How long are you expecting this to go on for?

[DennisReynoldsDuster]

Just curious. Friends seem to think it will all be fine again by May, I kind of feel like we will be lucky if we are “back to normal” by Christmas.

And by “this” I mean businesses shut and social distancing etc

It won’t be may, I’d love it if it was though, but I suspect It will be early July

Suggestions are as long as 18 months, they are working to find a vaccine, I would think it may take at least a year to get something even ready for open testing, never mind ready for use.

Forever.

I think normal is a long way off. A depression will follow this which will have its own set of problems.

I think 12-18 months. Probably periods where the social restrictions are more severe and some periods of less. Need a vaccine and then the first winter after a vaccine has been distributed should tell us if it's worked.

I really don't know, and I'm struggling to think about it to be honest. I'm trying to take it a day at a time. I do think summer would be massively optimistic right now though.

15 months maybe? Unless the vaccine/medication works/is developed quickly and becomes widely available.

Agree with universalengine,based on what I've read. We might see a lifting of some restrictions around July but will be temporary. Goodness only know when it comes to the economic consequences..a very long time.

Also 12-18 months with a few relaxed periods in between really severe restrictions,

Next year to some extent, but not sure if it will be as before. Will be a new normal.

Dont think kids will be going back till at least sept, if not jan. This is going to get worse.

18 months to 2 years, followed by "new normal" - like the post 9/11 world was a different one to the one which went before.

Possibly a war. Time will tell on that score.

12-18 months

It definitely won't be by May....the modelling shows May / June are the peak months.

Given that government advice is for the at risk people to self isolate for 3 months, bojo seems to think we should be back to normal in about 3 months. I'm not convinced though. China who dealt with this a lot better than us are just coming out the other side and they started self isolating back in November. 6 months at least I reckon.

Psychologically, the best way will be to lower expectations, dig in, and sit tight. Just put your feet one in front of each other for 1 or 2 years, live one week at a time.

Worrying and thinking too far ahead too often...that way madness lies.

I think, as others have said, there will be periods of greater and lesser restrictions. Lots of restrictions til July, then on and off indefinitely until there is a vaccine/readily available treatment. I just hope the schools aren't shut for ages as I feel so sorry for kids missing out on education and seeing their friends, though I understand why it has to be like this.

Boris had no idea how to explain what he meant yesterday with that turning the tide stuff. Which suggests that 12 weeks is optimistic. After 12 weeks, 'normal' won't be what we had last week. Even if, at that point, CV is totally gone (no illusions that this will be the case), we will have developed new habits. Ultimately the longstanding effects might be good; more time at home or in fresh air rather than crowded city spaces; a better balance with work, as companies realise they don't need such big offices because you can make it work from home, etc.

But I don't think this is a 'it'll be over and we'll get back to normal' situation. Lots will change. Lots will never return to last week.

I agree- least 18 months. Life will never be quite the same.

June.

Given that government advice is for the at risk people to self isolate for 3 months, bojo seems to think we should be back to normal in about 3 months

Well, if they said 'you need to isolate for six months at least', there would be chaos. 12 weeks sounds just about doable but any more would have a hugely detrimental effect on people's mental health and would indicate that this situation is semi-permanent.

The public need to see this as a mere temporary blip to keep spirits up and to ensure people remain co-operative.

Vulnerable people are already self isolating so all the government have to do is to tell them to continue near the end of the three months. It's much easier for people to handle that way.

I also think May.

May 2021.

But I don't think this is a 'it'll be over and we'll get back to normal' situation. Lots will change. Lots will never return to last week.

This

Why do you think there will be a war @PicsInRed surely that would be in no country’s interest when this thing is worldwide

I agree about people forming new habits

I feel really sad about it today

I think it will taper off in June only to come back again next winter.

And I don't think people will tolerate social distancing for more than a few months without there being trouble on the streets.