I don’t mean full lockdowns, I’m not actually sure what I mean, but feel like something is needed
3 Likes
Yeah I agree with that. There are definitely more steps that need to be taken to ‘flatten the curve’ (it feels very 2020 typing that).
I guess the other question really is what level of compliance would we get from the general public following all the government rule-breaking?
1 Like
Seems very much about “what we’ve achieved” - especially when we drew the usual comparisons to other nations as if this is some kind of one-winner race.
2 Likes
I don’t really think that will affect the populations compliance. Most people who would have followed rules know why they need to be followed.
I just think we’ll all be a little bit angrier and more resentful while following them.
1 Like
Mandatory (force of law) work from home seems the most obvious step to take.
Firms still bringing in employees should be audited and made to explain why WFH isn’t possible.
3 Likes
It’s the lesser of two evils, IMO.
If some kind of restrictions are coming, I’d wager that restricting businesses will have a smaller impact on most people’s mental health than restricting social contact.
Personally I think that’s the last thing we need.
Almost 2 years of putting life on hold is going to do more damage than this pandemic ever will.
Physical and mental health, and the economy just for starters.
There has to be a time when the Gov has to say that enough is enough and we start to get back to normal, (Not the “new normal” either)
It will take a very brave administration to declare that “The pandemic is over” but until one doe’s, we’re going to be stuck in this constant merry-go-round for months or maybe even years.
Ah yes, the British way™
1 Like
If I were the Tories, I wouldn’t want to be reminding any potential voters right now that Boris “leads” the party they might be thinking of voting for.
He’s not even worth trying to engage with anymore.
2 Likes
And did you not read my next sentence…
“Physical and mental health, and the economy just for starters.”
I’m not belittling anyone who has been taken ill or sadly died because of Covid, but looking at the wider picture, they are not the only victims, which unfortunately seems to be forgotten at times.
You are just concerned about how many people use your bus, and if jobs will be cut. That is ok - as a species we are selfish, and I include myself, you, and just about everyone else in that statement. Politically or medically, life will never be the same again. It might come close, but not the same. Smart people and companies have already adapted. They have had two years to do it. Stop putting ‘life on hold’ and join everyone else. You will enjoy life more.
6 Likes
As I scroll through I just have the View Hidden Reply, erm no thanks I know what’s behind it 
1 Like
That’s actually the least of my worries.
What does concern me though is the number of other jobs that could be lost, the impact on (non covid related) health and wellbeing, and the general state of the country (and wider world) when this is finally over.
1 Like
I have to agree here, this really worries me.
The delay in cancer care, medical imaging etc is causing huge issues and further death. It sucks 
2 Likes
What about the jobs that could be created? More local shops, delivery drivers, cleaning services etc etc.
As a clinically vulnerable person I find it hard to see some people acting like I am expendable for the sake of a soundbite.
6 Likes
I feel as though (and have been saying this since the start), the whole pandemic has highlighted just how poorly managed, and funded, our services are.
Mental health service provision has been pitiful for ages, with the constant sidelining, and minimal funding. The time people needed it most, it wasn’t there. At all.
You only have to look at the waiting list for surgery. Since austerity measures were introduced it’s grown year-on-year. The trend hasn’t changed much as a result of the pandemic.
The same applies to a lot of other services. The pandemic might’ve put pressure on these systems and exposed the cracks, but I’m struggling to be able to see that it’s the cause of these.
This. It sits alongside the often misquoted and misunderstood “average lifespan”. People seem to think anyone who dies over 83 has had their moneys worth. Which is, quite frankly, bollocks.
8 Likes
John Burn-Murdoch from the FT with another fantastic data thread on Twitter. Definitely worth giving him a follow if you’re not already:
1 Like
As someone who is also clinically vulnerable, I couldn’t agree more.
It’s so tiring. I need regular MRIs and I wasn’t able to get one last year. I have had to stop seeing antivax family and friends, because (despite their insistence) their choices actually do affect others and could cause me serious harm.
I really wish this latest wave didn’t happen, we looked like we were climbing out of this mess, and it’s just come along and booted us all back to square one. Or it feels that way to me. Two vaccines were our ticket to freedom, now it’s a booster, maybe…
I’m just tired.
8 Likes
Same. I’m exhausted by all the small things. Friends and family taking things for granted that I can’t do. I want to feel safe when I see them, but some of them see even face masks as too much faff. Not caring how it puts me at risk.
6 Likes