What do you think this autumn / winter will look like in the UK?

[Bluewavescrashing]

Just curious--any predictions?

[Emcont]

Spent indoors...

[Racoonworld]

I think it depends on the vaccine. If the vaccine trials are successful and roll out is imminent, then we might be in a middle phase with some restrictions around until it’s given to the majority. If there is no vaccine on the horizon they will have to come up with a new plan and we will likely be going back to normal as they can’t keep restrictions forever

[Bluewavescrashing]

With Brexit looming too. Urgh.

[Dozer]

Covid. Price increases. Job losses.

[Bluewavescrashing]

Christmas shopping will be interesting!

[Bluewavescrashing]

I bumped into a friend in the supermarket last week. We finished our shopping then met outside at a distance for a quick chat. She said, that was quite a civilised shopping experience, wonder what will happen if we're still shopping this way in December? Have to say it sounded more appealing than the usual bunfight, except queueing in cold rain of course.

[ohthegoats]

Probably different shades of grey.

[frozendaisy]

It will be subdued. Being shallow, who's going to book panto? And we love a Christmas build,-up panto. Just a small point I know.

[Helenj1977]

A lot of testing. When everyone starts getting the usual winter coughs etc.

More working from home etc. I'm dreading going back to full lock down and the worry.

I think we'll be prepared though but queuing for shops in the cold and rain won't be fun.

[Delatron]

I think it will be the social element. I would do my Christmas shopping online anyway.

Hate busy shops.

But if we can’t see family, have parties with friends? That will be tough.

[TwentyViginti]

I think it would be wise to do Xmas present shopping online and very early.

[VictoriaBun]

@frozendaisy
We book the whole summer season and panto at our local theatre and pay in advance . We were first informed that they had cancelled the summer season , and have just heard likewise the panto .

[ItsSpittingEverybodyIn]

Bleak I think. I am thinking of getting the kids Christmas presents sorted very early this year.

[CloudsCanLookLikeSheep]

I think the economic situation will take over from the health crisis..that's if we don't get a second wave. I think there may be local flare ups but not a second wave like the first.
Meanwhile there will be 10% unemployment, people losing homes and jobs left right and centre. Limited social activity - even if people can afford to go out it won't be the same as before.

[nether]

Those shielding will be even more invisible and ignored.

The 'summer pause' (which I read about icw NI policy) will have been and gone. We'll have had a few months of relative normality, but the cooler traditional virus season will bring a fresh round of restrictions (probably to about the current level, rather than how it was in March)

A vaccine will still be just over the horizon. UN reform will become a reinvigorated debate, as current structures prove inadequate in negotiating a fair global policy for (still hypothetical) vaccine supply

[Lelivre]

Good question.

Thinking about my own family and primary age kids...Social distancing may reduce the normal colds and flu season but I expect they will still be transmitted at school. There will be a presumption of covid with any cough or temp. This will lead to more quarantine for the family as this is passed around within the household unless the testing process is readily available and fast.

[Mascotte]

I think things will be pretty much back to normal and am looking forward to it.

[covetingthepreciousthings]

A lot of testing. When everyone starts getting the usual winter coughs etc.

This, along with lots of isolating.

[Dozer]

If schools are operating - which is a big if - DC and staff likely to have to stay home with a range of symptoms, so working parents will have childcare issues.

[Bol87]

Shit. Unless there’s a vaccine.

Good luck to the government trying to stop Christmas family gatherings. My neighbours & several friends are all ready all seeing family indoors so no chance come December!

[onedayinthefuture]

I have a feeling the vaccine is imminent, all of a sudden the 'world beating' track and trace app is dropped and they've made noises about who would be first in the line for the vaccine. Although, there is the hope the virus is burning out naturally and we can all get our lives back sooner than later.

I can't see the nation tolerating another lockdown like we had, no way unless the virus mutates and we all start turning into flesh eating zombies.

[scaevola]

Schooling will still be difficult if people have to self isolate frequently for 14 days at a time.

BMJ is running an article urging certain categoties of NHS staff to take leave asap, as they might not get much in the way of time off from autumn onwards. Not exactly a prediction of a peak, but certainly not ruling one out

[Scottishgirl85]

A widely available vaccine will not be available anytime soon, and only for the over 50s and vulnerable. I don't see everyone getting vaccinated until winter 2021. I think it will be a mixture of close-to-normality mixed with local lockdown measures and insane amounts of testing. Even if schools go back full-time, it seems we'll spend a lot of time isolating, mostly for no reason. I've written off 2020 tbh.

[starfish4]

Prices increases to start with.

DH still working from home four days a week, as he can very easily get his hours in and more.

Items that will sell well - umbrellas, warm coats and shoes/boots - ideal for queuing in bad weathers and winter walks.

We can see ourselves keeping Christmas simple. We've already said we won't buy for so many (will let them know before so they don't have to buy for us). If it's a problem meeting indoors, two lots of family have dogs, so a walk over the hills nearby might be an option. It'll be hard to see friends. In fairness to DH he's said if we only see one person, it should be my Mum has she's on her own.

[Helenj1977]

Another meat factory has closed today due to an outbreak, that's 3.

It thrives on cold. Let's hope a vaccine is ready, and is safe...