Which would be better?

[twinnywinny14]

DH and I have been having a ‘debate’ about the lockdown/increased social distancing measures we currently have in place and the length of time they will be in place for. We both believe they will be in place for a long period of time. The debate is whether we would rather the government tell us that or not. This ‘lockdown’ is for a 3 wk total, then likely to be extended again and possible again. I think we should be told that it’s for x number of weeks and be able to focus on that as I think the uncertainty is what is making it hard for people , DH thinks 3 wks at a time is better for people to handle. Should the government start telling us more?

They don't know how long because it depends how well people behave and also depends probably depends on how much surveillance people will accept as a trade from more ( other) freedom which may change over time

I think there is no right way of doing it as people react to news like that so differently. Personally I would prefer to know the worst case scenario upfront, but for other people that would mean they might give up mentally, or start going out, etc. There is no right answer I fear that would work for all people.

To be fair though I think in the daily briefings they have been honest. It will most likely last at least 6 months and within that they will have to tighten and relax the rules depending on how the NHS is coping, how many more people are getting infected and so on.

I don’t think they know exactly how long yet, and as the measures are restrictive, no government wants to look as if it’s abusing its emergency powers by announcing its going to be for an extended period. I think in Scotland the first minister has hinted more strongly than the U.K. government that it will be for much longer. Personally, I’d find an end date psychologically easier, but I don’t think they will, or even can, do that with certainty.

The government will drip-feed, 3 weeks extension at a time. I think compliance would be poor if they told us all at the start it was for 12 weeks or so. Plus it is a dynamic situation, so they can’t be certain.

I think people would rebel more if they thought it was for longer. People are stupid, the government knows they're stupid, so they don't want to do anything that will encourage them to act any more stupidly!

I can pros and cons for both tbh. I think lots of people see this 3wks as all that is, and are beginning to break the measures as they believe that’ll be it, some are flouting the rules as we are ‘nearly there now anyway’

I'm glad they told us 3 weeks. My teen has been able to get used to the idea that it is the new norm, and dripfed the idea that it is likely to go on for longer. I think telling people they weren't going to see their extended family for 3-6 months would cause widespread panic and breaking of rules. Introducing the idea slowly gives people chance to get used to it.