Lockdown will end sooner than later

[Mumlove5]

Let’s hope the government will listen to the economists. A balance needs to be created.

I honestly do not think Boris will stand for a longterm lockdown. He wants to get back to normality ASAP.

Plus, infection rates are slowing in Europe🙏🏻

www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/04/05/behind-scenes-boris-johnsons-gang-becoming-riven-infighting/

“It’s a false argument that we are either going to save lives or save the economy,” said Sir Iain, a former Work and Pensions Secretary. “We are talking about saving lives right now versus saving lives in the future because people have got jobs to go back to, and a strong economy that can raise enough taxes to pay for the NHS.”

Yet when does the crossover point come when the Government has to start prioritising the economy above all else? “I’d say we have until the end of this month,” added Mr Duncan Smith. “We have a chance of saving the economy if we are out of this in three weeks but much longer and businesses won’t be able to be resurrected and charities will go under. And then we will see real suffering. We get this done, we flatten the curve and we get back to normal.”

@inlawsimnotsure

Indeed. The UK government has to show they’re compassionate and serious about the response. But at the same time, it’s the politician’s inherent responsibility to make sure the financial system and economy are working properly.

Given the foreign office have changed their advice re travel, I think sooner is wildly optimistic.

@GCAcademic

1500 - 1700 people die daily in the UK. We’ve never watched and waited for deaths to this extent ever in history.

The first duty of government is to protect and safeguard the lives of its citizens. That is the primary reason why governments exist.

@GCAcademic

And protecting the economy is doing just that.

I so hope it is sooner rather than later, the mental health issues arising from lockdown are horrendous. I work in care and at least once a week I think of just running away, until I realise I can't. Just stuck here, stuck in until we just can't cope any more.

Why do people on mumsnet hate the idea of coming out of lockdown? It has to happen at some point. Good news about Austria, the first European country to start coming out of lockdown 😊

@Astrabees

Yes, they’re realizing this. It’s unsustainable.

Totally agree, if we go on longer than another 4 weeks (initial 3 week period, plus another 3 week period) then the measures become worse than the problem. We can't prioritise the virus above all else. We can't stay in lockdown long term

I agree with you OP and may I add your thread has saved my sanity for today! Thank you! It feels amazing to know I'm not the only one who thinks like this!!

I don't understand the point being made by Professor Medley i.e.

"The UK may have “painted itself into a corner” with no way out of the coronavirus lockdown, a senior government adviser has said."

If we have then surely every other country that imposed a lockdown is facing a similar how to exist problem.? The only difference will be in the timing from the start of the pandemic in each particular country.

exit, not exist.

Totally agree OP

@ Shehz21

You’re welcome. We optimists are out there!

Yes, viruses really care about optimism.

I don't like lockdown. But really don't fancy being dead just now, either.

I don't think it's a case of prioritise the virus, its prioritise intensive care beds and ventilation and oxygen supplies.
It won't be a quick return to normal, it will be a slow return and possibly only for a short time.
Testing is the only way out until theres a vaccine.

Also want to say I agree and thank you for the thread @Mumlove5. My mental health is really suffering and every day is a struggle to get through. I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking the lockdown will have to end sooner rather than later

I think you're being very naive. Yeah we could cone out of lockdown sooner but what happens when the NHS becomes overwhelmed with cases and deaths? Do we just ignore that for the sake of the economy.
Do we just ignore the deaths of our younger, healthy people and turn a blind eye because we need to keep going for the economy?
It's all well and good being wildly optimistic until it affects you or a loved one.

I don't like the lockdown either and I dread to think of the economy but as people have said, a virus doesn't care about that.

Unfortunately the majority of mumsnet are absolutely loving all of this and would prefer it if the government nailed our front doors shut.

Not many post make me laugh out loud, but that did! It’s so true.

Not just the economy, ill people (not covid) are being denied healthcare because the GP surgeries and hospitals have shut up shop. We could be seeing more people dying from other diseases than are being saved by the covid lock down.

Economists overwhelmingly support continued lockdowns: www.igmchicago.org/surveys/policy-for-the-covid-19-crisis/

@BatmanBaby you're totally right. The virus is awful but the effect lockdown is having on people's lives is just as awful.

I don't mean missing out on going to the pub or family dinners but people having no money for a very long time and no possibility of getting a new job and the mental health of this country nose diving.

I waited 18 months for NHS mental health support - keeping everyone locked down will increase the pressure on them else where and longer term.

I am hopeful that the government will lift the lockdown ASAP - not because I am heartless or because I think I won't be effected (me or a loved one) but I can see the bigger long term picture.

@TheArchSorcererofContwaraburg. I’m so sorry about your mates son 🌷

Sadly, as you can see, many just DGAF about people.

The Virus Really does not care about what people want. You can’t outbrave it!

@neveradullmoment99 you’re a cheery soul 😊 it will have to end at some point, life has to go on, even if mumsnetters want to lock us all away forever 😊