ONS Covid survey - Swab test went ok but failed to complete blood antibody test (again!)

Since October 2020 I have been a volunteer taking part in the random mass survey by the ONS on Covid infections. Every 4 weeks someone from the ONS would visit me at home and collect a PCR test and for the first several months also take a blood sample from me.  

The idea is that via this testing the Government would have a better idea of what is the true rate of current infections of Covid in the UK and also how many people test positive from past infections (and vaccinations). 

I tested negative from October 2020 from PCR and blood samples until 1 April 2021 (yes, I have only just twigged it was "April Fool Day") when I was negative for PCR but positive in blood test for anti-bodies. However, since this was 2 weeks after my first Covid vaccine, I was pleased that I appeared to have some protection. 

Since then I had one more positive blood test showing anti bodies but there has been some problems with blood testing and also the ONS have now moved to finger testing by volunteers rather than vein blood samples being taken my medically trained staff. 

Today I had a visit and was able to carry out a successful PCR test but was not able to get enough blood from my finger to complete the Covid anti bodies test. Which was very frustrating not least because I want to "do my bit" by helping out with this national survey but also it would be reassuring that they find I still have anti-bodies from my jabs. The same thing happened last month. I was told that men do have "sticker blood than women and thicker skin". I suppose I should be pleased that my blood appears to clot quickly. 

Anyway, I will try again in 4 weeks.  

UK average house prices / Average yearly salary

While I cannot find the exact ONS link on this "Politics for All" tweet it seems about right. The complete and utter unaffordability of housing in the UK is just a national disgrace and a betrayal of our young people.

How on earth can they pay around 10 times their annual income to buy a home? I just despair at what the London ratio must be.

1960: £2200 / £500 

1970: £4300 / £850 

1980: £22,000 / £4000 

1990: £60,000 / £9000 

2000: £78,000 / £15,600 

2010: £162,000 / £21,000 

2020: £230,000 / £28,500 

Today: £250,000 / £29,800 

Via @ONS

Just had my 1st Covid vaccine: AstraZeneca

 This evening I had my first jab in Westfields Stratford. It went very smoothly. There was no queue outside and despite being a little early I was allowed straight in. The security at the door gave me a new face mask and showed me how to access the hand cleansing dispenser. He asked me whether I felt at all unwell and tested my temperature with a hand held scanner to my forehead. 

I then went to a receptionist who took my reference number and again asked questions about whether I felt unwell or not. Then I was led into a waiting area for 5-10 minutes. The vaccine centre itself was very large with high ceilings and I felt safe because there was plenty of room for social distancing. 

Next I was escorted to a bay with 3 staff who, again, asked me questions about my health and am I on any medication to thin my blood or any known allergies to injections. They had to check that my taking part in a monthly national survey for the ONS (monthly blood and swab tests to see if I have or ever had Covid) was a problem. The doctor in charge came to speak to me and agreed it was not. 

I then had the injection (AstraZeneca) which was completely painless and I didn't need a plaster. The whole process took about 20 minutes and so far (3 hours since) there has been no side effects. 

Many thanks to all the staff for treating me in such a professional and respectful manner. 

Get Tested To Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

 

This morning my wife Gillian, booked online a "drive thorough" test at Newham Leisure Centre.   She has been feeling poorly for a number of days with classic common cold symptoms (congestion, blocked noise and some coughing fits) but her temperature is fine and she still has her sense of taste and smell. 

However, she decided to have a test and managed to book one on the same day (Sunday). It was very Covid secure but no real fuss and it took about 15 minutes. 

Coincidentally I had my latest ONS national Covid survey swab and blood test today at home. 

So if your local authority recommends you to get tested even if you don't have all the symptoms then do so - why not? 

ONS Covid-19 Survey

 

I was randomly selected as to be part of this national survey. I agreed to take part several weeks ago to be swab tested for current Covid infections and blood tested for antibodies (to see if I have been infected in the past). 

However, it has been rather disorganised and I was unable to organise a test due to random telephone calls with no contact details being left so I was unable to respond.  Someone rang me once on the day to "cancel" my appointment (I had no appointment) and rebooked it for the following Monday (but no one turned up)

We finally managed to arrange an appointment yesterday afternoon (4pm) for a very nice lady to call at my home address, explain what is happening and safely allow me to take a Covid swab (via my tonsils and nostrils) and for her to take a sample of blood. It took about 15 minutes. I will have weekly swab tests and another blood test in 5 weeks. 

She did not know when I should  receive the results but I will be texted and sent a letter.  I should therefore know whether I currently have Covid (I have no symptoms whatsoever) or whether I have any antibodies which indicate that I have had Covid in the past (again, I have had no previous  symptoms). 

I will update this post when I receive the result and would also encourage anyone else who have received a similar invitation to take part in this survey.

We all need to know this information.Your involvement will be kept secret but we need to know how prevalent Covid is in our communities. 

Update https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2020/10/update-on-ons-covid19-infection-survey.html

(and yes a US multinational is running the survey)

A Merry Christmas for the Very Rich

Check out this seasonal message from the ONS wealth data via TUC TouchStone

ONS wealth data: The rich just got considerably richer

18 Dec 2015, by Geoff Tily in Economics

 

In cash terms the top 10% now own £5.0 trillion of UK total household wealth, according to the latest ONS wealth and assets survey (over 2012-14). With total wealth standing at £11.1 trillion, that means they have 44.8% of it.

Last time this was calculated (2010-12), they had £4.1tn of a £9.4tn total – so owned 43.6%.

This increased share of 1.2 percentage points (ppts) is very hefty relative to the past three readings from the ONS.

With the rich gaining percentage share of the pie, others must lose.

The chart below shows the biggest losers are those in the bottom half of the wealth distribution. The lowest 50% have 8.7% this year, down 0.9ppts from 9.6% last year.
The rest of the top half of the wealth distribution (the 40% below the top 10%) also lose but with a smaller decrease of  0.3ppts.

As a result, the most wealthy are catching up with the wealth owned by all the rest of the top half of the wealth distribution – the gap is now at its narrowest yet.

That said, in cash terms, all deciles saw a cash increase in wealth (though for the lowest decile this was because of a less negative figure for financial wealth).