@NameChangeforArmageddon21
Working in the NHS, our ward manager doesn't think we'll be back to "normal" until 2022, without the need for periodic lockdowns, and even then she doesn't think we will ever work without masks again. She's had some pretty high up meetings and that seems to be the general consensus.
I am so confused by posts like this, there must be something I am missing.
My understanding is that the point of restrictions is to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed not to eradicate Covid which is now endemic.
I also understand the vast majority of deaths and hospitalizations are in those over 65/otherwise vulnerable.
AstraZeneca and the government seem confident that the vulnerable population can be given their first dose by the end of spring and this will prevent almost all hospitalizations in that group.
I understand that delays may happen but I believe the government and the NHS will throw everything they can at this and that vaccination will be a priority. I also understand that there is a small chance a vaccine resistant strain could emerge but that isn't likely.
So if the group making up the vast majority of hospitalizations are vaccinated by the end of spring and hospitals start to quieten down why is that people aren't confident that most restrictions will be reduced by summer?
I realise masks, hand hygiene and social distancing from strangers may persist long term but why won't shops, restaurants, hotels etc be open again and why won't people be able to see family and friends?
I am not asking this in a goady way but in a genuine can someone please explain it to me. If the plan was eradication I would understand but it has always been about not overwhelming the NHS.