Coronavirus: could the 2020 AFL season be called off?

[Dry Rot]

The new Coronavirus or Covid 19 is the real deal and many experts are calling it now a pandemic.

It's about three times more infectious than influenza. When there is community spreading eg in Northern Italy and South Korea, the situation is serious.

Soccer games were called off in northern Italy. Many towns are in lockdown. Extreme measure are being taken in South Korea. Various big conferences around the world have been cancelled. There is speculation about the Tokyo Olympics.

Standard operating procedure is banning large gatherings of people.

While known cases here are low and relate to travelling in China or that dodgy cruise ship, my best guess is that the virus is quietly circulating in Sydney and Melbourne following the return of 1500 Chinese union students. It's only a matter of time before it takes off here.

Could the 2020 AFL season be called off?

[GVGjr]

The Olympic committee is considering a number of options regarding the games so the threat is real

I think in Australia we have handled things well so far but I'd imagine the AFL might have to consider some contingency plans.
The planned game in China needs to be cancelled.

Early days but I remain optimistic that as a country we will manage this and the impact to the AFL will be minimal, perhaps round 1 and 2 might be under some pressure to be played without fan attendance although that might extend for a number of weeks.
There will no doubt be a reduced season

[jeemak]

I think the AFL will look at reducing interchanges again to help stop the virus, and possibly review the prior opportunity interpretation as well...………..

[Twodogs]

Bloody good question DR. I remain hopeful that we have managed things in Australia about as well as things can be managed when you don't really know a lot of facts about what you are dealing with. But who knows what the rules will be around mass spectator events.


Maybe games played in empty stadia with only TV audiences watching? Doesn't sound like a lot of fun.

Anyway it's time to get back to collecting as much toilet paper and tinned food as I can fit in the house. Mum has the rifle and you don't want to get on her bad side-or try taking the rifle off her, a couple have tried god bless their souls.

[Twodogs]

I think the AFL will look at reducing interchanges again to help stop the virus, and possibly review the prior opportunity interpretation as well...………..

And shorten half time. And bring in a twilight grand final.

[Axe Man]

I look forward seeing the players wearing AFL licensed hazmat suits in their team colours. The show must go on!

[Twodogs]

I look forward seeing the players wearing AFL licensed hazmat suits in their team colours. The show must go on!

Don't tempt them.

[Rocket Science]

https://i.ibb.co/M8g0JZC/Screen-Shot-2020-02-26-at-1-23-19-PM.png (https://ibb.co/yhNjxdQ)

And he'd STILL get 38 touches and 3 Brownlow votes.

[Twodogs]

Hopefully that is exactly what the Bont is wearing between training sessions.

[Axe Man]

https://i.ibb.co/M8g0JZC/Screen-Shot-2020-02-26-at-1-23-19-PM.png (https://ibb.co/yhNjxdQ)

And he'd STILL get 38 touches and 3 Brownlow votes.

Thanks RS, you read my mind. I was almost going to request you produce something like this in my post above.

[Daughter of the West]

As long as there are asymptomatic carriers (which there appears to be), it's not a matter of if but when.

I can't imagine that the AFL would put the TV rights in jeopardy - one would imagine they'd just broadcast a closed game. Imagine how weird it would be to be a player, taking a speccy in the middle of the MCG and to come down and be greeted with crickets?

[Eastdog]

I think it has been well controlled in Australia and at this stage you would think things would run normal with the AFL but you never know what might happen and what they decide depending on the situation over the coming weeks. The game in China I would think now would surely have to be cancelled.

[Dry Rot]

I think it has been well controlled in Australia

That will soon change - look at this nonsense

Coronavirus travel ban prompts Melbourne University to offer Chinese students $7,500 grant

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-26/melbourne-uni-offers-coronavirus-grants-chinese-students/12004262

And idiots like this

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-26/coronavirus-covid-19-travelling-to-italy-with-small-children/12001516

[Eastdog]

From the Hearld Sun but it is paywalled.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fnews%2Fvictoria%2F government-could-cancel-sporting-events-to-help-contain-coronavirus%2Fnews-story%2Fa0ab8dd2d991da580e74c3c4b5f61cb1&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium

AFL GAMES, GRAND PRIX ‘COULD BE CANCELLED’ OVER VIRUS
The federal government would consider cancelling events with big crowds such as AFL matches if Australia experienced a major outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed.

But it would come only as a last resort.

The government is bracing for the World Health Organisation to declare within days that the coronavirus crisis has reached pandemic stage, meaning ongoing outbreaks in multiple countries.
...
Asked if this could affect events such as AFL matches, Mr Hunt said: “The possibility of events is always there, but that is a last resort”.
...
The AFL on Wednesday night declined to comment on the issue.

[Rocket Science]

Welp the American Centre for Diseases Control has released official statements advising populations to anticipate "serious disruptions to daily life" and released this handy info sheet.

https://i.ibb.co/gVQzQ3v/Screen-Shot-2020-02-27-at-11-28-03-am.png (https://ibb.co/5FCBC6Y)

Good luck to whoever gets to tell Trengove he's gotta lose the beard.

[Dry Rot]

Posted by a Hawthorn member on BF:

Got an SMS this morning from a club board member who says the AFL is discussing the possibility/contingency if required of playing games without crowds...?

[Eastdog]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/amp.ab...ticle/12001034

Coronavirus outbreak means decision needed on Tokyo Olympics by May, says top IOC official Dick Pound

A senior member of the International Olympic Committee says that if it proves too dangerous to hold the Olympics in Tokyo this summer because of the coronavirus outbreak, organisers are more likely to cancel it altogether than postpone or move it.

The viral outbreak that began in China two months ago has infected more than 80,000 people globally and killed over 2,700, the vast majority of them in China.

But the virus has also gained a foothold in South Korea, the Middle East and Europe, raising fears of a pandemic. Japan itself has reported four deaths.

So could the Olympics be cancelled?

If the IOC decides the Games cannot go forward as scheduled in Tokyo, "you're probably looking at a cancellation," Canadian IOC official Dick Pound said.

In the host contract for the Tokyo Olympics, part XI refers to Termination, and section 66 talks about "Termination of Contract".

The first item in a list of scenarios that would allow the IOC to terminate the contract and "withdraw the Games from the [host] city" is if:

i) the Host Country is at any time, whether before the Opening Ceremony or during the Games, in a state of war, civil disorder, boycott, embargo decreed by the international community or in a situation officially recognised as one of belligerence or if the IOC has reasonable grounds to believe, in its sole discretion, that the safety of participants in the Games would be seriously threatened or jeopardised for any reason."
The Tokyo host contract does not mention health, only safety.

However, the host contract for the Paris Olympics — to be held in 2024 — refers to the IOC having "reasonable grounds to believe that the health or safety of participants in the Games would be seriously threatened or jeopardised for any reason".

Could the Olympics be postponed?

As for the possibility of postponement, Pound said: "You just don't postpone something on the size and scale of the Olympics.

"There's so many moving parts, so many countries and different seasons, and competitive seasons, and television seasons. You can't just say, 'We'll do it in October.'"

There is also a lot of money tied up in the Olympics.

American TV network NBC is the Olympics rights broadcaster in the United States.

NBC paid $US4.38 billion ($6.64 million) in 2011 for the rights to four Summer and Winter Olympics, culminating in this year's Tokyo Games.

Could the Games be moved?

Pound, who has been on the IOC since 1978, said moving to another city seems unlikely "because there are few places in the world that could think of gearing-up facilities in that short time to put something on".

Pound said he would not favour a scattering of Olympic events to other places around the world as "you'd end up with a series of world championships".

He also said it would be extremely difficult to spread around the various sports over a 17-day period with only a few months' notice.

However, London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey has recently said that London could "step up" and host the Games if Tokyo is unable to do so due to the coronavirus outbreak.

That was echoed by incumbent Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said that: "London, as it has done throughout history, will do its best to step up to the plate."

London has hosted the Olympics three times, most recently in 2012, with much of the infrastructure in the Stratford area of east London still in place.

Have the Olympics been moved before?

The city stepping in to host the Games is not without precedent.

In 1908, London was selected to replace Rome at short notice after the 1906 eruption of Mount Vesuvius forced the diversion of funds from the hosting of the Olympics to rebuilding the city of Naples.

London also hosted the Games in 1948, shortly after the end of World War II.

Tokyo's Governor, Yuriko Koike, reacted angrily to the comments from London, saying the discussion was "not appropriate".

The British Olympic Association also distanced itself from the comments, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.

When will they have to decide?

Pound estimated there is a three-month window — perhaps a two-month one — to decide the fate of the Tokyo Olympics, meaning a decision could be put off until late May.

"In and around that time, I'd say folks are going to have to ask: 'Is this under sufficient control that we can be confident about going to Tokyo or not?"' he said.

Pound also cast doubt on the possibility of a one-year delay because of financial consequences for Japan and scheduling factors.

He added that the future of the Tokyo Games is largely out of the IOC's hands and depends on the course the virus takes.

As the Games draw near, he said, "a lot of things have to start happening. You've got to start ramping up your security, your food, the Olympic Village, the hotels. The media folks will be in there building their studios".

What should athletes do in the meantime?

Pound encouraged athletes to keep training. About 11,000 are expected for the Olympics, which are scheduled to open on July 24, and 4,400 are bound for the Paralympics, which open August 25.

"As far as we all know, you're going to be in Tokyo," Pound said.

"All indications are at this stage that it will be business as usual. So, keep focused on your sport and be sure that the IOC is not going to send you into a pandemic situation."

Meanwhile, Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said the country's Olympians could be pulled out of this year's Games if it means their health is at risk.

"Australian athletes are ready to make their mark at the Tokyo Olympics — but it should not be at the risk of their health and wellbeing," he told News Corp.

"We continue to work with the relevant authorities both here and overseas to ensure our athletes remain safe and protected as the response to the coronavirus continues."

[GVGjr]

Posted by a Hawthorn member on BF:

Got an SMS this morning from a club board member who says the AFL is discussing the possibility/contingency if required of playing games without crowds...?

They would be negligent if they weren't exploring all options but we are a way off that at the moment although it's very likely to be a highly compromised season.
The scheduled game in China hasn't even been cancelled yet but if it gets to the point where crowds can't go it will be a shame but safety first will become the focus

[Mofra]

Posted by a Hawthorn member on BF:

Got an SMS this morning from a club board member who says the AFL is discussing the possibility/contingency if required of playing games without crowds...?
Precedent exists in Europe so it's not without merit. TV rights will buttress revenue concerns.

[Eastdog]

They would be negligent if they weren't exploring all options but we are a way off that at the moment although it's very likely to be a highly compromised season.
The scheduled game in China hasn't even been cancelled yet but if it gets to the point where crowds can't go it will be a shame but safety first will become the focus

At this stage the season going ahead as normal. No indications so far that could happen but putting the possibilities out there.

[Eastdog]

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/coronavirus-spectre-hanging-over-domestic-sport/news-story/4120402de16b14f7a67ab786a090b8b5/news-story/2447df03127d10067316e45d8a68122a

AFL cancels St Kilda vs Port Adelaide China game for 2020 due to coronavirus, meaning a potential bye week reshuffle

March 3, 2020 11:49am
TOM MORRIS
Source: FOX SPORTS

The AFL has been forced to cancel the Shanghai game between St Kilda and Port Adelaide due to coronavirus.

Round 11’s match between the clubs was to be played in the Chinese megacity but instead will head to the Saints’ home ground of Marvel Stadium. An official announcement is expected to be made later this week.

One option being considered is to bring Port Adelaide and St Kilda’s bye forward one week to Round 11, with the teams to instead play in Round 12. Marvel Stadium is free on that round’s Sunday.

Watch every match of every round of the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE & On-Demand with KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

If the game is kept within Round 11, it would be unclear when it would be played, with matches already scheduled for Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Marvel. Thursday night is one possibility, as both teams play on the Saturday of the previous round, while Monday night is could work because both teams currently have a bye the next week.

The AFL is having to balance multiple stakeholders to decide when to play the match, including the Chinese government and Australian broadcasters.

As of lunchtime on Tuesday, senior officials at both clubs had not been officially told the exact date and time of the rescheduled match.

There have been three matches played at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai, all featuring and won by Port Adelaide. Gold Coast was paid to host and lose to the Power in 2017 and 2018, while St Kilda took over that role in 2019.

But current advice from the Australian government is for all residents to avoid travelling to China, thanks to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The centre of the outbreak, the central city of Wuhan in Hubei province, is 800 kilometres from coastal Shanghai. More than 86,500 people have been infected with the disease and killed nearly 3,000; the majority of those have been in China and most in Hubei.

Australians flying in from China are currently required to spend 14 days in quarantine upon landing, which obviously would impact negatively on the Saints and Power’s ability to train after returning home.

[Eastdog]

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/coronavirus-spectre-hanging-over-domestic-sport/news-story/4120402de16b14f7a67ab786a090b8b5

Coronavirus spectre hanging over domestic sport

WALLY MASON
SPORT EDITOR
9:04PM MARCH 2, 2020

It has wreaked havoc in international sport, now the spectre of the coronavirus outbreak is hanging over sporting fields in Australia.

The AFL’s annual foray into China, the competition match between Port Adelaide and St Kilda in Shanghai on May 31, is unlikely to go ahead. And the NRL has set up a taskforce to plan for potential disruption to the 2020 season.

Meanwhile, Australia’s nati*!onal baseball side have their path to the Tokyo Games clogged by coronavirus after a qualifying tournament was postponed.

Australia were slated to travel to Taiwan to take part in a last-chance Olympic qualifier on April 1-5. That six-team event, also involving the hosts along with China, the Netherlands, and the second and third teams from this month’s American Olympic qualifying tournament, has been moved to June 17-21.

Despite the postponement of Formula One’s Chinese Grand Prix and concerns over the Bahrain and Vietnam races, organisers of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 15 insist they are “all systems go”.

Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott said organisiers were “working collaboratively with health agencies and related government and emergency service organisations in addressing (the coronavirus) matter.

“We continue to monitor the situation … At this stage there is no indication of further travel bans, nor is there any indication that Formula 1 and the teams will not be arriving as usual,” he said.

The AFL has drawn up plans to switch the Shanghai match to Cazaly Stadium in Cairns, with Port chairman David Koch conceding on Monday that a trip to China is unlikely.

“There are contingency plans with the AFL and as to a final decision we have got to do it in the very near future,” Koch said. “We are taking advice from the federal government. But when you see the spread of the virus at the moment to other countries you would think that there is more of a chance of it not going ahead.”

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said his organisation was monitoring the situation.

“We have a small working group at the NRL, led primarily by our chief medical officer, who is in contact with the federal government and the Australian Institute of Sport,” Greenberg said.

“We are watching all those trends and if things change, we will deal with it.” The virus has already bitten deep into international sport, with dozens of events postponed, moved or cancelled. Asian and European football competitions have been affected along with Europe’s Six Nations rugby tournament.

Thailand’s MotoGP was postponed on Monday, a day after the season-opening Qatar race was cancelled.

[1eyedog]

There's little chance of going to round 1 unfortunately. We're already banging our knees over it, we can't shake hands apparently and I can't even wipe my arse anymore.

[chef]

Serie A to be played in empty stadiums for the next month.

[Axe Man]

Serie A to be played in empty stadiums for the next month.

If this happens in the AFL Gold Coast and GWS are going to be at a distinct advantage having already done this for years.

[Eastdog]

https://www.3aw.com.au/dr-peter-larkins-explains-why-coronavirus-could-cause-afl-chaos/

Dr Peter Larkins explains why coronavirus could cause AFL chaos
04/03/2020

The AFL season could be thrown into chaos should coronavirus hit the league’s playing ranks, warns Dr Peter Larkins.

While careful not to “jump at shadows”, the leading sports medico told 3AW the AFL would undoubtedly be preparing for that scenario, whether it was unlikely or not.

Dr Larkins said the government requirements attached to the illness meant an entire club could be forced off the field for a fortnight.

“The issue with the coronavirus is the requirement to quarantine anybody who’s been in contact for a 14-day period,” he explained on Sportsday.

“So a club would virtually be put in quarantine and not be able to play.”



https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/coupler.foxsports.com.au/api/v1/article/amp/afl/the-afl-is-ready-to-cancel-games-or-play-in-empty-arenas-if-forced-by-coronavirus/news-story/3fdffabeb513a4880823d7f276a82904

The AFL is ready to cancel games or play in empty arenas, if forced by coronavirus
March 05, 2020 10:05am
Fox Sports with AAP
FOX SPORTS

The AFL says it will be ready if coronavirus forces it to play games in front of empty stadiums, or cancel them entirely.

Sporting competitions all over the world have been disrupted by the disease with governments forcing mass gatherings not to take place.

Serie A and European soccer matches in Italy have been played in empty arenas because of this, while Japan placed a mass ban on major events including sport, concerts and even professional wrestling bouts.

AFL GM of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld told the Herald Sun the league will continue to be in contact with the government and health authorities over the coming weeks.

“For the information we have at hand now, and we’re being urged by the federal government and the health authorities to go about our lives and our business as normal … as we speak today, that’s what we’re doing,” Auld said.

“We’re opening the season in two weeks’ time and hopefully in front of really big crowds on the Thursday night in our opening match. If that information changes, then our fans should feel confident and assured that we’ll be well prepared for that.

“There’s some uncertainties, and all we can do is best plan for what we know right now.”

Victorian Minister for Sport Martin Pakula wasn’t ruling out possible bans on large events in the coming months.

“They are not ruling out any potential reaction to the possibility of a more widespread coronavirus outbreak,” Pakula said.

“At the moment, there are no current plans for there to be lockouts or bans on mass gatherings, but that’s not to say that it’s impossible as we move throughout the year.

“We will take the advice from the medical experts. Chief health officers around the country will be making the call on things like that, and we will just need to adapt to those circumstances if they emerge.”

The AFL has already been forced to move the planned China game between St Kilda and Port Adelaide back to Melbourne.

The premiership season match had been slated for Sunday, May 31, in Shanghai but the outbreak of the virus forced the league to act.

Port had bought the rights to host the clash, but the cancellation means it will revert to being a Saints home game.

The clash has been moved from round 11 to round 12 and will start at 5.40pm AEST on Sunday, June 7, the day before the Queen’s Birthday public holiday. Both teams will now have a bye in round 11.

“It has become really clear that to proceed with the game in Shanghai would be placing our people at an unacceptable risk,” Auld said.

“It is evident that the coronavirus still poses a significant risk internationally and quite simply we will not compromise the health and safety of any of our clubs, supporters and AFL team members.”

Port Adelaide have been at the forefront of the AFL’s push into China, hosting Gold Coast in the inaugural game at Jiangwan Stadium in 2017. The Power played the Suns again in 2018 and defeated St Kilda there last year.


“Obviously we’re disappointed, we’d made a commitment to that game, but we were really pleased with the process,” Port chief executive Keith Thomas said.

“The AFL kept us all informed and we got the best advice.

“That it’s in Melbourne, I think is a really good idea.

“I think wrapping our arms around the local Chinese community will reverberate back in China.”

There had been speculation St Kilda would look to host the game at Moorabbin after the success of the Saints’ AFLW program at the club’s spiritual home. But capacity issues at the suburban venue ruled it out.

“There were a number of options but ultimately we felt that playing the game at Marvel on Queen’s Birthday eve was a great opportunity for Victorians to come together and really celebrate the Chinese community,” St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis said.

“They’re hurting and we want to stand beside them.

“We think playing the game in the Melbourne CBD gives us the best opportunity to do that.”

The AFL and both clubs remain committed to resuming their push into China with a game in Shanghai next year.

[Dry Rot]

For various reasons, our govts are not telling us the truth about all sorts of aspects about this.

I think that they want to hide the truth and not panic the horses eg it is already out of control and our health system will collapse.

My estimate is that the virus comes to an area many weeks before it is detected, and when it is, the actual infections are at least 10 – 100 times the known cases. Eg NSW has say 60 known cases, real figure is 600 – 6000+

Cannot see the AFL season proceeding to its conclusion and as we know it, I am afraid.

[Eastdog]

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-to-brief-club-chiefs-about-coronavirus-this-week-20200308-p547yz.html

AFL to brief club chiefs about coronavirus this week
By Daniel Cherny
March 8, 2020 — 5.17pm

Coronavirus, concussion, Tasmania and the future of AFLW are all on the agenda for this week’s meeting of AFL club chiefs.

Presidents and chief executives of the 18 clubs will convene for lunch with AFL heavyweights including chief executive Gillon McLachlan and chairman Richard Goyder on Tuesday ahead of the league’s season launch function in Melbourne that night.

The Age has seen the agenda for the afternoon meeting, which makes reference to an AFL “coronavirus working group” as part of McLachlan’s scheduled presentation to clubs. The league has already shifted this year’s scheduled St Kilda-Port Adelaide game in Shanghai to Marvel Stadium after acting on the advice of health authorities.

McLachlan is on record saying that the league is well-placed to deal with any potential impact from coronavirus, which as of Sunday had claimed three Australian lives.

AFL fixture chief Travis Auld said last week that the league was taking government advice and, as things stood, there were no plans to move matches behind closed doors as has happened with recent Serie A soccer matches in Italy, where COVID-19’s toll is being heavily felt.

McLachlan is also set to brief clubs about the concussion landscape following the flashpoint late last month of Graham "Polly" Farmer’s CTE diagnosis. The spectre of a potential concussion lawsuit from past players, long-flagged by concussion campaigner Peter Jess, continues to linger, however the AFL has taken steps – including tightening protocols around its Sport Concussion Assessment Tool testing – to address concerns around head knocks.

Tasmania is also set to be discussed after last month’s report detailing the viability of a potential 19th AFL club to be based in the Apple Isle. The Tassie issue is particularly pertinent for both Hawthorn and North Melbourne, whose respective deals to play matches in Tasmania are due to expire at the end of next season.

The Hawks are also keen stakeholders in discussions surrounding the future of the national women’s competition. Hawthorn, Essendon, Port Adelaide and Sydney are the only four AFL clubs without AFLW sides, with both the Bombers and Hawks being vocal last week about their strong desire to join the competition as soon as possible.

“I know our members, supporters and key stakeholders feel equally as passionate about our entry into the AFLW competition," Essendon chief Xavier Campbell said last week.

“I can also confirm that we have recently written to AFL GM of football Steve Hocking to request clarity on the AFL’s position on the growth and future expansion of the AFLW competition and absolute certainty on our entry point.

“It is our strong desire to enter the AFLW competition by 2022, and no later than 2023. The ball is in the AFL’s court.”

The AFL is yet to publicly detail its timeline for the proposed entries into the competition of the remaining four clubs, however the league’s AFLW competition committee last year recommended an 18-team competition by 2024.

McLachlan is also scheduled to report back to clubs about the AFL’s bushfire relief fundraising efforts, provide an “officiating update,” a “financial and strategy update” and discuss the Marvel Stadium precinct redevelopment.

[Dry Rot]

Italian first division football matches cancelled

All matches in Italy’s topflight Serie A division should be cancelled until further notice, the Italian Minister of Sport has said minutes before Serie A games were due to resume in empty stadiums.

Vincenzo Spadafora said that it made no sense to put at risk the health of players, officials, fans and others.
The news filtered through as players from Parma and Spal were already on the pitch in their clash in Parma today. They were invited to return dressing room and the game has been delayed.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/mar/08/coronavirus-live-updates-third-death-in-australia-as-cases-reach-more-than-70

[jeemak]

For various reasons, our govts are not telling us the truth about all sorts of aspects about this.

I think that they want to hide the truth and not panic the horses eg it is already out of control and our health system will collapse.

My estimate is that the virus comes to an area many weeks before it is detected, and when it is, the actual infections are at least 10 – 100 times the known cases. Eg NSW has say 60 known cases, real figure is 600 – 6000+

Cannot see the AFL season proceeding to its conclusion and as we know it, I am afraid.

It's hard to say. A lot will come to light in the next fortnight, and unfortunately what we're not hearing a lot about is how the health system is actually bracing for a large outbreak, instead, what we're hearing is about how the economy is going to receive stimulus to dampen the impacts of a recession which is kind of not the actual point.

Woofers, do the research from ABC, SBS and any other credible news source that isn't Murdoch owned or on a commercial TV network (and check it against the department of health daily press issues), to understand how to help protect yourselves and your loved ones. Don't panic buy items that won't help you survive possible isolation at home (i.e. toilet paper), instead grab some additional packs of meat and frozen/canned vegetables to stick in the freezer/pantry for a few days and reach out for help during and thereafter. Speak to your doctor about what you might need to do to ensure you have enough prescription medicine for a couple of weeks if needed.

DR, my biggest concern as above is we're looking or worrying about the economic impacts of the virus rather than the health and health system impacts of the virus. The Fed has just reduced interest rates, which will only heat an already heating property market and won't actually flow through to the economy, as anyone who knows they're getting additional expendable income will only stay home in fear of the reason why they got it in the first place (I mean, what goods can you buy if international supply chains are cooked and you don't want people touching your food and drinks at cafes or restaurants before you consume them). The AFL and everyone else will see this as a signal that this is an economic issue rather than a health issue, which is just madness.

[Bulldog4life]

I have been following this since day one via the ABC mainly. Excellent updates. Agree with Jee & DR. The health aspect is the important part in all this. Full stop.

[angelopetraglia]

Fremantle player being tested for potential Coronavirus infection.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fremantle-dockers-player-tested-for-coronavirus-20200309-p548ez.html

[angelopetraglia]

I can’t see anyway that the season starts on time with full crowds. Panic has set in. Schools are being closed. Strap yourself in. This is going to get a lot worse before it improves.

“Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.”

[bulldogtragic]

I can’t see anyway that the season starts on time with full crowds. Panic has set in. Schools are being closed. Strap yourself in. This is going to get a lot worse before it improves.

“Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.”

So this is the reason our membership numbers are down. Our loyal members are holding off because of the fear around Coronavirus and attending games.

Also explains the team on the weekend practising their 'social distancing' with their opponents. Smart hygiene being practised by our guys.

[bornadog]

A Freo player is being tested for coronavirus.

Read here (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fremantle-dockers-player-tested-for-coronavirus-20200309-p548ez.html)

[anfo27]

People need to keep things in perspective & not get hysterical. Like others have said do your own research & don't rely on the front page of the Herald Sun to keep you informed. I'm not sure the ABC is a great source either when people are questioning the information coming from our politicians & the ABC is funded by the same people. Agree we the public are kept in the dark about the full story but that goes with most things these days anyway.
The hysteria out there its like this virus is like a zombie virus & everyone that gets it is toast. Reality is its a mild version of the flu & if you're not immunocompromised then you have no reason to panic.
I'm not worried about the virus itself but rather what comes with it. If it effects the football season particularly our games i'll be devastated.

[Dry Rot]

Reality is its a mild version of the flu & if you're not immunocompromised then you have no reason to panic.


Sorry you are wrong, possibly dead wrong.

Check out some simple facts about this, such as 80% are mild cases.

So that leaves 20%. Those poor folk need some kind of hospital medical care and treatment, which for many means ICU type treatment and/or respirators.

That's why we saw the dreadful scenes inside the over loaded hospitals of Wuhan, and now being seen in hospitals in northern Italy.

And coming our way soon.

[Dry Rot]

A Freo player is being tested for coronavirus.

Read here (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fremantle-dockers-player-tested-for-coronavirus-20200309-p548ez.html)

So friend from China was never actually tested. Could be an asymptomatic case and maybe even a super spreader.

[Dry Rot]

Sorry you are wrong, possibly dead wrong.

Check out some simple facts about this, such as 80% are mild cases.

So that leaves 20%. Those poor folk need some kind of hospital medical care and treatment, which for many means ICU type treatment and/or respirators.

That's why we saw the dreadful scenes inside the over loaded hospitals of Wuhan, and now being seen in hospitals in northern Italy.

And coming our way soon.

Dr John Campbell in the UK is the man for good updates and info.

Monday update:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SZBuHFzYlw

YouTube channel page:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Campbellteaching

[FrediKanoute]

Sorry you are wrong, possibly dead wrong.

Check out some simple facts about this, such as 80% are mild cases.

So that leaves 20%. Those poor folk need some kind of hospital medical care and treatment, which for many means ICU type treatment and/or respirators.

That's why we saw the dreadful scenes inside the over loaded hospitals of Wuhan, and now being seen in hospitals in northern Italy.

And coming our way soon.

OK, 80% are mild......the overwhelming majority of cases are mild. Yes there are a significant minority of cases (20%) that are serious where the symptoms progress to acute and threaten life and well-being. There are a minority of the 20% who die.

That's no reason to panic. It is largely not too dissimilar to flu in terms of its mortality rate. Its similar to flu in that the most vulnerable are the elderly, the already ill and younger children. If there is a difference it is the infection rate. It appears to be more infectious than the flu and is hitting Northern Hemisphere largely because we are all still in the grips of winter - cold weather tends to spread germs and flu diereses quicker.

[FrediKanoute]

I'm going to suggest that these are better sources:

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/07-03-2020-who-statement-on-cases-of-covid-19-surpassing-100-000

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd

So taking the last link - 109k cases; 3,809 deaths = 3.5%mortality rate, but this probably overplays somewhat as there will be significantly more undiagnosed cases than there are undiagnosed deaths so the "denominator effect" will drive down the mortality percentage.

I'm not saying this is not serious, it is. But there is a hysteria being driven by the media that is completely disproportional to the risk this pandemic poses to the majority of the population.

[FrediKanoute]

A Freo player is being tested for coronavirus.

Read here (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fremantle-dockers-player-tested-for-coronavirus-20200309-p548ez.html)

So they played Carlton last week and West Coast on the weekend. Carlton played Brisbane this week. Are they now going to test all of these teams ahead of round 1?

[Dry Rot]

OK, 80% are mild......the overwhelming majority of cases are mild. Yes there are a significant minority of cases (20%) that are serious where the symptoms progress to acute and threaten life and well-being. There are a minority of the 20% who die.



You do realise that the 20% require hospital resources that no country has?




That's no reason to panic. It is largely not too dissimilar to flu in terms of its mortality rate.

Wrong. Seasonal flu mortality rate is 0.1%. Covid 19 is least 10 to 20 twenty times that.


younger children. .

Wrong. Curiously, they seem to be unaffected and/or have little symptoms.


If there is a difference it is the infection rate. It appears to be more infectious than the flu

Correct. At least twice or three times as infectious.


is hitting Northern Hemisphere largely because we are all still in the grips of winter - cold weather tends to spread germs and flu diereses quicker.

Maybe right, maybe wrong. There is no data that suggests that this a winter disease, but some believe that summer in the northern hemisphere will give some relief. There is some research that believes it does not like warmer temps.

That's the good news.

Bad news is that we downunder are heading towards winter.

[Dry Rot]

I'm going to suggest that these are better sources:

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/07-03-2020-who-statement-on-cases-of-covid-19-surpassing-100-000

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd

So taking the last link - 109k cases; 3,809 deaths = 3.5%mortality rate, but this probably overplays somewhat as there will be significantly more undiagnosed cases than there are undiagnosed deaths so the "denominator effect" will drive down the mortality percentage.

I'm not saying this is not serious, it is. But there is a hysteria being driven by the media that is completely disproportional to the risk this pandemic poses to the majority of the population.

No-one who knows anything about this trusts the WHO. Dodgy corrupt organisation in the pocket of China.

If you think this is hysterical, google what is happening in northern Italy and Iran.

And soon in the UK.

[Dry Rot]

So they played Carlton last week and West Coast on the weekend. Carlton played Brisbane this week. Are they now going to test all of these teams ahead of round 1?

Standard protocol is 14 days isolation.

[1eyedog]

You do realise that the 20% require hospital resources that no country has?



Wrong. Seasonal flu mortality rate is 0.1%. Covid 19 is least 10 to 20 twenty times that.



Wrong. Curiously, they seem to be unaffected and/or have little symptoms.



Correct. At least twice or three times as infectious.



Maybe right, maybe wrong. There is no data that suggests that this a winter disease, but some believe that summer in the northern hemisphere will give some relief. There is some research that believes it does not like warmer temps.

That's the good news.

Bad news is that we downunder are heading towards winter.

And there is no remedy. Try telling 70+ year olds not to worry.

[Dry Rot]

And there is no remedy. Try telling 70+ year olds not to worry.

Agreed.

Current stats say that 15% of them infected will die.

My mum is in that group.

[FrediKanoute]

Look I feel for all people who are affected and afflicted by this, but I don't believe the level of panic is justified. You say that the flu has a mortality rate of .1% and Covid 19 has a mortality rate 10 to 20 times that. That sounds enormous, but still equates to 1% to 2% of people infected.

In perspective, the Australian population is around 21m - that means if everyone was infected 420k people would be expected to die. The fact is not everyone is going to get infected. China has a population of 1.3 billion people and they have about 80,000 infected. What appears to be happening is that if government's can get ahead of it, they can slow the rate at which the virus spreads.

The argument that 20% of people would require hospitalisation is a red herring. It is not like you will have 20% of the population infected and requiring hospitalisation all at the same time! At its peak there will be shortages yes, but that peak will pass.

I get people are concerned, but this is not a population kliller. The virus would need a mortality rate of 20% plus and an infection level significantly above what Covid 19 is. As for not following WHO guidelines, I know who I'd prefer to get my information off and someone who posts on YouTube isn't one of them.

[chef]

SXSW cancelled.

[chef]

UCL game in Germany to be played with no crowd.

[Grantysghost]

Look I feel for all people who are affected and afflicted by this, but I don't believe the level of panic is justified. You say that the flu has a mortality rate of .1% and Covid 19 has a mortality rate 10 to 20 times that. That sounds enormous, but still equates to 1% to 2% of people infected.

In perspective, the Australian population is around 21m - that means if everyone was infected 420k people would be expected to die. The fact is not everyone is going to get infected. China has a population of 1.3 billion people and they have about 80,000 infected. What appears to be happening is that if government's can get ahead of it, they can slow the rate at which the virus spreads.

The argument that 20% of people would require hospitalisation is a red herring. It is not like you will have 20% of the population infected and requiring hospitalisation all at the same time! At its peak there will be shortages yes, but that peak will pass.

I get people are concerned, but this is not a population kliller. The virus would need a mortality rate of 20% plus and an infection level significantly above what Covid 19 is. As for not following WHO guidelines, I know who I'd prefer to get my information off and someone who posts on YouTube isn't one of them.

Agree regarding sources of information. Primordial fears are exacerbated by confusion; experts in epidemiology from sanctioned sources are making the most sense to me (Department of Health) . As for all the WHO bashing, there is some justification but I believe it's a little over the top. The problem lies with the fact they have to interface with national governments to fulfill their goal of "health for all". Its their only conduit. So unfortunately they have to deal with governments like China who probably have certain demands that some would consider unreasonable (including me eg not allowing Taipei to have a seat at the table); it's that or they walk away and they're in the dark like the Russians did during the cold war protesting the United State's influence. I agree they need work, you don't have to search far to see their recent failings (slow response to Ebola outbreak) however I think they're necessary to provide a coordinated response to something like this and we don't want confidence in them diminished too far as this spreads more panic.

Back to our club though, those of us going to the season launch received information yesterday outlining the club's measures. Basically no touching. I can paste it if anyone wants the whole thing.

[bornadog]

Back to our club though, those of us going to the season launch received information yesterday outlining the club's measures. Basically no touching. I can paste it if anyone wants the whole thing.

I am going but my mate booked the tickets, so I haven't got it. Can you please paste, maybe under Events thread, or PM

[Grantysghost]

I am going but my mate booked the tickets, so I haven't got it. Can you please paste, maybe under Events thread, or PM

Yes no worries will place in events.

[Axe Man]

Sam Switkowski named as the Dockers player tested for Corona Virus. Hasn't played in the pre-season games.

[1eyedog]

Agreed.

Current stats say that 15% of them infected will die.

My mum is in that group.

Mine too with a heart murmur. All good for those at the Desktop offering their opinions they're entitled to them, but people are / have been affected in different ways. The virus affects in different ways too. You can have no symptoms, flu-like symptoms or be in your 40s and healthy yet be bed-ridden for a week with heavy sweats and a fever every night. Then there's the deaths. Sounds shit.

Italy is getting hammered, it's coming here and there will be a lot of grief throughout a number of communities.

[bornadog]

The AFL announces it will play games with no crowds IF mass gatherings are banned by the Federal Government because of the #coronavirus

[bornadog]

Sam Switkowski named as the Dockers player tested for Corona Virus. Hasn't played in the pre-season games.

Docker Sam Switkowski has been cleared of coronavirus.

[azabob]

SXSW cancelled.

Indian Wells the 5th biggest Tennis tournament in the world cancelled.

[Rocket Science]

Not cancelled, but the Osaka Sumo Basho just kicked off with no spectators, only officials and the rickishi's entourages allowed.

https://i.ibb.co/CV8MHyj/Screen-Shot-2020-03-10-at-5-24-16-PM.png (https://ibb.co/9ygVr0x)

This'd typically be a packed house for the full fifteen days of the tournament with the royal family in attendance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpttcZAKNJM

[comrade]

Dan Andrews just announced that it’s inevitable that schools and offices will be closed.

Get ready for Round 1 to be played in an empty stadium.

[Twodogs]

Sam Switkowski named as the Dockers player tested for Corona Virus. Hasn't played in the pre-season games.

I wonder if he is Ziggy Switkowski's grandson? Ziggy was the initial chairman of Telstra and wrote the report for the AFL into the Essendon drugs saga.

Ziggy married my nest door neighbor's daughter and I used to see him mowing the lawn every couple of months. Their son wasn't called Sam (his name was Mark) but Sam could be Mark's son.

Ziggy's brother married the other sister (two brothers married two sisters) but they didn't have grandsons.


BTW Sam McClure looks to be in deep shit for revealing confidential medical information in his desperation to get the story out. Word is Switkowski may well be able to sue.

[Sedat]

I'm trying to understand why there has been so little outrage and discussion about the Vic State Govt allowing the F1 Grand Prix to proceed this weekend. Tens of thousands of tourists converging in Melbourne, not to mention a huge Ferrari team entourage coming to Melbourne from the country that is now in total lockdown. It simply defies common sense logic.

Bahrain has already closed off their Grand Prix from any spectators, even though it is a full 2 weeks after the Melbourne GP.

Re: the Freo situation, it is an utter disgrace that Sam McLure, Tom Morris and other assorted bell-ends from the meedya thought it was in any way beneficial to name the player when specifically asked not to do so. I hope that they are banned by AFL clubs during the season.

[chef]

La liga games now played behind closed doors for 2 weeks.

UCL games will probably be too.

[chef]

Notts Forrest owner has the virus and was at their last game.

[GVGjr]

Listening to the Radio this morning the indication is the first few weeks of the AFL season are very likely to go ahead however from about round 4 there might be a need to play in front of no crowds.

There is a fair bit more to play out at the moment and I don't think the first two rounds will have crowds and I suspect that could easily be extended.

[comrade]

Listening to the Radio this morning the indication is the first few weeks of the AFL season are very likely to go ahead however from about round 4 there might be a need to play in front of no crowds.

There is a fair bit more to play out at the moment and I don't think the first two rounds will have crowds and I suspect that could easily be extended.

It’s going to be weird for the players performing in front of empty seats.

[bulldogtragic]

It’s going to be weird for the players performing in front of empty seats.

Not for GWS players.

[comrade]

Not for GWS players.

Solid gold. That’s Titus O’Reilly-esque.

[Axe Man]

Solid gold. That’s Titus O’Reilly-esque.

I already made that joke a few pages back... (admittedly I stole it from elsewhere).

[Rocket Science]

And now the NHL ...

COVID-19 crowd ban applies to San Jose Sharks home games
(https://sports.yahoo.com/covid-19-concerns-in-cause-cancellation-of-sharks-home-games-031526103.html)

[1eyedog]

I mean even if the AFL season goes ahead as planned I can't see people filling stadiums anywhere.

[bulldogtragic]

I already made that joke a few pages back... (admittedly I stole it from elsewhere).

I thought of it myself, but as the umpteenth user of it, it looks like I my have to pay royalties for it like Men At Work and 'Down Under'.

More seriously, crowd numbers are going to hurt the AFEL. But Foxtel will make a killing. I'd be buying shares in their corporate overlords*.




* This is not financial advice and is no substitute for personal due diligence and obtaining a financial advice. Before making any decisions make sure you don't listen to Bulldogtragic. Ever, about anything.

[bornadog]

make sure you don't listen to Bulldogtragic. Ever, about anything.

I don't :D :D :D

[Bulldog4life]

I mean even if the AFL season goes ahead as planned I can't see people filling stadiums anywhere.


A few of the fence sitters won't buy their membership now and put the money towards Foxtel.

[Mofra]

Will make getting a beer and a pie at quarter time breaks a little easier for a few weeks. I imagine a few fans who are on the fence will stay away.

[Twodogs]

I thought of it myself, but as the umpteenth user of it, it looks like I my have to pay royalties for it like Men At Work and 'Down Under'.

More seriously, crowd numbers are going to hurt the AFEL. But Foxtel will make a killing. I'd be buying shares in their corporate overlords*.




* This is not financial advice and is no substitute for personal due diligence and obtaining a financial advice. Before making any decisions make sure you don't listen to Bulldogtragic. Ever, about anything.

Oh! That sounds like sound financial advice. I'm going to sell my house, cash in my chips and bet the farm on whatever it was you said to put all my money on. It was the fifth at Randwick, wasn't it? Number 12.

[bulldogtragic]

Oh! That sounds like sound financial advice. I'm going to sell my house, cash in my chips and bet the farm on whatever it was you said to put all my money on. It was the fifth at Randwick, wasn't it? Number 12.

Yep, 12. One the nose. None of that each way shit.

[Rocket Science]

NHL again, albeit with one club being curiously recalcitrant.

Blue Jackets continue to allow fan attendance, forgo state's recommendation (https://sports.yahoo.com/columbus-blue-jackets-nhl-continue-to-allow-fans-at-games-despite-recommendation-not-to-020411506.html)

What could possibly go wrong?

[Twodogs]

Yep, 12. One the nose. None of that each way shit.

Cant stand each way bets.

Always place it on the nose.

[Eastdog]

Yeah looking more likely I won’t be going Round 1.

[Bulldog4life]

Yeah looking more likely I won’t be going Round 1.

If there is no lock down will you be going Easty?

[Sedat]

I see there are 3 F1 team members in isolation with Coronaviris symptoms. But yay, all systems go for the Grand Prix :rolleyes:

The Vic State Govt have let all of Australia down with this awful and pig-headed decision, and it will cost far more in the long run than the big cheque that the race will generate.

[Eastdog]

If there is no lock down will you be going Easty?

Probably not B4L I have been discussing it with my brother who is a Pies supporter. I love to go and really looking forward to watching the Dogs again. My grandma lives at home with us along with my folks so I just don’t want to risk it. I hope the whole situation can get better soon.

[GVGjr]

You're a good man Easty, impressed that you have made the right call by your Nan. You've been raised the right way.

[bornadog]

I see there are 3 F1 team members in isolation with Coronaviris symptoms. But yay, all systems go for the Grand Prix :rolleyes:

The Vic State Govt have let all of Australia down with this awful and pig-headed decision, and it will cost far more in the long run than the big cheque that the race will generate.

The advice from Chief medical Officer is it is ok to go ahead.

If we are serious about Coronavirus and think it is an issue, then we should stop all flights/arrivals into and out of the whole country.

The F1 is only a small part of it.

[Twodogs]

Probably not B4L I have been discussing it with my brother who is a Pies supporter. I love to go and really looking forward to watching the Dogs again. My grandma lives at home with us along with my folks so I just don’t want to risk it. I hope the whole situation can get better soon.

Yeah my 80 yo mum who lives with us is saying that if we want to go then we just should go and damn the torpedoes, but I don't want to expose her when we can just watch the game on TV.

[bulldogtragic]

NBA suspending the season to coronavirus.

[bulldogtragic]

Tom Hanks, in Australia, tests positive for coronavirus.

[Sedat]

The advice from Chief medical Officer is it is ok to go ahead.

If we are serious about Coronavirus and think it is an issue, then we should stop all flights/arrivals into and out of the whole country.

The F1 is only a small part of it.
Sorry, but this fails the sniff test and goes completely against everything that is taking place both in Australia and globally with regard to large gathering sporting and cultural events. Get ready for a sharp rise in cass in Melbourne next week that were "unprecedented" and "unforeseen" lol

Vic State Govt dropped the ball because this is a money spinner for the state and we are already bursting with massive debt on large infrastructure projects that are spiralling way over budget. The Vic State Govt has been an outlier in Australia by actually putting self-interest ahead of the general public's well-being, which no other state and territory govt has done, nor has the federal govt. The GP is a massive international event frequented by huge numbers of tourists from Europe and especially Italy, which happens to be completely in lockdown. It is madness that we are allowing this event to run without any restrictions.

[bulldogtragic]

Sorry, but this fails the sniff test and goes completely against everything that is taking place both in Australia and globally with regard to large gathering sporting and cultural events. Get ready for a sharp rise in cass in Melbourne next week that were "unprecented" and "unforeseen" lol

Vic State Govt dropped the ball because this is a money spinner for the state and we are already bursting with massive debt on large infrastructure projects that are spiralling way over budget. The Vic State Govt has been an outlier in Australia by actually put self-interest ahead of the general public's well-being, which no other state and territory govt has done, nor has the federal govt. The GP is a massive international event frequented by huge numbers of tourists from Europe and especially Italy, which happens to be completely in lockdown.

US has banned European travel into the US for at least 30 days. After Trump's speech, our market is free falling. Interesting times.

[Sedat]

US has banned European travel into the US for at least 30 days. After Trump's speech, our market is free falling. Interesting times.
Yep. International festivals and sporting events are being cancelled (or closed off from fans) left, right and centre with one glaring exception.

[bornadog]

Sorry, but this fails the sniff test and goes completely against everything that is taking place both in Australia and globally with regard to large gathering sporting and cultural events. Get ready for a sharp rise in cass in Melbourne next week that were "unprecented" and "unforeseen" lol

Vic State Govt dropped the ball because this is a money spinner for the state and we are already bursting with massive debt on large infrastructure projects that are spiralling way over budget. The Vic State Govt has been an outlier in Australia by actually put self-interest ahead of the general public's well-being, which no other state and territory govt has done, nor has the federal govt. The GP is a massive international event frequented by huge numbers of tourists from Europe and especially Italy, which happens to be completely in lockdown. It is madness that we are allowing this event to run without any restrictions.

Stopping the F1 will stop jack shit. You have to stop everything if that is the case. No sports, no theatre, no one to go on public transport, no flights in and out, a shut down like China.

This is an Australian issue, not Victorian.


US has banned European travel into the US for at least 30 days. After Trump's speech, our market is free falling. Interesting times.

Exactly what I said.

[craigsahibee]

People need to keep things in perspective & not get hysterical. Like others have said do your own research & don't rely on the front page of the Herald Sun to keep you informed. I'm not sure the ABC is a great source either when people are questioning the information coming from our politicians & the ABC is funded by the same people. Agree we the public are kept in the dark about the full story but that goes with most things these days anyway.
The hysteria out there its like this virus is like a zombie virus & everyone that gets it is toast. Reality is its a mild version of the flu & if you're not immunocompromised then you have no reason to panic.
I'm not worried about the virus itself but rather what comes with it. If it effects the football season particularly our games i'll be devastated.

Anfo27. Your rational level of thinking has no place on the internet. ;)

[jeemak]

I have been trying to prepare my family for a much sooner than expected lockdown. That's not the same as panicking, rather, just being prepared for possible segregation of family members and an understanding that a small amount of preparation now goes a long way (i.e. put a bit of stuff in the freezer so you're not over-reliant on food being delivered, making sure you have a couple of weeks plus a bit more of necessary items).

This culminated in telling my aunt, who is the major carer for my grandmother (90+), that I don't think it's a good idea we go to the football round one together (i.e. she not go, with me waiting and seeing how things pan out).

My mother said she'll cross the preparation bridge when she comes to it, you know, what else can she do? I suggested to avoid trying to cross the bridge at the same time everyone else is. Woofers, if you haven't done a small amount of preparation work, I'd get onto it because things are going to move pretty quickly from here.

Sedat is right, and the VIC government after allowing the GP to go ahead will realise the mistake and over-respond. People are going to start behaving like it's Mad Max as a result. Dan Andrews is probably thankful right now that the next state election is some time away and that Victorians will most likely forget.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Yikes. Expect the worse.

Unprecedented territory now.

[Sedat]

Stopping the F1 will stop jack shit. You have to stop everything if that is the case. No sports, no theatre, no one to go on public transport, no flights in and out, a shut down like China.

This is an Australian issue, not Victorian.
The GP is a Victorian issue. Hosting it will have national ramificarions but it falls squarly on the Vic State Govt for allowing it to proceed.

There also seems to be some inconsistency to your commentary around Coronavirus. You are advocaring cancelling and stopping everything in order to more effectively combat the spread of the virus but seemingly have no issue with a major international event like the GP going ahead, saying it will make "jack shit" difference. I guess all AFL clubs who have gone into lockdown and also the Bulldogs restricting the general public from attending last night's season launch were also waste of time decisions that will make "jack shit" diference?

[jeemak]

Stopping the F1 will stop jack shit. You have to stop everything if that is the case. No sports, no theatre, no one to go on public transport, no flights in and out, a shut down like China.

This is an Australian issue, not Victorian.



Exactly what I said.

Banning it now won't do much because most attendees are already here. It should have been banned before the tourists started arriving but it's probably too late.

[Rocket Science]

A fortnight ago Italy, Iran, Taiwan & Hong Kong all had officially reported cases of less than a hundred.

Two of those countries quickly implemented strict social distancing measures, and two didn't. Despite being more densely populated Taiwan & Hong Kong have seen a zero-to-negligible rise in cases since, unlike Italy & Iran.

This whole thing's proving a morbidly fascinating test case for 'sensible' governance. We don't want to go spooking the markets now.

[Sedat]

Banning it now won't do much because most attendees are already here. It should have been banned before the tourists started arriving but it's probably too late.
Yep. Horse bolted on that one 2-3 weeks ago, around the same time Bahrain showed leadership and closed off the general public from their GP over a month in advance of the event.

I'm also fully expecting the over-correction to take place in Victoria from next week as well, when there will be an announcement of "unprecedented" and "unforeseen" increase in cases.

[Sedat]

A fortnight ago Italy, Iran, Taiwan & Hong Kong all had officially reported cases of less than a hundred.

Two of those countries quickly implemented strict social distancing measures, and two didn't. Despite being more densely populated Taiwan & Hong Kong have seen a zero-to-negligible rise in cases since, unlike Italy & Iran.

This whole thing's proving a morbidly fascinating test case for 'sensible' governance. We don't want to go spooking the markets now.
Yep. It has been very interesting seeing how some countries and govts have been managing this issue. I reckon Australia did a great job federally getting on the front foot and banning all travel to and from China and Korea a good 3-4 weeks before the rest of the world woke up. That is why we currently have barely over 100 cases nationally. Other state and territory Govts have also been terrific in implementing measures to control the spread. Except for one notable example.

[bornadog]

Banning it now won't do much because most attendees are already here. It should have been banned before the tourists started arriving but it's probably too late.

You and Sedat are not getting my point, it's not just about the F1. You want to be serious about shutting off from the rest of the world then you have to do it properly, like I outlined above - everything shuts down.

Again, this is not a Victorian issue, this is a National issue and leadership must come from LNP (who have no leadership skills so we are *!*!*!*!ed).

[bornadog]

Yep. It has been very interesting seeing how some countries and govts have been managing this issue. I reckon Australia did a great job federally getting on the front foot and banning all travel to and from China and Korea a good 3-4 weeks before the rest of the world woke up. That is why we currently have barely over 100 cases nationally. Other state and territory Govts have also been terrific in implementing measures to control the spread. Except for one notable example.

Fed Gov only banned travel to Italy yesterday after how many have been infected and died, yeah great leadership.

Should be banning flights from and to all of Europe - there are no borders there.

[bornadog]

The club just called me and said the inner sanctum experience at AFLW this Sunday is called off, but match will go ahead.

[bornadog]

Confirmed CoronaVirus exposure site Level 2, MCC Members at Sunday night's T20 World Cup Final.

[Sedat]

Again, this is not a Victorian issue, this is a National issue and leadership must come from LNP (who have no leadership skills so we are *!*!*!*!ed).
Not quite sure you understand the concepts of leadership and accountability. China was ths source of the outbreak and Australia acted swiftly and many weeks ahead of the rest of the world in banning travel to and from that country. That is why we have barely over 100 cases and 3 fatalities nationally as of now.

This isn't about partisan political point scoring, it is about judging actions, and I suspect the actions of the Vic State Govt in allowing the GP to proceed with full crowd gatherings and overseas visitors will be judged accordingly.

I note the NBA has just suspended their season, effective innediately. I guess they also overreacted because there is "jack shit" chance of the virus spreading?

[Axe Man]

I note the NBA has just cancelled their season, effective innediately. I guess they also overreacted because there is "jack shit" chance of the virus spreading?

The NBA have suspended the season whilst they work out how to proceed, a bit different to cancelling the season.

[Sedat]

The NBA have suspended the season whilst they work out how to proceed, a bit different to cancelling the season.
Thanks for the correction. Wording duly changed in my previous post.

The decision does show decisive action and leadership being undertaken.

[bornadog]

Not quite sure you understand the concepts of leadership and accountability. China was ths source of the outbreak and Australia acted swiftly and many weeks ahead of the rest of the world in banning travel to and from that country. That is why we have barely over 100 cases and 3 fatalities nationally as of now.

For starters, I am not stupid

Stopping travel to China was a no brainer as there are over 200,000 overseas Chinese students in Australia and the majority like to go home for CNY, any dickhead could have made that decsion.

If we had real leadership, then we would have done the same with Korea, Italy, Iran etc weeks ago, but we didn't.

[bornadog]

Thanks for the correction. Wording duly changed in my previous post.

The decision does show decisive action and leadership being undertaken.

If you want the F1 banned then the medicos have to speak up. Decisions are made by governments after medical advise.



128 confirmed cases in AustraliaBy Melissa Cunningham
Federal health minister Greg Hunt says questions around more travel bans have been put to the national security team by the Prime Minister.

There are 128 confirmed cases in Australia so far, Mr Hunt said.

“We want to add our support to those who are infected and do become infected as it can be a very stressful time,” he said.

“We will continue to follow the advice of medical experts because it’s allowed for us to be ahead of the curve,” he said. “It has allowed us to treat and isolate patients and provide the best possible care.”

As of Tuesday, Victorian Chief Medical officer says F1 should go ahead. Maybe they will cancel last minute.

[Eastdog]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/confirmed-coronavirus-case-was-in-attendance-at-mcg-t20-world-cup-final/news-story/e6751332d5fdf583452aa64e36f4f3cd

Confirmed coronavirus case was in attendance at MCG T20 World Cup Final
MARCH 12, 2020 3:18PM

The latest cases of the spread of coronavirus in Victoria have been revealed with one person listed as having attended Sunday’s T20 World Cup Final between Australia and India at the MCG.

A record-breaking crowd for a women’s sporting event in Australia of 86,174 packed into the MCG to watch on as Australia claimed a historic victory in euphoric circumstances.

Six new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Thursday afternoon with one of those cases being listed as having attended the contest.

The state’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton said, said the new diagnoses related to men aged between 30 and 70.

Five had recently returned from international travel and the sixth had been in close contact with a confirmed case.

The man was in the MCC Members area on Level 2 of the stadium.


Serious questions have been raised about sporting events taking place in Australia since the pandemic began.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan addressed games potentially taking place in front of empty stadiums


“The safety of our players, staff at clubs, our venues, our supporters and even our own office is paramount, so it is important that we take the advice of those that know best,” McLachlan said.

“That advice to date – like for the rest of the country – is for people to take care of their personal hygiene and to get themselves checked if they feel like they have flu-like symptoms – but also to go about their usual routine whether work, personal lives or sport.

“The Victorian Government has signalled today that it is likely large public gatherings will be impacted at some stage in the future and it is prudent that we are prepared and planned.

“If mass gatherings are suspended then we will play games in stadiums with no crowds.”

[Sedat]

For starters, I am not stupid

Stopping travel to China was a no brainer as there are over 200,000 overseas Chinese students in Australia and the majority like to go home for CNY, any dickhead could have made that decsion.

If we had real leadership, then we would have done the same with Korea, Italy, Iran etc weeks ago, but we didn't.
Your unnecessarily aggressive post contains too much enotionally charged partisan political bias for me to waste any further time continuing to debate this topic with you. Suffice to say, we are at 3 fatalities and 120 odd cases nationally - the facts speak for themselves, and I'm personally very appreciative of the swift action and decisive leadership displayed federally to significantly slow the spread of this virus from the source, well before the WHO and other countries were even awake. I recall we were heavily criticised as being xenophobic by the Chinese govt at the time - those words and views haven't aged well at all in light of subsequent events. But apparently "any dickhead could have made that decision"(your words), except that no other countries and global health organizations did at the time.

I fear the decision by the Vic State Govt to go ahead with the GP puts our outstanding national record thus far in containing the spread of the virus under threat. I am sinply making a judgement on a decision made by our State Govt and I sincerely hope I'm wrong. Your opinion is different, which is entirely your prerogative.

[1eyedog]

You won't be wrong. I read an horrific account of what is transpiring in Northern Italy right now. It comes from a medical professional who has direct contact with medical specialists at the front line. If you're interested here's his twitter post.

https://twitter.com/jasonvanschoor/status/1237142891077697538

I think we agree the time for containment is over and many believe the fight is lost in terms of community spread. We're now moving to the anticipated large-scale hospitalisations and overrun EDs with only the critical being attended to, as per the Twitter post above. Our numbers would be well under-estimated. The virus is now anywhere and is extremely cunning in that it can transmit without symptoms.

Aside from AFL game cancellations, a concern is growing re. China's numbers. Deaths outside China are far higher than within China itself. Anyway, the time to contain has been lost. The only way to buy serious time was to cancel all international travel at the outset and that was never going to happen. At least we've had this window to scramble some processes together, unlike poor Europe.

[bornadog]

You won't be wrong. I read an horrific account of what is transpiring in Northern Italy right now. It comes from a medical professional who has direct contact with medical specialists at the front line. If you're interested here's his twitter post.

https://twitter.com/jasonvanschoor/status/1237142891077697538

I think we agree the time for containment is over and many believe the fight is lost in terms of community spread. We're now moving to the anticipated large-scale hospitalisations and overrun EDs with only the critical being attended to, as per the Twitter post above. Our numbers would be well under-estimated. The virus is now anywhere and is extremely cunning in that it can transmit without symptoms.

Aside from AFL game cancellations, a concern is growing re. China's numbers. Deaths outside China are far higher than within China itself. Anyway, the time to contain has been lost. The only way to buy serious time was to cancel all international travel at the outset and that was never going to happen. At least we've had this window to scramble some processes together, unlike poor Europe.

Spot on 1eyedog, you get the point, it's not just the f1, it's more than that, and the Fed Gov should have been more aggressive towards keeping the country free of the virus.

[G-Mo77]

Thanks for the correction. Wording duly changed in my previous post.

The decision does show decisive action and leadership being undertaken.

It is a little different because a player was infected with the virus but it is still the exact same virus.

IMO postponing the season would be a very good idea right now. AFL don't have the balls to do it, Channel 7 will push for this season to run as per normal and it will.

[Twodogs]

Let's just calm down or I will close this thread.

I've NEVER closed a thread on WOOF. You have all been warned.

[jeemak]

Your unnecessarily aggressive post contains too much enotionally charged partisan political bias for me to waste any further time continuing to debate this topic with you. Suffice to say, we are at 3 fatalities and 120 odd cases nationally - the facts speak for themselves, and I'm personally very appreciative of the swift action and decisive leadership displayed federally to significantly slow the spread of this virus from the source, well before the WHO and other countries were even awake. I recall we were heavily criticised as being xenophobic by the Chinese govt at the time - those words and views haven't aged well at all in light of subsequent events. But apparently "any dickhead could have made that decision"(your words), except that no other countries and global health organizations did at the time.

I fear the decision by the Vic State Govt to go ahead with the GP puts our outstanding national record thus far in containing the spread of the virus under threat. I am sinply making a judgement on a decision made by our State Govt and I sincerely hope I'm wrong. Your opinion is different, which is entirely your prerogative.

The good news is you're both kind of right, and both kind of wrong!

The federal government followed the US initially (which it would have done for political purposes) but prior to then the biosecurity act was initiated by Australia's chief health officer's department which meant it was legislated Australia's politicians had to act in accordance with their advice. After the bushfires there was no way Morrison would act against this advice or let it his actions be seen as political.

If Morrison didn't follow the US the relationship with the US is under pressure, and it's more important to us than the China relationship. If Morrison didn't follow the expert advice he's in a bushfire situation all over again, and it would have killed him politically no matter how things panned out.

With Victoria it's a bit tricky. I haven't heard any LNP members lambasting Andrews for not cancelling the Grand Prix. Why? Because it's probably not consistent with the state chief health officers advice (again, it is legislated this is followed). Andrews will get the blame for things next week as things escalate, but it's not his fault the race is going ahead.

[Sedat]

https://au.sports.yahoo.com/formula-1-lewis-hamilton-australian-grand-prix-coronavirus-albert-park-mercedes-060250301.html

Interesting that the biggest driver in F1 is savaging his employers so publicly. I think Riccardo has also been less than conplimentary.

If I was a betting man I'd expect the early rounds of the AFL season to be played behind closed doors. As others have alluded, there's no way in hell that Ch 7 would let the season be suspended for any length of time, especialy with their multi million dollar investment in the Olympics currently in a parlous state for Tokyo 2020.

[GVGjr]

Sorry, but this fails the sniff test and goes completely against everything that is taking place both in Australia and globally with regard to large gathering sporting and cultural events. Get ready for a sharp rise in cass in Melbourne next week that were "unprecedented" and "unforeseen" lol

Vic State Govt dropped the ball because this is a money spinner for the state and we are already bursting with massive debt on large infrastructure projects that are spiralling way over budget. The Vic State Govt has been an outlier in Australia by actually putting self-interest ahead of the general public's well-being, which no other state and territory govt has done, nor has the federal govt. The GP is a massive international event frequented by huge numbers of tourists from Europe and especially Italy, which happens to be completely in lockdown. It is madness that we are allowing this event to run without any restrictions.

It will be interesting to see if the Government changes the approach a day or so after the GP is completed. Our focus on attracting, promoting and maintaining major sporting events might have superseded what is best for the public

[Bulldog4life]

It will be interesting to see if the Government changes the approach a day or so after the GP is completed. Our focus on attracting, promoting and maintaining major sporting events might have superseded what is best for the public

I saw the Federal Minister for Health on tele tonight saying at this stage the race will go ahead. It is not just the State Govt deciding this.

[bornadog]

"I'm going to the footy this weekend." Scott Morrison says no health advice to cancel events as yet.

[Bulldog4life]

I saw the Federal Minister for Health on tele tonight saying at this stage the race will go ahead. It is not just the State Govt deciding this.

'
This is what Hunt said.

https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/federal-health-minister-updates-covid19-travel-bans-grand-prix-stimulus-package/video/bec45a0d349838a5c0b22c236bd4708c

[Rocket Science]

I'm not aiming to shoot the messenger here but forgive me if I don't automatically defer to the bloke whose list of kills includes the Great Barrier Reef (https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/05/30/environment-minister-greg-hunt-says-the-great-barrier-reef-is-be_a_21386213/).

They reckon a week's a long time in football. Well she's a freakin eternity in pandemic land.

Of course this all goes down the year we've locked and loaded the most fearsome forward line EVER.

[Sedat]

Maclaren have voluntarily withdrawn from the GP. Strong rumors that other teams will follow suit.

[bornadog]

Maclaren have voluntarily withdrawn from the GP. Strong rumors that other teams will follow suit.

Must be canceled now

[jeemak]

Maclaren have voluntarily withdrawn from the GP. Strong rumors that other teams will follow suit.

Because they had team members test suspected or test positive for the virus Sedat. No more, no less. Not for virtuous or political reasons.

[Rocket Science]

With playoffs nearing the NHL now inching closer to cancelling or at least postponing the season remainder ...

https://i.ibb.co/vJSd0xv/Screen-Shot-2020-03-13-at-1-02-09-am.png (https://ibb.co/D7ZM0Dg)

[jeemak]

Well when news came out that the AFL predicting the first few rounds would be OK, did anyone really think that the first few rounds will be OK?

The NRL season just kicked off, I can assure you by Thursday there will be a shit tonne of CV issues raised from it. I'm calling you out Sedat, get upset about all this toooooooo! Jaaaaaaaa!

[jeemak]

All - again, refer to basic rules around preparation and being able to segregate yourselves from the broader population and loved ones. Make sure loved ones who are older have a segregation plan in place.

Do not panic buy, just make sure you have enough essentials to be comfortable to get you through a couple to a few weeks.

Do not be Fury Road or Thunder Dome Oriented. Try not to break a deal, but if you do, rest assured, you will not have to face the wheel. Relax.

Love each other. It's not your fault or anyone's fault if CV19 hits you. Be nice, help.

[The Adelaide Connection]

It's a first-world problem I know- have flights over for round 2 and a National gig at the Palais on the Monday night. Entirely expecting I will be locked out of the game and the gig will be called off too (they have already cancelled their shows in Japan).

It's a bit of a wait and see, but with each passing day and with each day seeing a major sport postponing/cancelling I am thinking that it is likely to be game over.

[Sedat]

Because they had team members test suspected or test positive for the virus Sedat. No more, no less. Not for virtuous or political reasons.
I didn't suggest what reasons, just relayed the news as it happened

[Sedat]

The NRL season just kicked off, I can assure you by Thursday there will be a shit tonne of CV issues raised from it. I'm calling you out Sedat, get upset about all this toooooooo! Jaaaaaaaa!
I'm upset about any compromising on public health that could have been minimised. The GP was the most glaring and obvious example in light of the significant rate of increase in infections coming out of Italy especially and Europe in general. A decision on the GP could have and should have occurred over a week ago. IMO, which would have greatly minimised our exposure from infected tourists and international guests.

Local sporting events without international tourists are a far less glaring example, but if they need to be held behind closed doors or suspended altogether I am 100% in favour of that.

[Bulldog4life]

I'm not aiming to shoot the messenger here but forgive me if I don't automatically defer to the bloke whose list of kills includes the Great Barrier Reef (https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/05/30/environment-minister-greg-hunt-says-the-great-barrier-reef-is-be_a_21386213/).

They reckon a week's a long time in football. Well she's a freakin eternity in pandemic land.

Of course this all goes down the year we've locked and loaded the most fearsome forward line EVER.

I am in Hunt's electorate. I didn't vote for him. I am labour through and through. My aim was to show the Grand Prix will be decided by the Federal Govt and the State Govt health professionals decision together. Not just the State Govt as previously quoted in this thread.

[bulldogtragic]

All - again, refer to basic rules around preparation and being able to segregate yourselves from the broader population and loved ones. Make sure loved ones who are older have a segregation plan in place.

Do not panic buy, just make sure you have enough essentials to be comfortable to get you through a couple to a few weeks.

Do not be Fury Road or Thunder Dome Oriented. Try not to break a deal, but if you do, rest assured, you will not have to face the wheel. Relax.

Love each other. It's not your fault or anyone's fault if CV19 hits you. Be nice, help.

Agree of be nice part. I was chatting to a supermarket staff member yesterday who did they liked someone being nice. I asked her why. She said all day she had been abused by people, predominately toilet paper related abuse.

Some humans are just *!*!*!*!ing awful. Abusing a supermarket worker over a manufacturer shortage through panic buying in garbage. You can choose to be nice. I hope we all choose the option you say Jeemak, be nice.

[1eyedog]

I'm upset about any compromising on public health that could have been minimised. The GP was the most glaring and obvious example in light of the significant rate of increase in infections coming out of Italy especially and Europe in general. A decision on the GP could have snd should have occurred over a week ago. IMO, which would have greatly minimised our exposure from infected tousists and international guests.

Local.sporting events without international tourists are a far less glaring example, but if they need to be held behind closed doors or suspended altogether I am 100% in favoir of that.

Agreed. Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore have learnt from SARS and acted quickly and decisively and have slowed the spread considerably. It was really unfortunate that the epicentre in Europe is probably the number one tourist spot on the Continent.

Reactive measures are like pissing up hill on one leg on a windy day when it comes to stemming the flow of this virus. That the Andrews Government put money over the health of people in regards to the F1 is an unacceptable inditement on his leadership.

[bulldogtragic]

F1 GP is cancelled apparently and according to BBC.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Hard to see any sporting competition around the world continuing anytime soon.

[G-Mo77]

Hard to see any sporting competition around the world continuing anytime soon.

NBA will be out of action for at least 30 days.

[bornadog]

You can cancel all the sports you want, but as long as people are out and about, flying in and out of the country, on crowded public transport, coronavirus will spread.

[bornadog]

F1 GP is cancelled apparently and according to BBC.

Not Yet. Chief Medical Officer has said no audience if it goes ahead. F1 governing authority meeting now to decide if they go ahead with no crowds.

Edit just now - They have decided to cancel the whole event

[bornadog]

ODI series v New Zealand (yes more cricket), will be played behind closed doors.

[chef]

Mikel Arteta has the virus.

[bornadog]

Mikel Arteta has the virus.

Plenty of people have it and probably don't know.

[angelopetraglia]

I can't see anyway the season starts even with zero crowds. The players will take a stance.

[angelopetraglia]

Stay safe WOOF community. The only option right now is social distancing. The sooner we act the better chance we have of avoiding the situation in Italy (Which is absolutely horrific. I have been in contact with a number of people in that part of the world and believe me, we don't want to go there. Even 25% of the situation in Italy becoming a reality here would be horrific.)

We need strong leadership. Unfortunately the Grand Prix fiasco has showed how inept our leadership in this state and country is.

This is worth a read https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca

Everyone can do their part. Don't gather in groups. Keep social distance.

[G-Mo77]

Plenty of people have it and probably don't know.

I'm worried I have it! I haven't been at work this week and have concerns about going to the Doctor or getting tested because if I don't have it I'm opening up my chances to catch it. I haven't been overseas and have minimal contact to people who have been in the restricted areas so I should be OK but there is still that what if? I did read COVID-19 is a dry cough mine is a chesty cough. Fingers crossed.

My toilet paper supply is OK so we should be fine here. :)

[bornadog]

I'm worried I have it! I haven't been at work this week and have concerns about going to the Doctor or getting tested because if I don't have it I'm opening up my chances to catch it. I haven't been overseas and have minimal contact to people who have been in the restricted areas so I should be OK but there is still that what if? I did read COVID-19 is a dry cough mine is a chesty cough. Fingers crossed.

My toilet paper supply is OK so we should be fine here. :)

Monitor yourself and if you think you do have it, I would get a test done - stuff them, you dopn't want to spread it to your family, especially the elderly.

You just don't know who has it and where they have been and how they caught it, even though you don't mingle with many people.

The reason I have been arguing about the F1, is why aren't people concerned about other mass gatherings such as theater, trams, trains, or crowded CBD area. I think we may have to shut down the lot for a few weeks and everyone stay home and then see if the virus starts to disappear. We are still letting in plane loads of people from Europe.

I have now ordered toilet paper online as the supermarkets are decimated. I asked the checkout girl when does the stock come in and she said early morning, but people are there and they grab what they can, so none left fopr the rest of the day.

[Twodogs]

Well when news came out that the AFL predicting the first few rounds would be OK, did anyone really think that the first few rounds will be OK?

The NRL season just kicked off, I can assure you by Thursday there will be a shit tonne of CV issues raised from it. I'm calling you out Sedat, get upset about all this toooooooo! Jaaaaaaaa!


Not a chance.

[Axe Man]

If we play games behind closed doors any chance we can move our home games to Whitten Oval? Would have to be a lot cheaper to stage them there than at Marvel.

[Twodogs]

If we play games behind closed doors any chance we can move our home games to Whitten Oval? Would have to be a lot cheaper to stage them there than at Marvel.

It's a great point but I doubt they would have the infrastructure to broadcast it properly at the ground any more. It's not just a matter of attaching some scaffolding with a tarp over the top to the side of the Gent stand these days

[bornadog]

It's a great point but I doubt they would have the infrastructure to broadcast it properly at the ground any more. It's not just a matter of attaching some scaffolding with a tarp over the top to the side of the Gent stand these days

They broadcast AFLW from there, but the lighting is not really up to standard

[Twodogs]

They broadcast AFLW from there, but the lighting is not really up to standard

Yeah, it suits a purpose in that it's OK for VFL and AFLw but it just wouldn't cover enough angles for a full blown AFL match anymore

[bornadog]

Yeah, it suits a purpose in that it's OK for VFL and AFLw but it just wouldn't cover enough angles for a full blown AFL match anymore

Also with Marvel and MCG, you can lock people out

[Sedat]

Agreed. Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore have learnt from SARS and acted quickly and decisively and have slowed the spread considerably. It was really unfortunate that the epicentre in Europe is probably the number one tourist spot on the Continent.

Reactive measures are like pissing up hill on one leg on a windy day when it comes to stemming the flow of this virus. That the Andrews Government put money over the health of people in regards to the F1 is an unacceptable inditement on his leadership.
Italy is currently the global Petri dish for this virus, closely followed by other large continental European countries like France and Spain. Common sense would suggest that if mass Ferrari tourists and personnel coming into Melbourne from Italy and Europe could be avoided, it should have been. There was a clear window to do this over a week ago when Bahrain made their decision to close off the general public from their GP, but that opportunity was not taken. Instead we had the hot mess that took place this morning, and our exposure to potentially increased cases from Italy and Europe this past week.

The comparison with local sporting events and local public transport is disingenuous at best, and likely designed to fit a political point-scoring narrative. These events will no doubt be held behind closed doors or suspended as the spread of the virus escalates, as they should. But it is insulting our intelligence to compare a local sporting event with an international event where the (currently) most affected and virulent part of the world is given a red carpet ride into the country.

My heart goes out to everyone in the medical industry, who are every bit the heroes at the moment that our fire fighters and voluntees were during the bushfires. I hope that the spread can be managed in Australia so that our health services are not stretched to bursting point as they currently are in Italy.

[bornadog]

Meanwhile flights in and out of the country continue

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Meanwhile flights in and out of the country continue

Yeah this is the one I can't understand.

No point banning sporting events if we're still allowing international travel.

Understand the impact this has on the economy, but do we want to contain the spread of the virus or not?

[comrade]

My heart goes out to everyone in the medical industry, who are every bit the heroes at the moment that our fire fighters and voluntees were during the bushfires. I hope that the spread can be managed in Australia so that our health services are not stretched to bursting point as they currently are in Italy.

Many fire stations now perform EMR duties before ambulances can arrive, and there has been at least 1 Covid scare that has shut down a station this week. Not looking forward to seeing what happens when/if the virus runs riot through our emergency services.

[bornadog]

Yeah this is the one I can't understand.

No point banning sporting events if we're still allowing international travel.

Understand the impact this has on the economy, but do we want to contain the spread of the virus or not?

Exactly, we need a proper plan to contain the virus.

[Sedat]

Re: general international travel, Australia already has the strictest quarantining and screening processes in the world for all international arrivals. Are people honestly suggesting that we close off our borders to the entire world when our rate of infection is still incredibly low compared to the rest of the world (as the hard work was done cutting off the source, China, so early)? Arrivals from the global hot spots of China, Korea, Iran and Italy have already all been banned, and no doubt arrivals from other couintries will follow suit if their intection rates continue to rise. Closing off borders from the entire world is truly a nuclear option, and may not actually stop the spread now that the genie is out of the bottle. It's all about managing the spread now so that health services can function as efficiently as possible, and luckily with under 200 confirmed cases as of today, we are so much better prepared than most of the rest of the world for the difficult weeks and months ahead.

[chef]

Callum Hudson-Odoi tests positive for coronavirus. Chelsea squad to self-isolate. Situation developing all the time in the Premier League. #CFC

[Sedat]

Many fire stations now perform EMR duties before ambulances can arrive, and there has been at least 1 Covid scare that has shut down a station this week. Not looking forward to seeing what happens when/if the virus runs riot through our emergency services.
That is sad to hear. I hope there is a full recovery for that individual/station. They are absolute heroes and still have many months of hard work ahead.

[Rocket Science]

Yeah this is the one I can't understand.

No point banning sporting events if we're still allowing international travel.

Understand the impact this has on the economy, but do we want to contain the spread of the virus or not?

There's an argument advanced by those qualified to comment that travel bans - at this point - are literally useless. I think the phrase employed was it's about as helpful a measure now as "locking the door after the axe killer's entered your house", and potentially a distraction from more effective day to day measures.

Speaking of which, when does the AFEL blink?

[bornadog]

There's an argument advanced by those qualified to comment that travel bans - at this point - are literally useless. I think the phrase employed was it's about as helpful a measure now as "locking the door after the axe killer's entered your house", and potentially a distraction from more effective day to day measures.

Speaking of which, when does the AFEL blink?


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ES8-zaRUYAETsyZ?format=jpg&name=medium

[Mofra]

There's an argument advanced by those qualified to comment that travel bans - at this point - are literally useless. I think the phrase employed was it's about as helpful a measure now as "locking the door after the axe killer's entered your house", and potentially a distraction from more effective day to day measures.

Speaking of which, when does the AFEL blink?
It's not about stopping the spread completely, it's about slowing the rate of infection so our medical services can cope.
In the areas of Italy where they've been swamped with infection the medical staff are selecting which patients to incubate and which to avoid treating, simply because they don't have the resources. It's part of the reason their fatality rate is higher than other countries.

[Rocket Science]

Assuming this is legit, looks like the AFEL might've just had the decision made for them.

https://i.ibb.co/SRHc931/Screen-Shot-2020-03-13-at-1-37-16-PM.png (https://imgbb.com/)

It is Chris Uhlmann though, sooo ...

[bornadog]

https://i.ibb.co/SRHc931/Screen-Shot-2020-03-13-at-1-37-16-PM.png (https://imgbb.com/)

Yet this morning Scotty from marketing saying everyone should go on as usual and attend sports etc.

[Mofra]

Some music festivals have been cancelled already.

[comrade]

Melbourne Spartan race scheduled for 28th has been postponed indefinitely.

[jeemak]

Agreed. Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore have learnt from SARS and acted quickly and decisively and have slowed the spread considerably. It was really unfortunate that the epicentre in Europe is probably the number one tourist spot on the Continent.

Reactive measures are like pissing up hill on one leg on a windy day when it comes to stemming the flow of this virus. That the Andrews Government put money over the health of people in regards to the F1 is an unacceptable inditement on his leadership.

This is the point though. The state government literally cannot act against the advice of the state's chief health office. Nor can the federal government.

Go ahead and say the state's chief health officer has been swayed by political influence. Not sure Gary wants to be sued but sure.

[jeemak]

Some music festivals have been cancelled already.

I do love the optimism of the techno scene, not a single cancellation which is funny given the nose to bill/straw prevalence within that community.

[Mofra]

I do love the optimism of the techno scene, not a single cancellation which is funny given the nose to bill/straw prevalence within that community.
Confest has been postponed which has a crossover of attendees. I'm not sure Rainbow will go ahead, it's set for easter but it's an enormous event and has already been delayed from January post-bushfires with the site still recovering.

[bornadog]

Confest has been postponed which has a crossover of attendees. I'm not sure Rainbow will go ahead, it's set for easter but it's an enormous event and has already been delayed from January post-bushfires with the site still recovering.

New Order have cancelled this weekend.

[jeemak]

Confest has been postponed which has a crossover of attendees. I'm not sure Rainbow will go ahead, it's set for easter but it's an enormous event and has already been delayed from January post-bushfires with the site still recovering.

I wonder what two cancellations within four months would do to their coffers. Their production values are excellent, but not sure there's a huge profit margin once it's all done and dusted. Paying a roster of international DJs twice without being able to present them would be costly.

[Mofra]

I wonder what two cancellations within four months would do to their coffers. Their production values are excellent, but not sure there's a huge profit margin once it's all done and dusted. Paying a roster of international DJs twice without being able to present them would be costly.
In December I was told they "can't afford to cancel" which I understand is why they had a one off event and delayed the main festival.

Festival margins are pretty thin at the best of times.

[chef]

Dark Mofo postponed this years festival as itd cost them up to $8m to cancel it late and would send them broke.

[bulldogtragic]

A Hawthorn member received an email from their President (Jeff) saying that Coronavirus will hit them at least 10% on the bottom line before any changes to the season that the AFEL may or may not make. He doubled down on the the need for current Hawthorn members to help encourage Hawthorn fans to sign up for memberships to help the club withstand the financial impact of Coronavirus.

Not a bad message and way to try to stimulate memberships to help a footy club through uncertain times.

[bornadog]

A Hawthorn member received an email from their President (Jeff) saying that Coronavirus will hit them at least 10% on the bottom line before any changes to the season that the AFEL may or may not make. He doubled down on the the need for current Hawthorn members to help encourage Hawthorn fans to sign up for memberships to help the club withstand the financial impact of Coronavirus.

Not a bad message and way to try to stimulate memberships to help a footy club through uncertain times.

Our 50k - no way

[Happy Days]

I was at Golden Plains on the weekend, which some jerk with the virus went to as well and caused me to FREAK out yesterday when I found out about it. Even worse was having to admit to my new boss that I went to a music festival 2 days after starting a job.

Feels inevitable that #everythingiscancelled at this point. Why couldn’t this have happened before cricket season.

[mjp]

Strange decisions by the cabinet. Why is 500 the maximum gathering size? And why does the ban start Monday?

I’m a bit lost.

And I’ve lost like, a lot of (admittedly electronic) money. And I have a business that is going to be heavily impacted...I don’t know what I was expecting but whatever Scotty just told me wasn’t it.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Strange decisions by the cabinet. Why is 500 the maximum gathering size? And why does the ban start Monday?

I’m a bit lost.

And I’ve lost like, a lot of (admittedly electronic) money. And I have a business that is going to be heavily impacted...I don’t know what I was expecting but whatever Scotty just told me wasn’t it.

For anyone who is interested I think this is a fantastic analysis of what the world is facing right now.

No hyperbole, no partisan spin, just evidence based analysis.
https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca

[Axe Man]

For anyone who is interested I think this is a fantastic analysis of what the world is facing right now.

No hyperbole, no partisan spin, just evidence based analysis.
https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca

It is an interesting read, quite worrying and also posted a couple of pages back.;)

[Axe Man]

Strange decisions by the cabinet. Why is 500 the maximum gathering size? And why does the ban start Monday?

I’m a bit lost.

And I’ve lost like, a lot of (admittedly electronic) money. And I have a business that is going to be heavily impacted...I don’t know what I was expecting but whatever Scotty just told me wasn’t it.

If you employ staff your business will be getting some cash from the government at least, small comfort but better than nothing.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

It is an interesting read, quite worrying and also posted a couple of pages back.;)

Apologies. Just came across it and saw MJP's post when checking my phone.

[Axe Man]

Apologies. Just came across it and saw MJP's post when checking my phone.

No need to apologise, this thread, like the whole coronavirus situation, is fast moving.

[bornadog]

Government has advised all citizens to not fly out of the country, but leaving it up to individuals.

[Remi Moses]

Gatherings over 500 are banned from Monday
Sharks play Sunday and he’s going ( leadership 101)
Why does it start Monday and not now ?

[bulldogtragic]

Gatherings over 500 are banned from Monday
Sharks play Sunday and he’s going ( leadership 101)
Why does it start Monday and not now ?

Presumably to give people time to change plans, make alternatives and have a little bit of notice as a guess. No politician in power or in opposition is going to look great right now. I'm personally happy to wait to the backend of all of this to evaluate the key people and whether their decisions were good, bad or other.

[Remi Moses]

Not sure waiting two days instead of straight away , but we’ll see .

[whythelongface]

Gatherings over 500 are banned from Monday
Sharks play Sunday and he’s going ( leadership 101)
Why does it start Monday and not now ?

Good question. Seems like strange advice from whomever is providing it. It should be immediate

[Rocket Science]

Well if if COVID-19 teaches us anything it may be that karma is a real and actual thing.

https://i.ibb.co/stsKLdG/Screen-Shot-2020-03-13-at-5-59-11-PM.png (https://imgbb.com/)

Thoughts and prayers.

[Bulldog4life]

Dutton has tested positive

[azabob]

Gatherings over 500 are banned from Monday
Sharks play Sunday and he’s going ( leadership 101)
Why does it start Monday and not now ?

Because Coranavirus has the weekend off?

[Happy Days]

Well if if COVID-19 teaches us anything it may be that karma is a real and actual thing.

https://i.ibb.co/stsKLdG/Screen-Shot-2020-03-13-at-5-59-11-PM.png (https://imgbb.com/)

Thoughts and prayers.

One more for the good guys.

[Bulldog4life]

Gatherings over 500 are banned from Monday
Sharks play Sunday and he’s going ( leadership 101)
Why does it start Monday and not now ?

There is an International Hillsong conference on the weekend too.

[Twodogs]

C7 reporting that R1 will go ahead in front of empty stadiums

[Twodogs]

C7 reporting that R1 will go ahead in front of empty stadiums

Confirmed.

Then it will be on a week by week decision based on government and medical advice. The AFL have pointed out that they have 2 byes and there are 2 weeks before the Grand Final has to be played before cricket starts that they can catch up any postponed rounds.

The players wanted to cancel the first two rounds outright or at least postpone them. The Association are really opposed to playing in empty stadiums

[G-Mo77]

C7 reporting that R1 will go ahead in front of empty stadiums

Weak as piss AFL. Players and officials don't interact with anyone outside the club? Postpone the dam thing and stop letting Channel 7 dictate with their wallets.

[Axe Man]

Weak as piss AFL. Players and officials don't interact with anyone outside the club? Postpone the dam thing and stop letting Channel 7 dictate with their wallets.

Why? Should I stop going to work? Should I keep my kids home from school and daycare? Until the medical chiefs advise otherwise I hope we continue to keep some level of normalcy.

[Twodogs]

Weak as piss AFL. Players and officials don't interact with anyone outside the club? Postpone the dam thing and stop letting Channel 7 dictate with their wallets.

That's where the true lunacy lies. The players will still be contacting each other. Violently. They are competitive bastards-that's what we pay them the big bucks for because there are plenty of players with the same skill level running around at lower levels. These boys like to win and will do anything to achieve it and if that means risking maybe catching an abstract illness in the future then so be it.

[Before I Die]

C7 reporting that R1 will go ahead in front of empty stadiums

If they also enforce a 1 metre rule between players it could solve the scoring dilemma.

[bornadog]

At least the umpiring against Collingwood won't be swayed by crowd noise

[bornadog]

The poor bastards we have stuck on them have enough problems without Dutton sneezing all over them.

Remote with no one on there :D

[G-Mo77]

Why? Should I stop going to work? Should I keep my kids home from school and daycare? Until the medical chiefs advise otherwise I hope we continue to keep some level of normalcy.

Schools? Yeah I'm worried about that. I honestly think our school holidays will start early or be extended. Normal day to day jobs? Precautions can be taken, it's not ideal but the world cannot stop.....yet. Playing a game of football? How can that be played without risk of infection?

[josie]

Recommend reading very good, science based posts on big footy about covid on page 4 - posts #82 & #83 by x_box_x. Describes asymptotic nature of spread of virus and need to slow down infection numbers so health system has a hope of keeping up. Sober reading.

I predicted yesterday AFL would play round 1 at minimum to empty stadiums. Wise decision by AFL.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I'd prefer they postpone it. Shit decision by the AFL but I'm betting this changes early next week.

[Sedat]

I'd prefer they postpone it. Shit decision by the AFL but I'm betting this changes early next week.
Over their dead body will Ch 7 allow the season to be suspended for any length of time.

On the flip side, their over-crowded commentary booth might exceed the 500 person limit.

[FrediKanoute]

Here in the UK we are expecting the Govt to cave next week and close schools etc.

Mass gatherings still allowed so far though. The Cat Empire were great last night!

[Sedat]

Tony Sheahan tweeted that a Melbourne based club doctor has tested positive for Coronavirus.

[bulldogtragic]

Club Statement:

To our loyal Bulldogs members and fans,

We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the Club’s approach in responding to the COVID-19 virus.

What we’re all dealing with is unprecedented and it will continue to change rapidly. So, we expect you’ll hear more than one update from us over the next few weeks and throughout the season.

We’re in constant contact with the AFL and continue to take advice from the State and Federal Governments, as well as the relevant medical authorities.

To best coordinate our response to the current circumstances, the Club has created an internal committee through which we are doing our own scenario planning, including dealing with the inevitable financial consequences.

Protecting the health and wellbeing of our players, staff, members and fans is our first priority. Part of that is also doing our best as a club and as individuals to contain and delay the spread of the virus as a community, to give our health services the best possible chance to deal with the sick and to better protect the more vulnerable members of our community.

The AFL has taken the wise decision to conduct Round 1 of the AFL men’s season and Round 6 of the AFLW competition with no supporters in attendance and to limit access to those players and officials who are essential to the game being staged.

This obviously includes our home game this Sunday at the VU Whitten Oval against Fremantle and our home game against Collingwood on Friday, March 20 at Marvel Stadium. We expect that these will be the first in a series of decisions we will have to deal with this season as a club and as a community.

In difficult times, footy brings hope and happiness to people and we know that that’s an important role we can play in 2020. We are determined to play that role.

For those who’ve already signed up as members for the 2020 season, or bought tickets to our matches, we’d like to take this chance to sincerely thank you for your commitment to the Western Bulldogs.

Whatever the outcome of the 2020 AFL season, your contribution to the Club will prove to be extremely critical as we brace for what will be a significant shortfall in revenue over the next few months caused by the effects of this virus.

Having budgeted last year for another healthy profit in 2020, we now accept the reality that this virus will also bite deep into our revenues and it will add to our expenses. We have built the financial strength to endure times like these. We are going to take the hit and do our best to protect the jobs of each and every one of the fine people who work for the Western Bulldogs.

In terms of our home here at VU Whitten Oval, the Club has already enforced an indefinite restriction on patrons entering the administration offices and football areas at VU Whitten Oval.

As of tonight, Barkers Café and the Bulldog Shop will also be closed to the public, however membership inquiries can be made by calling 1300 GO DOGS, and merchandise can be purchased online.

Once again, thanks for your ongoing support of the Bulldogs, stay safe and healthy, and we’ll be in touch with further updates as soon as we can.

In 2020, we are going to show the world what it means to be more Bulldog.

Peter Gordon and Ameet Bains

[bornadog]

I hope supporters don't get pissed off and demand money back?

[Remi Moses]

I’m sure there will be a few who are completely clueless and have no sense of perspective.
Right decision made, and it’s going to be so odd

[bulldogtragic]

I hope supporters don't get pissed off and demand money back?

Those 7,000 people waiting to see if they should join as members... We know what they're not doing now. Between this and the hole from pokies revenue, it's going to hurt the club a fair bit at a guess. Hopefully the AFEL will help the clubs, although I doubt it.

[G-Mo77]

I hope supporters don't get pissed off and demand money back?

I think that's a given. I don't blame people and won't shame them either. For me I'm financially stable, the money for a membership I see as a donation to the club more than anything and that's all it will be until I can atend a game if that happens. There are going to be lots of people unable to work at all soon. Picture a casual worker stood down due to the virus and their club they support asking for their money every month....ouch!

[bulldogtragic]

EPL, La Liga & UEFA minimum 3 week suspension.

Pretty much every pro sport suspending games, except AFEL.

[chef]

EPL, La Liga & UEFA minimum 3 week suspension.

Pretty much every pro sport suspending games, except AFEL.

Like the EPL just waiting on a player to get infected.

[GVGjr]

I hope supporters don't get pissed off and demand money back?

I'd hope most members weather the storm but it's hard to be critical of anyone who might be impacted by this virus with their work etc putting their hand up for a partial or full refund.
As much as we would all like to think our members will stick with the club during these testing times it doesn't mean we should think anything less of those who request a refund.

Just think of the 1000's of staff in the hospitality industry who now miss out on work each weekend when the games are cancelled for them. This is going to test a lot of people and we should respect our members enough that they will make the right decision given their circumstances.

We are a remarkably resilient club and our members will do what they can to support the club and while this is going to be a challenge the efforts of the President and his team over the last few years have put us in a strongest position ever to cover this.

I'm hoping our club sponsors stick with us as well

[bulldogtragic]

EPL, La Liga & UEFA minimum 3 week suspension.

Pretty much every pro sport suspending games, except AFEL.

Updated:

So susp/canceled: NBA, MLB, NHL, ATP, EPL, La Liga, UEFA & Europa, Aust F1 GP. Now add: French League Football, 3 more F1 GPS, Formula E, PGA Tour including the US Masters at Augusta, March Madness in the US and so on.

Not susp/canceled: AFEL, NRL, Super Rugby

[bulldogtragic]

I wonder if the elite U/18 leagues will go ahead unimpacted and if the champs proceed unimpacted, then what impact that has on the draft. For us, JUH, Raak & MacPherson will probably be the bulk. But the player rankings and kids (who we tend to draft) who bloom late in the season might not get enough exposure. At first thought it's potentially bad for a lot of kids, and known quantities get higher bids, but my leave some diamonds in the rough on the board later. The potential of a more of a hit and miss draft result for almost all the clubs could be on the cards, while our priority access kids might cost a bit more. I wonder if state leagues will allow perhaps 6 players to return in 2021 as overage players. And/Or allow three players to develop at the state feeder clubs (ie Footscray) and give the clubs a priority access to them but no points discount. Just to give this year's kids every chance to realise their dream.

[whythelongface]

Updated:

So susp/canceled: NBA, MLB, NHL, ATP, EPL, La Liga, UEFA & Europa, Aust F1 GP. Now add: French League Football, 3 more F1 GPS, Formula E, PGA Tour including the US Masters at Augusta, March Madness in the US and so on.

Not susp/canceled: AFEL

You can add NRL and Super Rugby to the not suspended/ cancelled list though i suspect we will see all this change in the next few days and there won't be any professional sport for a few months.

Wonder if this will trickle down to local junior competitions - suspect it will.

[The Adelaide Connection]

You can add NRL and Super Rugby to the not suspended/ cancelled list though i suspect we will see all this change in the next few days and there won't be any professional sport for a few months.

Wonder if this will trickle down to local junior competitions - suspect it will.

Basketball SA have cancelled Junior district comps until at least Easter.

[Doc26]

I'd prefer they postpone it. Shit decision by the AFL but I'm betting this changes early next week.

It is only a matter of time before a player tests positive, sending many of the players (if not all) in his circle to be isolated.
This will force the AFL to postpone the season given how compromised the competition will have become.

[bornadog]

I'd hope most members weather the storm but it's hard to be critical of anyone who might be impacted by this virus with their work etc putting their hand up for a partial or full refund.
As much as we would all like to think our members will stick with the club during these testing times it doesn't mean we should think anything less of those who request a refund.

Just think of the 1000's of staff in the hospitality industry who now miss out on work each weekend when the games are cancelled for them. This is going to test a lot of people and we should respect our members enough that they will make the right decision given their circumstances.

We are a remarkably resilient club and our members will do what they can to support the club and while this is going to be a challenge the efforts of the President and his team over the last few years have put us in a strongest position ever to cover this.

I'm hoping our club sponsors stick with us as well

No, I wouldn't blame anyone wanting a refund, or partial refund. I am just hoping it doesn't happen for the sake of the club.

[bornadog]

AFL ponders radical mini-draft to help clubs cover any players that contract coronavirus (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-coronavirus-updates-mini-draft-afl-draft-2020-help-cover-players-lists-now-crowds/news-story/e5f5afdf4f81dbe5acdd550edbe8fcd1)

[Eastdog]

Right decision in the best interests of everyone’s health. Will be watching at home in the eastern suburbs in my reserve seat watching on TV cheering on the Dogs. Still could be more developments to come they might postpone the season.

[bornadog]

This is how you deal with Coronavirus if you are serious about stopping it spread:


New Zealand will require all international passengers - including returning Kiwis - to self-isolate for a fortnight as the country locks down to ward off the spread of coronavirus



We are an island, and we must contain the virus as well as keep it out. Our Government is too gutless to do this as all they care about is the impact on the economy and big business.

NZ one day team have cancelled the next two games and are quickly heading back

[SonofScray]

Can't see the season going ahead to be honest.

[GVGjr]

Can't see the season going ahead to be honest.

I think one of the options the AFL should consider is shutting down the games and the byes now and looking at a 17 game season where you play each team once. That would give us something line 7 weeks from now to work out if games can be played in front of crowds etc. If necessary a final series between the top 4 to 6 teams and that would buy us some more time

While it's looking grim at the moment there are a range of options that could be considered which could still give us a competitive season

I noticed that the AFL is considering a draft to top up playing lists in case players have to sit things out for a period of time

[bornadog]

I think one of the options the AFL should consider is shutting down the games and the byes now and looking at a 17 game season where you play each team once. That would give us something line 7 weeks from now to work out if games can be played in front of crowds etc. If necessary a final series between the top 4 to 6 teams and that would buy us some more time

While it's looking grim at the moment there are a range of options that could be considered which could still give us a competitive season

I noticed that the AFL is considering a draft to top up playing lists in case players have to sit things out for a period of time

They can also utilze some weeks in October. Mens T20 world cup starts October 25 at the G

[GVGjr]

They can also utilze some weeks in October. Mens T20 world cup starts October 25 at the G

There are a number of options but putting back the start of the season for 7 weeks or so rather than playing in front of empty stadiums is, I think, a better compromise.

[josie]

This is how you deal with Coronavirus if you are serious about stopping it spread:



We are an island, and we must contain the virus as well as keep it out. Our Government is too gutless to do this as all they care about is the impact on the economy and big business.

NZ one day team and cancelled the next two games and are quickly heading back

Agree BAD. I do not watch TV nor listen to radio much so maybe already in progress.... Also think Govt should be blitzing us with precautions we should be taking to be personally responsible incl internet, social media etc.

[Dry Rot]

Dunno if I posted this before - Dr John Campbell is a great source of timely info, well explained. UK based, so daily updates come in overnight.

Good daily updates, plus additional useful relevant vids about associated subjects

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF9IOB2TExg3QIBupFtBDxg

[josie]

Just read Gov has apparently started tv, radio, newspaper, social media & bus stops.

[bornadog]

Just read Gov has apparently started tv, radio, newspaper, social media & bus stops.

How many weeks late, but I guess better late than never

[Dry Rot]

There are a number of options but putting back the start of the season for 7 weeks or so rather than playing in front of empty stadiums is, I think, a better compromise.

The problem is that the govt's aim is to smooth the hump of infections and push this out for many months.

If that works (unlike in Italy) it will help health and medical resources but screw winter sports.

Remember, it took 3 months to get it under control in Wuhan, using extreme measures.

[Dry Rot]

Interesting research from China

Coronavirus can travel twice as far as official ‘safe distance’ and stay in air for 30 minutes, Chinese study finds

https://www.scmp.com/print/news/china/science/article/3074351/coronavirus-can-travel-twice-far-official-safe-distance-and-stay

Not good for AFL players travelling interstate

[Dry Rot]

Here's an account of what is happening in Italy. We are 2 -4 weeks behind them.

Warning: this is quite disturbing

From an Italian to the rest of the world: you have no idea about what's coming.

https://www.reddit.com/r/China_Flu/comments/fhxap2/from_an_italian_to_the_rest_of_the_world_you_have/?utm_content=body&utm_medium=post_embed&utm_name=d8c9508245f44c828fbb00088d20083a&utm_source=embedly&utm_term=fhxap2

[jeemak]

Here's an account of what is happening in Italy. We are 2 -4 weeks behind them.

Warning: this is quite disturbing

From an Italian to the rest of the world: you have no idea about what's coming.

https://www.reddit.com/r/China_Flu/comments/fhxap2/from_an_italian_to_the_rest_of_the_world_you_have/?utm_content=body&utm_medium=post_embed&utm_name=d8c9508245f44c828fbb00088d20083a&utm_source=embedly&utm_term=fhxap2

DR - full credit to you for being brave enough to call it out on this forum when nobody else was ready to. You helped me prepare my family sooner than I may have and I appreciate you getting it out there.

[Dry Rot]

DR - full credit to you for being brave enough to call it out on this forum when nobody else was ready to. You helped me prepare my family sooner than I may have and I appreciate you getting it out there.

Thanks and you are welcome mate.

Hopefully I have helped others here too. I have certainly copped some "alarmist" flak on forums for doing that. Other friends think I am just weird because I have a special interest- see below.

I started work on potential pandemics in 2005 (bird flu) and flu and pandemics have been a hobby of mine ever since. I was one of the first in Australia to pick up on Swine Flu in Mexico in 2009.

If you want to know why medical folk shat their pants about Swine Flu, google Spanish Flu - Swine Flu is genetically the grandson of this.

I always keep an eye out for cases of unexplained viral pneumonia in China, where most flus originate.

I always knew this day would come, but thought it would be bird flu.

Either way, her it is.

Please watch Dr John Campbell - very useful.

[westdog54]

With New Zealand's travel restrictions now in place its widely expected that the Super Rugby season will be called off.

There's just no way to manage it logistically. Ditto for the Bledisloe Cup/Tri-Nations. It's just not going to happen.

[1eyedog]

Thanks and you are welcome mate.

Hopefully I have helped others here too. I have certainly copped some "alarmist" flak on forums for doing that. Other friends think I am just weird because I have a special interest- see below.

I started work on potential pandemics in 2005 (bird flu) and flu and pandemics have been a hobby of mine ever since. I was one of the first in Australia to pick up on Swine Flu in Mexico in 2009.

If you want to know why medical folk shat their pants about Swine Flu, google Spanish Flu - Swine Flu is genetically the grandson of this.

I always keep an eye out for cases of unexplained viral pneumonia in China, where most flus originate.

I always knew this day would come, but thought it would be bird flu.

Either way, her it is.

Please watch Dr John Campbell - very useful.

Same.

I pulled my kids out of school last Monday and even got a phone call from school saying it wasn't necessary. We missed two parties in play centres last weekend, one of them was my son's best friend. That was tough love.

Reactive Government measures are like trying to catch water. We must practice social distancing as much as possible to slow the spread of this thing to ensure it does not get out of hand as fast as it has in Europe. We need to give our health professionals the best chance of coping when epicentres start opening up in Australia.

[Twodogs]

Here in the UK we are expecting the Govt to cave next week and close schools etc.

Mass gatherings still allowed so far though. The Cat Empire were great last night!

I played cricket with the guy who plays keyboards in Cat Empire. According to him he isn't a 'real' member of the band, he sees himself as a payed employee who works for a set wage and doesn't take a cut of the royalties-I've known a lot of musicians but I've never seen a set up like that. I've known bands where they ALL take a set wage and the rest is ploughed back into recording, paying for the van and all the equipment-Painters and Dockers worked on that model for years and they are fairly well off nowadays because the money is still rolling in whereas most of their contemporaries have pissed all of their money away on sex and drugs and rockn'roll.

[Twodogs]

Speaking of indoor sports. Handshaking is out so after the game we were doing the foot touching thing. Got through the game no problems, injured myself when I fell over while i was foot touching...

[Bulldog4life]

https://www.afl.com.au/news/385050/no-vfl-latest-developments-on-the-coronavirus-crisis

VICTORIAN AFL clubs are considering pulling their involvement from the 2020 VFL competition.

The move has been canvassed on Saturday in a series of conference calls and meetings with AFL officials, as the industry continues to wrestle with contingencies pertaining to the coronavirus outbreak.

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS AFL makes call on round one

A day after publicly committing to playing its round one series of matches as fixtured, the AFL again briefed club CEOs and presidents on Saturday morning and early afternoon about plans for round two and beyond.

It emerged during those discussions that several clubs believe they need to remove their players from any involvement with their VFL organisations, where they come in contact with people who are outside their own heavily-controlled and medically-focused work environments.

If a majority of Victorian clubs withdrew their players from VFL involvement, it would place the 2020 VFL season in jeopardy.


In other developments on Saturday, it emerged that:

- The AFL was prepared to cram up to six rounds of football into four weeks beyond round one, as a potential measure to stockpile some of the required 198 premiership games before the near-inevitability of the competition being shutdown indefinitely when the Coronavirus outbreaks peaks in Australia;

- There are mixed views among the AFL and its clubs as to what will happen if a player is diagnosed with coronavirus – some clubs believe the competition should be shut down immediately, others have the view that removing that player from the club and closely monitoring all others would allow for competition to continue;

ROUND ONE TICKETS Fans to get refunds

- Several players remain uneasy about the plans to start the 2020 season without spectator attendance when other major sports competitions around the world, including the NBA and EPL, have shut theirs down to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak;

- Some clubs are growing increasingly worried about the financial pain that is already occurring and are fearful their organisations will never fully recover;

- The clubs are attempting an unusual collaborative approach to tackle the issues which relate to members and fans.



After a dramatic day of dealings with governments and medical authorities, the AFL on Friday night revealed it planned to open the 2020 season as per its round one fixture, beginning with Richmond versus Carlton on Thursday night, but without spectators in attendance.

It is believed round two matches will stay as fixtured, too, but that every round thereafter could be altered in some form.

The AFL and the clubs are well aware, though, that this rapidly moving coronavirus situation could force it to postpone matches at any stage, including the cancellation of the round one fixture.

[bulldogtragic]

If there's no Footscray VFL playing this year, how can any of our players earn promotion to the seniors outside of training. They won't be much fit or match ready playing no games.

All signs point to a lost season. If that's the cost of avoiding a lot of preventable death, then it's a tiny price to pay.

[whythelongface]

NRL have decided to continue their season behind closed doors.

NRL boss states that ‘the game has never faced a challenge like this’. Sorry but what world are you living in. The world has never faced a challenge like this. Forget the game for a moment and think about humanity. The game will eventually recover, however if humanity doesn’t we are all screwed anyway.

[Twodogs]

I was at the supermarket this morning. Man I'd hate to see how some people would go in an actual real emergency.

About a month after our first child was born this happened:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-25/20-years-since-deadly-longford-gas-plant-explosion/10299988

When you are a new parent everything is frightening enough as it is. Take away the abilty to warm up the house, cook food (luckily we were still in the stage where our wonderful Footscrayite neighbors were cooking up an extra couple of meals and dropping them off to us each day or I don't know how we would have survived) or even wash the baby and his nappies properly and you get perspective.

This is a doddle compared to that. This is dangerous but you can take steps-Longford was an ongoing pain in the arse for months. The only good thing about it was it cost Kennett the '99 election and then at least with him gone Victoria could stop arguing with itself and begin with the repairing.

[Twodogs]

Anyway like Shakespeare says "Beware, beware the ides of March"*


*that'd be today-be careful of anyone called Brutus, Cassius or Lucius.

[DOG GOD]

I just can’t see how the AFL think this is all going to work. Week by week it’s going to be a band aid solution up to the point the season is cancelled. If the NBA can do it, why the F can’t the AFL. It’s inevitable, so just make the decision now so clubs and supporters can prepare.

[Twodogs]

I just can’t see how the AFL think this is all going to work. Week by week it’s going to be a band aid solution up to the point the season is cancelled. If the NBA can do it, why the F can’t the AFL. It’s inevitable, so just make the decision now so clubs and supporters can prepare.


You could have just left it at that.

[Rocco Jones]

AFL a bit different as an ecosystem to NBA and the likes. It is not ridiculously wealthy and it is not semi-pro. They don't have billions to go back to after the wreckage. Suspension can really hurt or even kill clubs. It could change the life security of players. I am very much up for us doing whatever it takes to flatten the curve, however the comparisons to NBA are moot.

[The Adelaide Connection]

There is a pending decision coming today on potentially closing schools as early as tomorrow. It's really proactive and sensible, but the chaos that is going to cause families can't be understated.

For anyone who likes data (or just an interest in how this thing has taken hold in different places) check this out:
https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca