Coronavirus discussion thread

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Non-runner Jan 2021 9:57am, 23 Jan 2021 906 posts	0 Non-runner Telegraph report, behind a paywall so: Government advert that says joggers and dog-walkers are “highly likely” to have Covid is to be discontinued after the regulator said there was no evidence to support the claim. The Telegraph can reveal that the Cabinet Office has also agreed not to repeat the claim made in the 30-second radio ad – which also warns that “people will die” if individuals “bend the rules” – after being contacted by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The taxpayer-funded advert was condemned by MPs and public health experts for spreading “false information” and risking “scaring” people into physical inactivity during the third national lockdown. The ASA said it had received complaints and would “assess those carefully to establish whether there are any grounds for further action”. A spokesman said: “We have contacted the Cabinet Office with the concerns that have been raised about its claim, in a radio ad, that it is “highly likely” that individuals such as joggers and dog-walkers have COVID-19. “Our rules require that advertisers hold robust documentary evidence to prove claims that are capable of substantiation. We have received an assurance from the Cabinet Office that the ad will be discontinued by early next week and the claim about individuals being highly likely to have COVID-19 will not be repeated. “On that basis, as the Cabinet Office has worked with us to swiftly address and resolve this matter without the need for formal investigation, we consider the matter closed.” The ASA said it was also assessing complaints about a similar ad about supermarket trolleys, as well as a poster about takeaway coffee headlined “Don’t Let a Coffee Cost Lives”, but had yet to contact the Government about those. According to the most recent official data, one in 50 people in England was estimated to have Covid between December 27th and January 2nd, rising to one in 30 in London, which would mean individuals are unlikely – rather than highly likely – to have the virus. Under ASA rules, adverts must be “legal, decent, honest and truthful”.
jennyh Jan 2021 9:57am, 23 Jan 2021 5,454 posts	0 jennyh Which adverts are these Non-runner? Just being nosy as I don’t think I’ve seen them.
jennyh Jan 2021 9:57am, 23 Jan 2021 5,455 posts	0 jennyh Sorry, cross post with your second post! 🤦🏻‍♀️
Johnny Blaze Jan 2021 10:17am, 23 Jan 2021 24,611 posts	0 Johnny Blaze Senior doctors want gap between doses reduced to 6 weeks. Also suggests reasons why the govt might be prepared to mix and match different vaccines - due to supply problems. Could be like that time I ordered mackerel in tomato sauce from Sainsbug and they subbed mackerel in spring water instead! bbc.co.uk
Johnny Blaze Jan 2021 10:18am, 23 Jan 2021 24,612 posts	0 Johnny Blaze If they had subbed in pilchards I would have refused delivery. Just saying.
ndellar Jan 2021 10:24am, 23 Jan 2021 3,820 posts	0 ndellar My mum and dad both had the Pfizer jab this morning, their card gives them an appt in 3 weeks hoping it stays like that and doesn’t get moved or cancelled
Cheg Jan 2021 10:51am, 23 Jan 2021 2,372 posts	0 Cheg The ad
Little Miss Happy Jan 2021 10:57am, 23 Jan 2021 4,210 posts	0 Little Miss Happy Thanks for sharing that N-r. I hope they do get them at 3 weeks Ndellar.
anthonyj89 Jan 2021 11:00am, 23 Jan 2021 113 posts	0 anthonyj89 Wow those ads are reprehensible. I can't believe they got that published.
The_Saint Jan 2021 11:01am, 23 Jan 2021 6,692 posts	0 The_Saint If I was a jogger rather than a runner I would be annoyed by their ridiculous claim. It makes you wonder whether they are actually trying to sabotage the correct message.