People who aren’t quite getting it...

[MadameBee]

I wouldn’t comment IRL and am not part of the Stasi post on FB with “reported to police” written in capitals which I am quietly finding quite amusing.

But a few people are posting are posting stuff on SM with “and before you judge me XYZ”

Friend who posted last weekend “having a bonfire this afternoon so just letting all my neighbours on here no so you can shut your windows” erm - you aren’t supposed to be having bonfires because of the risk of added pressure on the emergency services if something goes wrong, everyone is cooped up inside and it’s foul and some of those people might be shielding because of impaired lung capacity.

Photos of children on a bouncy castle in the back yard, “before you judge me there was no contact and the guy cleaned it all” yes but the point is it’s not exactly an essential fucking journey is it?!

And the people moaning about traffic on the roads - erm you were there too but your reason is “justified” because you are a key worker? “The park/beach was so crowded” so I came home - BUT YOU WERE THERE TOO!!!!

“It’s like when you all have to stay late at school because a couple of fuckers have been playing up.”

That’s only what you think it’s like because the government and media etc have convinced you that this is an acceptable attitude for the authorities to take. There is absolutely no good reason for us all to be treated like untrustworthy children (or as I saw it better described recently - big brother contestants - I wouldn’t treat children with this level of contempt tbh!) where it’s ok to give mixed messages and backtrack and let the public blame each other for their own misery in lockdown rather than question the validity of many govt decisions.

OP, YOU have decided that these people that have nothing to do with you are directly causing your misery in not being able to see your children, but that is not the case!

I get you, MadamBee. However the only moaners I come across are on the internet - probably because I don't go out :-). People with whom I am in contact online are also staying in and just doing what they can quietly to stick to guidelines. It is much harder for those who have young children or are sick - or both.

It seems a lot of folk aren't prepared to give things up graciously, it hasn't been that long in the scheme of things. At the moment, the poll on this thread is 50/50.

I do have a life, one I would like to keep and not lose through catching a potentially deadly virus. That’s the point isn’t it, but clearly common sense doesn’t really seem to exist anymore.

The lockdown isn't about stopping us contracting the virus, it is about preventing a large number of people getting it at the same time. The only thing that wil stop people getting the virus is a vaccine. We can't all stay inside until a vaccine becomes available.

I don't get all the rage about people not doing lockdown "properly". As far as I can tell, the vast majority of people are abiding by the rules most of the time.

If everyone accepts the rules apply to all of us then we can all get on with our lives a lot sooner

This, in spades. I can't wait to see DM and go back to the pub. I'd do it tomorrow if it was permitted. As it stands, it's just dragging on and on.

I'm still wondering how bouncy castle hire is an essential service though.

I’m sure in an ideal world we would all stay in our own homes with zero co-mingling until the virus is completely eradicated but that’s essentially impossible (as you pointed out OP by suggesting your work is essential). We all need to cut each other a little slack. I’m sure you are having a tough time OP, but we all are. Just be kind. If Facebook is making you angry then step away from it.

There is nothing at all in the legislation about 'essential journeys only'

That is something wholly made up by the police.

It is, in fact, you who isn't 'getting it'

Surely you must be able to see how unreasonable it is for you to make up your own version of the legislation and then get all arsey with people who follow the actual law instead of your version of it?

...as an aside, if you are too stupid to realise that the Police have no powers at all to make up law, then you are frankly an idiot.

Some people won’t be happy until we’ve all had our front doors nailed shut.

@Alsohuman someone mentioned welding doors shut in China the other day. I'm sure some posters would be much happier with that!

ViciousJackdaw Hiring the bouncy castle keeps the bouncy castle company in business and gives the owners/employees of the hire company an income which will pay their bills and put food on the table.

I'm still wondering how bouncy castle hire is an essential service though.*

There is no government instruction that states you can only work if it's an essential service, just that you should only go out to work if it can't be done from home!

I'm still wondering how bouncy castle hire is an essential service though

It doesn't have to be an essential service though.

The legislation is very clear, people are allowed to go to work, if their work cannot be done from home.

It doesn't matter what that work is - it could literally be the most pointless job in the world and you would still absolutely be able to leave your house to go and do it.

How about reading the actual legislation?

x post @midnightstar66

Here, I've actually screenshotted the actual law relating to restrictions on movement, as you can see, nothing at all about 'essential journeys'

Source: The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020

I think actually part of the problem is that the rules are not at all clear and everyone is interpreting them their own way.

My view is (and yes thank you I am aware the police do not decide the law! ) that we should be doing absolutely everything we can to avoid putting strain on the NHS, ie not getting into our cars and risking an accident not doing activities that might cause an accident and end up in hospital.

We are also supposed to stay at home unless we absolutely have to go out because it is us human beings who are spreading the virus around to others.

erm - you aren’t supposed to be having bonfires because of the risk of added pressure on the emergency services if something goes wrong, everyone is cooped up inside and it’s foul and some of those people might be shielding because of impaired lung capacity

Where does this restriction appear in the legislation?

@NikeDeLaSwoosh

Your attitude is pretty selfish actually and shows no common sense.

I think actually part of the problem is that the rules are not at all clear and everyone is interpreting them their own way

The problem is that you have misunderstood the way law works.

In England and Wales, you are allowed to do anything at all you want, unless the law specifically forbids it.

If the law doesn't mention a certain thing (bonfires, driving to exercise etc) Then you are allowed to do it without restriction.

The law of England and Wales will never tell you what you are allowed to do, as it isn't necessary (because if you're not expressly forbidden to do it, then it is legal)

I'm really surprised by how few people understand this very basic tenet of the relationship between the individual and the State.

I agree with the OP and I think the epidemiology underpinning this situation is either too difficult for people to understand or they are selfishly acknowledging and accepting the risks, despite the fact that it is the more vulnerable in our society as well as NHS staff that will likely suffer (and die in some cases) by them, possibly unknowingly, passing on the virus.
It would be fairer if the people not sticking to lockdown rules were the only ones to directly run the risk of getting ill, but alas it’s not the case. What it so difficult about staying at home, to save lives?

www.dsfire.gov.uk/index.cfm?siteCategoryId=1

Your attitude is pretty selfish actually and shows no common sense

It shows an understanding of the law that you do not seem to possess.

What about the damage to the economy @MadameBee ? At some stage deaths from economic deprivation will outweigh deaths from the virus.
Personally I think the lockdown should be targeted at vulnerable groups.

That is a link from the Fire Service though, they have no power to make up law either.

They are not elected, and form no part of the legislative process in this country.

Their request has no more force than one made by you or I.

How is you starting a debate about law actually helping?

How is you starting a debate about law actually helping?

What the what now?

It is you who started the thread

It’s advice it’s not law and it’s common sense.

So I live in a ground floor flat (for instance) and I have two flats above me, one with a parent with 4 children being home schooled and one with a 50 year old man who is shielding because he had a lung transplant.

It’s a hot day and everyone has their windows open, it’s ok for me to light a big stinking bonfire because the law says I can?

It's legal yes, but inconsiderate.
They need to keep tips open to stop it. There's always going to be waste to dispose of.