How long can we carry on like this for?

[Pseudosudocrem]

Anyone else starting to wonder just how long we can carry on like this before everything irrevocably falls apart?

How will we ever recover as a country?

[AmelieTaylor]

Anyone else starting to wonder just how long we can carry on like this before everything irrevocably falls apart?

No just you...oh & the hundreds of posters on the hundreds of other identical threads 🙄🙄

Why do people have to keep staring a new thread to say the same old thing?

[IcedPurple]

@5zeds well that won't be the case forever will it? well we have yet to find a cure for the common cold.

Nor AIDS, but it can be controlled. What is the scientific basis for your belief that this particular virus is uncontrollable? Or are you just indulging in the favourite MN habit of scaremongering?

[circusintown]

A cure for the common cold how do you propose they go about that?

[user1477391263]

twitter.com/PeterKolchinsky/status/1240498037958545410

Discussion here (by a virologist)

[5zeds]

As I said I think the world is irreversibly changed and we won’t be returning to how it was. I don’t hold out much hope for an effective vaccine but if you do then life may go back to a semblance of normal for some people. I would imagine most of us would miss “the vulnerable” though and find life very much changed.

[Waxonwaxoff0]

Of course it won't be forever the country would run out of money. At some point we will HAVE to reopen businesses and get people back to work, we can't wait for a cure.

Furlough has been extended until the end of June. I think at the end of May we will see some businesses allowed to reopen.

[5zeds]

NB if asked when you think something will happen it’s ok to give your opinion.

[TamTam25]

I understand the fear about future economic impacts, but honestly until you have watched a loved one die from CV and then contracted it yourself, I don't think this would be a priory. The priority should be protecting people from the immediate risks and then working on minimising the future risks as much as we possibly can.

[IcedPurple]

As I said I think the world is irreversibly changed and we won’t be returning to how it was.

Yes, we know that you said it. Anyone can say anything - it's a free world.

What people are asking is, what is the scientific basis for your statement? What is your expertise and training in the field of virology?

[Frompcat]

I can do maybe another month or so. I'm not staying in lockdown beyond that. I'd rather get the virus and take my chances.

[5zeds]

oh I see you were looking for scientific opinion. Possibly put that in the OP? Why post on an open forum???

[NikeDeLaSwoosh]

We’re just going to have to wait until the moment the penny finally drops that, whatever we do, people are going to die.

There isn’t an option that genuinely ‘saves lives’. People will either die of Covid 19, or as a result of the recession.

It’s an awful thing to have to come to terms with, but ultimately, there is no good answer here.

I think this realisation is starting to dawn on people. The quicker we all get there, the more of our economy will be salvageable.

[LilacTree1]

Nike “ We’re just going to have to wait until the moment the penny finally drops that, whatever we do, people are going to die. ”

I am so disappointed in people. The number who seemed to think they’re immortal confuses me somewhat.

[Ilikewinter]

The re-opening of shops has already started, its like lemmings, one moves they all start to follow. First KFC, now Pret and Burger King, today Ive seen selected B&Q's open so that means Wickes and Homebase will follow. Supermarkets have started to extend their opening hours. By the end of May i reckon a lot of self employed will be back especially tradespeople. Vets, grooming places, nail salons etc. I then reckon clothes shops will follow.....social distancing will remain for a long time.

[circusintown]

Since you posted that it's "forever but nobody wants to say so" people have asked what you are basing your opinion on. It became "scientific" when you started on about the impossible task of "curing the common cold".

It won't be forever simply because we will control the spread, build up some immunity, hopefully develop a vaccine.

As for those "taking their chances" as and when they decide to. Thanks a bunch. It's not about you

[LilacTree1]

Nail salons and hairdressers will be among the last, they can’t social distance.

[circusintown]

@NikeDeLaSwoosh

Seriously? You want us all to get our head around actively crippling the NHS and writing off many of our loved ones? Jesus

[NikeDeLaSwoosh]

Lilac - it’s as if all critical thinking has been suspended for the duration.

I think is is largely down to the fact that the political left don’t understand that, when there is a hole in the public finances on the scale that this one will be, austerity is an absolute necessity and a recession is inevitable.

My Left wing friends genuinely believe that austerity is ideological In nature and a recession isn’t necessarily going to happen.

I fear that they and their beloved public services are in for a terrible shock.

[5zeds]

It won't be forever simply because we will control the spread, build up some immunity, hopefully develop a vaccine.
If any of these are possible. This exactly the plan, but it is in no way a certainty. We aren’t really controlling the spread though I like everyone else hope it IS slowing. My understanding was there was CV19 everywhere in the world now. It’s not a given that immunity is achieved after having it (I think the WHO said as much today) and a safe vaccine isn’t a given either any time soon.

[Tootletum]

If you're vulnerable get paid to stay home. Everyone else goes out and back to normal.

[Lynda07]

No idea. I can carry on like this indefinitely but nationwide economy is a different matter.

[NikeDeLaSwoosh]

Circus, in a few years time, your loved ones will almost certainly have died anyway. The choices you face in 5 years time are:

1. Your loved ones being dead, the economy being utterly trashed and your DC’s future being ruined.
   
   Or
   
   
2. Your loved ones being dead and your DC having a decent chance at a future.
   
   The option (3) that we all want, namely your loved ones not being dead, simply isn’t on the table.

[NikeDeLaSwoosh]

@Tootletum I also think this is the best idea - we should have done it from the start.

[ilovecakeandwine]

I think schools and non essential shops could open in a few weeks .
Schools part time probably so that 50% in half the week and the other 50% in or just have so many in . I'd think many would still want to keep children off so will be less anyway . Non essential shops again like is done in supermarkets only so many allowed in . I suspect many won't be bothered with the queuing though .
Tbh food shopping is stressful enough what with some people oblivious to anyone and not following the social distancing , it's like some people are in their own world .
I know many people will find flaws in opening up schools/ shops / businesses and I'd agree it's safer to stay at home but as soon as the death rate decreases we will need to allow some people to go out or businesses are really struggling.

[user1471448556]

If we can stay in lockdown a while longer ... say till the end of May ... this allows the case load to reduce significantly and allows more time for scientists to come up with treatments and for our useless gov to procure PPE and tests ready for the next wave. Not sure about schools reopening - can’t see social distancing working with classes of 30 - especially in the younger years.