How much will Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact Aston Villa's season?

[Ad@m]

We appear blessed on H&V to have so many experts in biochemistry, molecular biology, epidemiology, virology etc right here in this thread all freely providing their experience and stating that if you don't agree with them then you must be an idiot/selfish and should be forced to behave in a manner that better meets their approval. This is not how science (or life) usually works.

I also note that apparently all science/data are wrong unless they agree with the official narrative, debate is anathema and opposing individuals vilified and censored. As an old scientist I find this deeply troubling.

Please educate us old scientist.  I'm one of those who will quite happily describe someone who refuses to believe what scientists have proven in relation to covid, an idiot.  But I wouldn't describe myself an expert in anything, let alone any of the fields you referenced.  I do take the time to read what's going on though.  And I trust people who are experts in those fields a hell of a lot more than stuff that's posted on Facebook.

But if you have a groundbreaking alternative view that has somehow been missed by the global scientific community, I'm all ears.

[Risso]

I don't think anybody on here is too sure about anything, other than that it's a nasty disease that can kill people, and the more you can do to protect yourself and others, the better. Personally, I'm not convinced that masks make a whole heap of difference, but seeing as it's really not a huge amount of effort to wear one on the train or in shops, I obviously do stick one on.

[Smithy]

We appear blessed on H&V to have so many experts in biochemistry, molecular biology, epidemiology, virology etc right here in this thread all freely providing their experience and stating that if you don't agree with them then you must be an idiot/selfish and should be forced to behave in a manner that better meets their approval. This is not how science (or life) usually works.

I also note that apparently all science/data are wrong unless they agree with the official narrative, debate is anathema and opposing individuals vilified and censored. As an old scientist I find this deeply troubling.

Please educate us old scientist.  I'm one of those who will quite happily describe someone who refuses to believe what scientists have proven in relation to covid, an idiot.  But I wouldn't describe myself an expert in anything, let alone any of the fields you referenced.  I do take the time to read what's going on though.  And I trust people who are experts in those fields a hell of a lot more than stuff that's posted on Facebook.

But if you have a groundbreaking alternative view that has somehow been missed by the global scientific community, I'm all ears.

The problem, across pretty much every contentious issue - and Covid in particular - is that if you look hard enough, and down enough rabbit holes, you can ALWAYS find an "expert" who agrees with you.  This gives the false impression that the science is not "settled", or is still the subject of debate in scientific circles. Obviously, this is untrue, but there is nothing more reassuring than finding a few experts who agree with you. 

There is currently a post going viral on Facebook with about a hundred or so "Doctors" listed as being against the vaccine.  Not all of the listed names are even medical doctors, and most have been widely debunked for saying things like the vaccine makes you magnetic, but a long list of names with the word "Dr" in front can make it feel like there is no real consensus.  Of course, the post ignores the fact that there are about 9 million doctors around the world, the overwhelming majority of whom support vaccination efforts.  What matters is listing enough names to give the impression there is a raging debate amongst medical professionals, when the reality is there is not.

The people who believe these fringe "experts" can't be persuaded by evidence, so there is no point trying.  You can't use evidence to change an opinion that wasn't formed by evidence in the first place.

[Smithy]

I don't think anybody on here is too sure about anything, other than that it's a nasty disease that can kill people, and the more you can do to protect yourself and others, the better. Personally, I'm not convinced that masks make a whole heap of difference, but seeing as it's really not a huge amount of effort to wear one on the train or in shops, I obviously do stick one on.

Indeed, and even if masks make only a very small difference (as the studies appear to show), those small differences can soon add up if everyone wears one.

That's why I don't mind the government being extra cautious with Omicron measures in the short-term.  Even if Omicron turns out to only be half as serious as Delta, that's a big problem if it's four times as contagious, because hospitals will fill up quickly.  The perfect scenario is that the vast majority of the population is vaccinated and boosted, and Omicron still spreads pretty widely, but turns out to be pretty harmless to the vaccinated (comparatively speaking).  But we are unfortunately some weeks away from knowing this with any degree of certainty, obviously, hence my support for the newer restrictions - even if they're a pain in the arse.

[Drummond]

We appear blessed on H&V to have so many experts in biochemistry, molecular biology, epidemiology, virology etc right here in this thread all freely providing their experience and stating that if you don't agree with them then you must be an idiot/selfish and should be forced to behave in a manner that better meets their approval. This is not how science (or life) usually works.

I also note that apparently all science/data are wrong unless they agree with the official narrative, debate is anathema and opposing individuals vilified and censored. As an old scientist I find this deeply troubling.

So what data and which scientists should we believe if the official line, from pretty much every official and statutory body and organisation across the world says that Covid-19 is bad for you? And their advice is to get a vaccine, to wear a mask, and be sensible. If not them, then who?

[Malandro]

We appear blessed on H&V to have so many experts in biochemistry, molecular biology, epidemiology, virology etc right here in this thread all freely providing their experience and stating that if you don't agree with them then you must be an idiot/selfish and should be forced to behave in a manner that better meets their approval. This is not how science (or life) usually works.

I also note that apparently all science/data are wrong unless they agree with the official narrative, debate is anathema and opposing individuals vilified and censored. As an old scientist I find this deeply troubling.

So what data and which scientists should we believe if the official line, from pretty much every official and statutory body and organisation across the world says that Covid-19 is bad for you? And their advice is to get a vaccine, to wear a mask, and be sensible. If not them, then who?

Ken from the Goole Times & Chronicle.

[N'ZMAV]

El Ghazi got the rona?

[Chris_Jephcott]

Jed Steer out tonight.

That’s probably one of our Covid cases

[LeeB]

Sanson too.

[Demitri_C]

Sanson too.

If it could have been one player i reckon 99.9% of us would have thought sanson be one of them !

[Risso]

Sanson too.

If it could have been one player i reckon 99.9% of us would have thought sanson be one of them !

He'll probably have his own Variant of Concern by tomorrow.

[AV82EC]

Sanson too.

If it could have been one player i reckon 99.9% of us would have thought sanson be one of them !

He'll probably have his own Variant of Concern by tomorrow.

Feel really sorry for him, every time he’s on the verge of a start and he’d probably have got one tonight he either gets injured or gets struck down with illness. Has he run over any black cats lately. He just can’t catch a break.

[not3bad]

So what will the requirements for entry be on Saturday? Negative Lateral Flow Test?

[Lastfootstamper]

So what will the requirements for entry be on Saturday? Negative Lateral Flow Test?

Same as since August

All supporters over the age of 18, including those in hospitality, should only attend a match if they have a valid NHS COVID Pass or can show valid alternative proof that they have been fully vaccinated or have registered a negative COVID test in the previous 48 hours.

Fans may be asked to produce evidence to demonstrate one of these forms of valid COVID certification before entering the stadium.

The list of accepted evidence is as follows:

- NHS COVID Pass via: NHS App, Apple/Android Wallet, PDF of NHS COVID Pass, NHS COVID Pass letter

- EU digital COVID certificate

- Negative COVID test result via email or text message*

- Antibody test evidence via NHS App (positive PCR test less than six months ago)*

- NHS COVID vaccine card (physical copy)*

*Please note, this form of evidence is currently accepted but would be insufficient should COVID-19 status certification become mandatory and the government move to Plan B of its COVID response autumn-winter measures.

Updated guidance as of the Wolves game

[Demitri_C]

The LFT are such a waste of time. You can literally just register a negative  test without taking the actual test then you get a text saying your negative