling man-made global warming.

Lots of vested interests against this of course.

[Smartie]

So the second week lock down is half way gone, do any of you guys that are working from home feel it’s something you could do full time?

I was thinking yesterday that the world could change for the better in the aftermath of Coronavirus. We could see more flexible working, mostly from home for those that can, less commuting and less space in cities being used for offices. More time for those working from home to City centres becoming more about homes in the vacant space left by offices.

Transforming the way we shop - doing things almost exclusively online, especially groceries. Jobs created in delivery and distribution. More people using smaller outlets like butchers doing meat packs/ greengrocers who do veg boxes etc delivered to your door. It could be a Renaissance for these kinds of businesses.

It could change the way we look at groceries themselves, looking more seasonally and closer to home. I hope this won’t happen but if our transport companies start to take a beating we could see the need to look closer to home for our produce really ramped up.

It’s an awful thing obviously, and if anyone finds this offensive or hurtful I’ll delete it.

I don't think it is offensive or hurtful and it is a conversation worth having.

Whilst there will inevitably be changes (I think we may end up paying an economic price for at least a decade) such as the ones you mention, I think it is very important to remember that as humans we are social animals. This isolation is not good for any of us and so whilst on some levels having many people working from home could be advantageous, it could also bring problems.

I've found myself back in touch with a few people from my distant past - I finally acknowledged the fact that I missed them. I've picked up the phone and I've made a mental note to make an effort to set up days out/ nights out/ weekends away with old mates - old mates who have just been the same as me, being busy, having families etc.

This self-isolation business has forced me to acknowledge that I have self-isolated to such an extent in recent years that this doesn't even take all that much effort. I need to get out more.

[Pretty Boy]

There are pros and cons to every scenario. Increasing working from home and online shopping and the pros that come with that has to be balanced with the increase in social isolation in an age in which we already interact face to face less than we ever have already.

We are essentially forced into acting how we are at the moment so there's a real community effort. If this becomes the norm there is a risk the elderly in particular become an invisible generation. I can't speak for others but for me I'm still at a stage where this feels like a bit of an extended holiday. I'm furloughed which means I can't work so marathon Fifa sessions and box set binges are a bit of a novelty. Would I like to spend the 9/10 hours I am usually at work at home with no face to face interaction permanently? No way.

I think as time goes on people will invetably start craving social contact again. As and when restrictions are lifted you will see a huge desire to get 'back to normal'. That will range from wanting to get back to work to a few weeks of bumper trade for pubs, church attendances increasing, people going for a wander round shops and a million other things. You can almost see it already, you tell people they can't go out and suddenly loads of people have developed a passion for walking. Is it really about the excercise or is it the chance to get a breath of fresh air and see people from outside your own 4 walls?

I think it's been touched on already but this enforced isolation has compelled me to confront the fact I make nowhere near enough effort with some of my friendships. I have already made plans to see 3 or 4 people when this is over. I think there's a complacency when you can do things as and when you want that leads to never actually doing them. Having the option removed has led to me having a major reevaluation of my attitude towards friends and socialising.

[Jones28]

I think things will go back to pretty much how they were but with less trade with China.


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Optimist prime.

😜

[Jones28]

I hope we can go back to using the word "increase" instead of "ramp up" :greengrin

If I never hear the word “unprecedented” again I’ll be quite happy.

[Jones28]

I don't think it is offensive or hurtful and it is a conversation worth having.

Whilst there will inevitably be changes (I think we may end up paying an economic price for at least a decade) such as the ones you mention, I think it is very important to remember that as humans we are social animals. This isolation is not good for any of us and so whilst on some levels having many people working from home could be advantageous, it could also bring problems.

I've found myself back in touch with a few people from my distant past - I finally acknowledged the fact that I missed them. I've picked up the phone and I've made a mental note to make an effort to set up days out/ nights out/ weekends away with old mates - old mates who have just been the same as me, being busy, having families etc.

This self-isolation business has forced me to acknowledge that I have self-isolated to such an extent in recent years that this doesn't even take all that much effort. I need to get out more.

Totally agree Smartie, but this is, in a perverse way, a good thing no? We spend our working day on computers either in the office or at home, and while the office water cooler conversations will disappear we might forge stronger bonds with people in our lives that we either haven’t been in touch with for a while or people we have drifted from.

It could mean that come the weekend people go out, see friends, support smaller businesses when they go for a coffee or a pint, maybe go to football more or other things like that?

As I said in my first post, I’m doing this with key worker status and someone that’s going to the office every day, so I’m out of the loop and welcome the input of people who are working from home.

[Mon Dieu4]

I'm in my 3rd week of working from home and it's wearing thin to be honest, might be different if I had managed to get out and about, I was on a project before all this where I was going to work from home 3 days and 2 in the office, I specifically said I'd like to do day about and not consecutive as I still want to feel a part of it all and not go days without seeing my workmates

We are all still chatting on email/messenger and video call but it's just not the same as having a chat at the printer or just going over to see how someone is, I live alone and although I've had a few chats with my neighbours and parents from a distance it's starting to take its toll

I'm having to keep myself fairly regimented as I felt it slipping, would just get up and start working in my shorts and tshirt as there was no need to get dressed, now I'm forcing myself to actually get up and dressed and make an effort

I have sound mental health and actually don't mind my own company but not to this extent!!

[Rocky]

So the second week lock down is half way gone, do any of you guys that are working from home feel it’s something you could do full time?

I was thinking yesterday that the world could change for the better in the aftermath of Coronavirus. We could see more flexible working, mostly from home for those that can, less commuting and less space in cities being used for offices. More time for those working from home to City centres becoming more about homes in the vacant space left by offices.

Transforming the way we shop - doing things almost exclusively online, especially groceries. Jobs created in delivery and distribution. More people using smaller outlets like butchers doing meat packs/ greengrocers who do veg boxes etc delivered to your door. It could be a Renaissance for these kinds of businesses.

It could change the way we look at groceries themselves, looking more seasonally and closer to home. I hope this won’t happen but if our transport companies start to take a beating we could see the need to look closer to home for our produce really ramped up.

It’s an awful thing obviously, and if anyone finds this offensive or hurtful I’ll delete it.
In my last job I worked from home full time for 2 years (nearest physical office was London and I only went there 2 or 3 times in that period). I'd have to say I wouldn't recommend it permanently, the lack of human contact really started to get to me (even though I was with my family every evening). It was the main factor in me deciding to change jobs, even though before the lockdown came in I was only going to the office once or twice a week anyway. I certainly wouldn't fancy working in an office full time, but having a bit of contact with other people from work is important I think. I do think we'll see a big increase overall in home working but I think most people will do it 2 or 3 days a week rather than permanently.

This should hopefully have a positive impact on traffic and therefore climate too, although it won't be great for commercial property companies or builders I suspect. On the flip side of that though, if commercial building has a downturn, perhaps there'll be more attention paid to the housing shortage which would be great. And would drive down house prices which could mean that our children can get on the housing ladder.

[MrRobot]

A universal basic income would be a great start.

[Bangkok Hibby]

It will go straight back to the Tory vision. Underfunded NHS until its a fully insurance based service. The eating away of hard fought workers rights and the continuing gullibility of the British public.

[Kato]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/black_impact_01.shtml

Quite a good read here on the Black Death affected the social structure, wages and even fashion. Also comments on The Canterbury Tales being a commentary on those changes.

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[JeMeSouviens]

It will go straight back to the Tory vision. Underfunded NHS until its a fully insurance based service. The eating away of hard fought workers rights and the continuing gullibility of the British public.

I think this is true. As per the 2008 banking crisis, it will be used as an excuse to roll back the state.

[Jones28]

It will go straight back to the Tory vision. Underfunded NHS until its a fully insurance based service. The eating away of hard fought workers rights and the continuing gullibility of the British public.

Yepp, another excuse to wade in with austerity and privatisation.