Two metre rule

[Bobthebuildercanitbefixed]

The two-metre social distancing rule can be abandoned by businesses reopening after lockdown if they introduce other measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Government scientists have told ministers. So you can go to a pub but not visit parents who are fit and healthy. When do you reckon the whole social distancing will be scrapped? Just interested to know opinions.

[Hearhoovesthinkzebras]

@Porcupineinwaiting

I think if there is a full on second wave schools will close again (they'll have to if enough teachers get sick). Beyond that it will be like in the States - those who can afford to will hole up at home, and the working poor will be forced to carry on until they drop. And lots of businesses will go bust because people just wont go out to eat/drink/shop if they know there's a high chance they'll get infected if they do.

Therefore it seems to me that keeping measures like social distancing, wearing masks in enclosed public spaces, getting a working track and trace system etc should be a priority to avoid a second peak. For both health and economic reasons.

That's how I see it too.

We can't afford a second wave and so it seems essential that we do all we can to avoid it or at least suppress it as much as possible. Seems like a no brained to me.

[Porcupineinwaiting]

I think if there is a full on second wave schools will close again (they'll have to if enough teachers get sick). Beyond that it will be like in the States - those who can afford to will hole up at home, and the working poor will be forced to carry on until they drop. And lots of businesses will go bust because people just wont go out to eat/drink/shop if they know there's a high chance they'll get infected if they do.

Therefore it seems to me that keeping measures like social distancing, wearing masks in enclosed public spaces, getting a working track and trace system etc should be a priority to avoid a second peak. For both health and economic reasons.

[Hearhoovesthinkzebras]

I very much doubt that the country can afford another full on lockdown should a second wave hit. If we abandon SD, people won't wear masks, track and trace system is a mere twinkle in Boris' eye how do posters think we will manage if a second wave hits?

How do you think the sick should be managed? Should they stay at home or should there be like a tier system for access to hospitals because a second wave but with no lockdown will lead to the NHS being overwhelmed. So how should it be handled?

[FluffyKittensinabasket]

The shops won’t be happy having to put new floor stickers down!

[mrpumblechook]

Reducing the 2 m rule may work if everyone wears facemasks but you can't do that in pubs or restaurants so I can't see how that will help those businesses.

[RoseAndRose]

"I said at the very start that the economic fall out will be worse than the virus itself"

That'll be because policies were designed and implemented to make sure it was like that.

Had it been the exponential tragedy (leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths) then the economic collapse would be even worse than it's going to be, and there would be mass graves as well.

There was never going to be a 'good' outcome

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

I'd rather be a Pollyanna than like you. I don't believe people do want to throw their elderly relatives under a bus.

Most people are a lot nicer than you. I actually don't know anyone in RL with such a vile attitude. Fortunately.

[userxx]

a fucked economy also leads to thousands of deaths?

I said at the very start that the economic fall out will be worse than the virus itself.

[ACautionaryTale]

I have a realistic view of the reality for most people.

People make decisions in self interest for the majority of the time. They will make some altruistic choices but that stops when their personal price becomes too high.

Even charitable giving is selfish - normally for the feeling of doing good or tax breaks.

If you think people are going to throw their lives under a bus indefinitely then you are some sort of Pollyanna

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

And if it's the death of an elderly person you know and love is that still ok?

You have a very jaded view of people's humanity. Fortunately you don't make the decisions.

[SpeedofaSloth]

WHO say 1 metre. NI schools are now working to the same. I think the current review may well reduce the distance down from 2m.

[Drivingdownthe101]

Do you realise DomDoesWotHeWants that a fucked economy also leads to thousands of deaths?

[ACautionaryTale]

They do matter

But try telling the family who are using up their savings and having their house reposessed because both parents have lost their jobs that an elderly person who they don’t know is more important than their lives

Not many will say it out loud but I bet you most couldn’t care less

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

@ACautionaryTale

Deaths in the vast majority of cases are amongst the elderly

So that's all right then. Old people don't matter.

Good grief. What's the matter with you?

[ACautionaryTale]

Deaths in the vast majority of cases are amongst the elderly

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

@ACautionaryTale

But unless we get herd immunity the only way to keep low levels is strict social distancing

And that fucks the economy for everyone

Rather social distancing than yet more deaths.

[ACautionaryTale]

But unless we get herd immunity the only way to keep low levels is strict social distancing

And that fucks the economy for everyone

[Drivingdownthe101]

Do you think the economy and health aren’t directly related?

[Porcupineinwaiting]

It's not just shielded who will suffer if rates rise again though is it?

Moving to 1m should be about when and if it's safe to do so, not on what is short-term best for business. Look at what's happening in the States right now, they opened up stuff for the sake of the economy and are now getting into a worse mess - more sick, more dying and their economy is still suffering.

Low levels of coronavirus in the population is really good for the economy because it makes so many more things possible. Trying to run a normal economy with huge numbers of your population falling ill and people panicking and losing confidence doesnt help anything.

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

@ACautionaryTale

The economy and the economic survival of close to half the workforce and their families does not pale into insignificance though.

It is sadly getting to the point where you cannot expect the vast majority of 64 million people to suffer just so 2.5 million shielders dont feel left out.

Health has to come first.

You really can't think it's OK to lock 2.5 million people away so the rest of you can play in the sun?

I don't think even Boris would think that was ok. Because it isn't.

[ACautionaryTale]

The economy and the economic survival of close to half the workforce and their families does not pale into insignificance though.

It is sadly getting to the point where you cannot expect the vast majority of 64 million people to suffer just so 2.5 million shielders dont feel left out.

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

Of course it will remain in place. Or should. It helps prevent the spread of the virus.

If Boris reduces it it will be for economic reasons, not science, and that would be a disgrace. But not surprising coming from him. Social distancing is a vital part of keeping the virus under control.

Utterly stupid to contemplate getting rid of it. Those who have been shielded (over 2 million of them) need to be able to feel safe when they do eventually go out. Being able to go to the pub pales into insignificance when compared to the safety of people.

[Tryingtoslim]

I honestly think soocail distancing will have to be over by October time. Nightclubs etc cannot survive with it and they play a massive part in many cities economy. If the nightclubs go it’s not just the people directly employed but the bouncers, drinks companies, take always, taxis that fold as well. Obviously not for all but for any cities such as Leeds the nightlife, and the students that flock for it play a massive part in the economy

[jomaIone]

@Drivingdownthe101 yes well I did point that out in my post, but I've seen it on here, on YouTube in vlogs, people I know, those who do live near their family but still moaning then can't see them. Makes no sense.