The Loose Association of Wargamers

I’ve just had an email from Richard and Laurence organising Partizan about the possible issues regarding Coronavirus which struck me as the best thought through communication on the virus I’ve seen so far. To quote the options they see:

1. The crisis passes well before the show and we can continue as planned. Given the current scientific and medical advice and the way the epidemic is developing this seems to be the least likely scenario. It is of course the one we would prefer but we have to be realistic and say there is not much chance of this being the situation by mid-May.

2. The situation worsens considerably and the Government, under advice from the experts decide to ban gatherings over a certain size or advise against large meetings like Partizan. This is what has happened in France and some other affected countries so we have to consider this a realistic option.

3.The situation continues to worsen but slowly so there is no recommendation to avoid large gatherings. Under these circumstances I would expect that many people would still choose not to attend. We have to be honest and admit that our demographic – primarily middle aged and older men is one of those that the experts say is mostly likely to be hit badly by the virus and I would certainly not ask anyone to put themselves at risk for the sake of a wargames show. Under these circumstances we would be faced with hosting a show where we would see a very much lower attendance which would then put traders in a difficult position financially. We would also be asking those putting the games on to put themselves at possible risk which we would not be willing to do.

Partizan are going to consider the position and make a decision on April 2nd. If it is the worst case, they feel they can survive the financial hit and still run the 2nd show later in the year.

I have to admit that given my wife falls into a very high risk caregory I have been having second thoughts about 'gatherings'. However I also think that there are probably already thousands, if not tens of thousands of people in the UK who have or have had the virus already and that the mortality rate is being over egged by a factor of 4.

It's definitely wise of Partizan to consider the situation but I can't help feeling that they and many other events are victims of media panic.

I agree they are being very sensible about it (especially given the potential lethality to our demographic) and that another four weeks should give us a much better idea about how the problem will evolve in the UK. However, whilst a lot of the initially infected people should have recovered by then, I think it is being a little optimistic to imagine that just four weeks will see the crisis done and dusted.

I thought that France had only banned indoor gatherings, and that it was the Italians who had banned crowds from all events - but then, in fariness, they seem to have copped it the worst outside of Asia.

At the risk of descending into politics, I can't help wondering how Americans are feeling about not having a "socialist" health care system now?

Just seen this, via another forum, concerning the Salute show. Provides an interesting contrast to the Newark Irregulars approach, but then I suspect the Warlords have fewer options, bearing in mind what a bunch of utter cnuts Excel can be to deal with:-

Hello
The South London Warlords wanted to update the traders attending Salute 2020 in regards to our policy, in the face of the Coronavirus situation.
To be clear, we intend to go ahead with Salute as planned.
The only way Salute will not go ahead is if London Excel, the venue, force us to cancel the show as result of government advice or legislation. From what we can see from official advice, at this time, this looks most unlikely.
London Excel have not cancelled any shows and have stated they have no intention of doing so. They have instigated additional deep cleaning processes and have similar measures as many public places have.
We will of course keep a close eye on the situation.
Should your company choose not to attend the show, then, we will be unable to make any refund, as originally outlined on the Trader invitation letter:
Regards
Salute team
South London Warlords

Here in Aus, research shows that having 100 bog rolls in your home confers long term immunity to COVID-19. A brawl erupted in a supermarket between three women over bog roll on Saturday morning, police were called but no arrests made. I saw a chap with 32 in his trolley, figured he had his hundred and must be getting a top up - just in case like.

I heard that, and that no one was really injured - just soft tissue damage...

Hardly and soap or sanitary wipes on the shelves. And you cannot buy hand sanitizer for love or money.

The impact of no imports from China is also being seen as many shelves are empty.

Salute’s response doesn’t surprise, they are at the mercy of their insurance company and the costs of running/cancelling a show at Excel could bankrupt them. Some tough choices ahead.

In a Socialist Medicine update, I got called in to see my doctor yesterday because I send some medical data in daily by text, he’d been reading them and decided they were a little high and in view of my recent coughing fit ran some immediate tests. The news is, and you can decide if it’s good or bad yourselves, is that I am entirely negative for bugs and germs. As well as being one figure short of a base.

Vintage Wargaming wrote: ↑Sat Mar 07, 2020 3:54 am I heard that, and that no one was really injured - just soft tissue damage...

Yes, I too thought it was the most thoughtful and well thought-out plan I'd seen regarding trying to hold a public event in the face of Flu Manchu. Thankfully this year OC domestic decided not to come and visit her Derbyshire friends while I'm at Partizan (a decision which invariably costs me CONSIDERABLY more than it would if I were to go on my own and splurge a fortnight's wages on models...), so I've only booked a cheapo Premier Inn room.