News

News. 15^th December
UK Government told everyone that they could mix during the Christmas holiday.  Now all the experts say this is a bad idea and will make it difficult for the NHS.  They will not cope if there is a new surge after Christmas.
Some deaf people believe that if you dial 999 in an emergency, then the police will come even if you cannot speak to them.  This is not true as the 999 computer checks if there is any sound and if not, the call will be disconnected.  There is a silent code which should be used – 55.  This means “I am in an emergency and I cannot explain”.  This happened to a woman who was being attacked by her boyfriend and she was able to press 999 and then 55, so that the 999 service knew there was a serious problem and they sent help.  The man was arrested and is now in jail.  Deaf people can use their smartphones and some police have emergency text system but it is useful to know that in an emergency an ordinary phone will work as well.
Novichok again.  Remember the Russian leader of the party who criticise Putin.  He was poisoned and had to be taken to Germany to be helped.  A website which investigates Russian Affairs has discovered that secret police were following him when he went to Siberia.  They were members of the secret agencies which use the Novichok drug – the same one they used to try to kill the man and his daughter in Salisbury in England.  The report says they tried to poison him twice but did not succeed.
Thousands of Australians are stranded abroad and will not get home for Christmas.  Could be over 40,000 who cannot get flights because of the limits on numbers on the plane and because of the ridiculous prices for tickets.  They can get emergency loans if they have no finances but have to pay back later.