Crowds in the parks yesterday

[Mrgrinch]

I've been seeing pictures and videos of the amount of people gathering in the sun yesterday and I am genuinely shocked.

Has nobody learned anything in the past year?
Do they want to continue going in and out of lockdown forever?

I really do understand the people who just want their freedom back, I want mine too. But the pictures of Hyde park yesterday look like something from a music festival. Not to mention the mess left behind this morning.

Should I just shut up because transmission is low outdoors? Or is this a sign that warm weather means people ignore all the rules?

All the litter left behind is a joke but no we need freedom. It’s been lovely seeing places busy again and hearing laughter etc. We can’t stay locked down for another year.

I haven't seen any photos. Is it best I don't look?

I am vulnerable, so won't be going to the park to hug anybody, even in a group of only six. If others want to put their lives at risk, that is their concern. At the moment, I doubt that things will escalate, but eventually, when we are all allowed to mix and breath each other's air, I expect another big spike. I do find it difficult to understand why anyone would want to put their lives at risk, but humans are human and will do what they want. Lockdown is boring and watching Neighbours is depressing, but I would rather be bored and healthy.
Look for a big spike after the June ceasefire!
I am 73, so not got more that twenty odd years to go. Those who are thirty should have another fifty years to go, but if they take chances, now, they won't have that fun.
I'm just a silly old duffer, but I intend to make old bones, I hope you do, as well.

Viviand I won't be hugging anyone but I will be visiting parks which is recognised as a low risk activity and entirely in keeping with current guidance.

Not sure I'd want twenty/thirty/forty years living as we have been!

Those who are thirty should have another fifty years to go, but if they take chances, now, they won't have that fun.

Have you actually researched the FR for a healthy 30 year old?

Those who are thirty should have another fifty years to go, but if they take chances, now, they won't have that fun.

Is there any age when you think it's OK to take 'chances'? Especially with an illness which will very likely cause only mild symptoms for people in this age group?

there should never been any limit on meeting people outdoors

1 in 1000 people have symptomatic Covid. The majority of people are vaccinated.

All restrictions could end tomorrow and there would no big spike. The data is much much better than the roadmap was based on.

I know some people love watching others suffer in lockdown, but things are getting back to normal and you'll have to accept that.

@Roadkill666

Seen friends and Co workers die of this knightmare virus, not a nice thing to of had to attend 3 funerals due to covid. My thoughts are that if you are stupid enough to go to crowded places and catch the virus and kill yourself or your family and friends then you should be held accountable. There is nothing wrong with going out, but if you see a crowded beach go somewhere else not join the idiots. But if you have never had someone close die from this or get very ill you won't care until it hits you. Good luck!

where else are people supposed to go?

Nowhere indoors is open and there are only so many beaches/parks

The same people who rail against 'selfish Brits' who 'think they have a right' to a week on the costa and tell them to 'have a lovely break in Britain instead', will very soon to be castigating all the 'selfish idiots' "flocking" to beaches in Devon and Cornwall.

@Roadkill666

Seen friends and Co workers die of this knightmare virus, not a nice thing to of had to attend 3 funerals due to covid. My thoughts are that if you are stupid enough to go to crowded places and catch the virus and kill yourself or your family and friends then you should be held accountable. There is nothing wrong with going out, but if you see a crowded beach go somewhere else not join the idiots. But if you have never had someone close die from this or get very ill you won't care until it hits you. Good luck!

Losing 3 people is devastating, and incredibly rare. I'm sure I'd be more anxious if I knew anyone who had been ill or died, so I understand your stance.

When I was 20/30 I realised that I was immortal and it didn't matter what I did, I would live forever. With age, I have realised that I am not immortal and death will catch me up. I just don't want to accelerate that.
I hope all younger people enjoy their lives and I hope none of them catch Covid. They have their lives to live and, if catching Covid doesn't concern them, then good luck to them.
I don't have as long as them, I would be scared rigid, but realise that there is only a set time on this earth, so must accept my fate. I hope I may have a long time on this planet..
Enjoy your mingling, I am sure all will be well.
God bless you all.

I hope all younger people enjoy their lives and I hope none of them catch Covid.

Hundreds of thousands of young people have caught Covid, and many will not even have been aware of it. There are way worse diseases for them to catch.

@IcedPurple

The same people who rail against 'selfish Brits' who 'think they have a right' to a week on the costa and tell them to 'have a lovely break in Britain instead', will very soon to be castigating all the 'selfish idiots' "flocking" to beaches in Devon and Cornwall.

Yep! It's already happening. Not to mention the price inflation on these hols, 'You can camp!'

I love all these youngsters who one hand are all about protecting the environment and telling us how we need to think of the world we are leaving them to and the next moment they are the ones throwing their litter on the floor. The hypocrisy!

@cyclingmad

I love all these youngsters who one hand are all about protecting the environment and telling us how we need to think of the world we are leaving them to and the next moment they are the ones throwing their litter on the floor. The hypocrisy!

Yes, it's only youngsters who do this .

I have to say my mum is 76 years old and thankfully in very good health. She's had enough. Unlike many of her age, she's not prepared to sit at home and see out her twilight years shut away. She's been sensible but she's got out and about as much as possible, Her and my aunt (also over 70) meet up in the park and sit having sandwiches and coffee. Despite it being 'against the rules' no one moves on a couple of older ladies with sticks

My honest view is that we are all grown adults. WE need to be sensible, I totally get that, but most of us are capable of assessing our own risk factor and living our lives.
I won't take unnecessary risks but I won't be shut away either

Well said. I am 74 and I refuse to be controlled. I also go out to the beach, for walks etc

Bless you

None of us are guaranteed time on this earth. Some of the people “flocking” and “flouting” might only have a year to live or less, and have spent a lot of that limited time locked away. Not everyone who is terminally ill looks it. Just bear that in mind when you’re judging people you don’t know.

In West Bay in Dorset there was a group of 9 teenagers (girls)obviously missing so much schooling they can’t count now as no social distancing between them .Councils also need to empty their rubbish bins more frequently as full up and no litter lying around there .The rates are going up in our area ?why although still low .Why can’t people take rubbish home with them like we do .The perks they showed were full of litter

@Viviand I understand it’s scary, I didn’t read if you’ve had the vaccine. That’s the whole point is that once you’ve had both your vaccines the chances are extremely tony of anything happening to you from this virus. Just like when you get the flu jab etc. It’s not about not catching it then really but your body having built up the defences to deal with it. I think that’s why people are out now more. There may be a spike in infection rate again but hopefully not in serious illness and death. That is the figures we need to avoid.

This should abate once pubs, restaurants, shops etc etc open up and people have a choice of activities. At the moment gathering in the park is the only entertainment so of course everyone is there.

I don’t think places are as crowded as the media are liking to make out. We aren’t going to be going in and out of lockdown because of the vaccine roll out, look at Israel and Gibraltar. The rubbish is definitely something that people need to be ashamed of but not getting out seeing friends

You need to chill. Seeing normality brings me joy, this is what we should be seeing! Dont let the fear mongering government and media poison your mind.