Boris doing an announcement at 4.45pm today

[PrincessHoneysuckle]

Think on BBC

@NeckPainChairSearch Yep, I imagine some people do feel this way.

I've just watched it and, ignoring the commentators interpretation, it seems clear.

Testing is happening and will increase

Isolate if you know you are vulnerable, they can't list every condition, they'd be there for hours.

Don't go out unless you have to, work, food shopping and for leisure, keep your distance.

Nothing is being closed forcibly

Some of the delay has been to give the NHS time to gear up

We'll try and help employers, but there isn't enough money in anyone's coffers to do that fully.

It's common sense with more stringent measures to follow

Seems logical to me

@Writersblock2 Please don't patronise me. I am not upset.
I am extremely worried about how my dad is meant to survive.

How exactly does it affect you? Can you afford to stay at home or do you have a job that means you can work from home? Will you be paid SSP if need be? Do you get paid to work from home?
Can you afford to live?
Despite what Boris has said today? Then you are in no where near the same position as my father.

If you know of nothing regarding the situation people like my father are in, then don't try to justify it - you've no clue.

If your parents refuse to self-isolate then I'm afraid that is their fault. The situation my father is in is through absolutely no fault of his own, and is directly correlated to the poxy suggestions our so called PM has put forward.

Again, your attitude is a poignant example of what I said in a previous post. Coronavirus has bought many, many selfish people to the surface - as long as they're okay, fuck everyone else.

Transcript of Bozo's opening speech
www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-on-coronavirus-16-march-2020

@StillDisappointed I’m selfish? Jesus Christ.

I’m done with this thread.

It would be ALL secondary schools sent home. Not just the ones who parents thought responsible.

So that brings us back to a parent having to stop work. Having to manage with no income and depriving the country of their service.

Neck pain, au contraire.

I don't believe the tories want the poor to die at all, how ridiculous... I do believe there is poor information however and advice...

I'm very happy to critise them I just don't want think they actively want people to die... Poor planing? Poor forecasting?

Something has gone wrong m

For those in doubt;

Requesting "social responsibility" rather than forcing closure does only 1 thing. It relinquishes the government of any responsibility to support small businesses who will go out of business whilst people dutifully exercise their social responsibility.

The government have not told anyone to close therefore are not responsible for the consequences of the public following their guidelines.

Essentially it's an exercise in shifting blame. If social distancing is required then it is required. The only thing that not mandating it does is give the government a get out of jail free card.

Sorry, that get out of jail card works both ways, if people distance businesses close, jobs are lost, not their fault. If people don't distance people get sick, deaths increase, not their fault.

It is the most disgusting double speak I have ever heard.

Interesting there was absolutely no reference to WHO - the obvious leader of knowledge here. Lots of references to SAGE. Guess who contributes to supporting the Tory government? Well it's not WHO.

"what is meant by mass gatherings" just don't go near anyone unless you really need to and than take what precautions you can. Standing as far back as possible and washing hands etc.

They're keeping it vague so it's not an immediate lockdown and businesses have time to prepare whilst the smarter people start isolating quicker. Then the real lockdown will come.

@CuriousaboutSamphire I agree. This is logical. It is being presented as a social contract with the people because we are all in this together rather than the imposition of legislation with draconian sanctions. People will try to pick holes in it, but I think this is the right approach.

People will try to pick holes in it, but I think this is the right approach

Absolutely agree, many people seem to think they should be able to carry on as normal while the government somehow sorts everything out for them.

@aLilNonnyMouse sorry if someone has already answered this but on iplayer it has full sign language if that's any use to you

I'm beginning to think this is an experiment: this country does this another does that.
Then compare at a later date.
The books and dissertations to be written about this crisis in the future will be huge.
I feel for the self employed and the ones in the gig economy and hospitality , it is a nightmare .

I have a lot of friends who work in the theatre. By not mandating that theatres close, but telling people to stay away, theatres can't claim on insurance so they will all go bust. The same is true of cafes, restaurants, bars etc. I think it's outrageous. Insurance companies are being protected at the expense of small businesses and the arts.

Can anyone help me please?

I'm a lone parent to a primary aged child. I have severe health issues (I manage just fine day to day, she's not a young Carer or anything) I was offered and given the flu jab, and have a reduced immune system. So by Boris's advice, I have to avoid contact for 12 weeks....

I only have one family member - my Mum who is 76 and as you know, has been told from this weekend to stay in for 12 weeks.

So how the hell can I take DC to school????

What the hell am I going to do?

I predict we'll have a lockdown if people don't do it voluntarily. and I think that's when they're planning to close schools.

Totally, on my walk home at 4pm through the park it was full of joggers, not normally so busy at that time but loads of people wfh & sunshine.

Do you work Haven or a SAHM??

@TiddyTid I don't, no.

SAHM due to my severe health issues

Then put your own health first and that of your mum. These are unprecedented times.

@TiddyTid Do you mean keep her off?

I would. Schools may close soon anyway. I'm self isolating because I have shingles on GP advice.

it's scary and confusing isn't it. We are all in this together.

@TiddyTid Thankyou so much for your advice. You poor thing with shingles... How are you doing? How are you coping with the isolation?