To think that the government are relying on a proportion of people breaking the rules between now and 21st June

[Butterflyfluff]

If everyone stuck rigidly to the rules between now and 21st June then there would likely be an infection spike after each milestone because it’s the first time people have been mixing / going out etc

As it is, there’s a lot more people doing their own thing already, especially when the weather is nice

AIBU to think this is actually all part of the plan and is what the government are banking on in order to steadily increase mixing etc rather than big changes on set dates

FWIW I’m boring and compliant so I’m not using this as an excuse to do want I like

I would expect that they have factored in a percentage of people not adhering. It’s human nature - otherwise society would
be very stepford wives/husband compliant.
As seen via media, there is a minority who refuse to comply with even the basics, and (personal knowledge) those who think they are complying - but really aren’t.

No, I don't see any rationale for that theory.

Compliance with the rules has exceeded the government’s wildest dreams and I’m sure you’re absolutely right.

The steadily increased mixing will happen with the changes they will make over the next few months. We don't need to break the rules for this.

I suspect the biggest test of the vaccine drive will actually be September when it starts becoming cold and wet again and children are back in schools for the winter months again.

If people break the rules in large amounts it will set back the relaxation dates while more vaccines get done.

Mainly just me then! 😂

Although the number of people out and about in big groups today would indicate my theory isn’t far from the truth

I don't agree with your theory but they I think realise that a proportion of people do not comply. After all, it started with Dominic Cummings and Robert Jenrick

I think a lot of people will no longer comply with the rules. I think the government accept this to an extent but that's different to 'relying' on it. A spike is always going to happen after restrictions ease but it's better if it starts from a lower rate of cases than a higher rate getting out of control. The more people follow the rules, the shorter lockdowns will be so I don't really see why the government would want to encourage any rule breaking.

Saying that I don't think meeting another household outside is that bad in terms of all the other rules that have been broken

I don't think they're relying on it, but, I think they will have factored it into the plans.

I have seen so many people breaking the rules since Christmas. Groups of kids out on bikes/walking in groups, people going to shops/out with people they don't live with, groups of parents and kids in the local parks. A few people I know visiting other people's homes. Family groups shopping in Supermarkets (where some could stay home).

Ok, probably not the worst things you could do, but to me, this lockdown hasn't been anything like the first. More things open and supermarkets not limiting numbers in store.

I get it though, people have had enough now. Just hoping that things can be more normal from June 21st as planned.