Would you be happy to lock down for the next two years?

[BirdieFriendReturns]

If the government restrictions stayed in place?

So until May 2022.

Of course not, it’s an idiotic suggestion.

We're lucky that the government have allowed us out to exercise through this. We haven't had house arrest. We really need to forget about pubs and theatres and concerts for a year or two.

No, I had a lot of plans for this year that would be improving my, and my children’s, future. I was supposed to be learning to drive right now and going back to college from September so I could get a higher paid job. I have no income now, my partner is having to work all the hours he can get to keep us going and I’m at home with the children all day every day, trying to do home learning with two very high needs children. My savings that were going to pay for learning to drive, going to college, buying a car etc are being eaten up just covering the costs of day to day life. Many people will be in similar situations. Domestic violence rates have gone up massively. There’s going to be a long-term impact on people’s mental health already. Keeping it going for that long just isn’t sustainable.

Why are all these threads presented in such stark 'either/or terms'? I would be happy for lockdown to be eased if appropriate testing, tracing and other resources were properly in place. The things that should have been done right from the beginning of this crisis, but weren't because of the haphazard response of the current government.

I also think there is a case for less speed in easing as more time is bought to deal with issues such as tracing, resources, development of better treatment, drug regimens etc...All of which have been being modified as doctors and relevant scientists learn more about the disease.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/12/tories-lockdown-social-distancing-testing-second-wave-coronavirus

And who exactly is going to support all the infrastructure that the Happy Prisoners want to keep going? Oh, yes, those who still have to work to do so! Such hypocrisy. Unbelievable!

And the list of simple unthinking people continues who blindly say “yes to save lives” continues.

These people must have such narrow, dull but financially comfortable lives that they’re happy to lock away for months. They can’t je working as no one would surely employ anyone so dense.

They also don’t understand that if the country is locked down for two years then many many more people will die as the economy collapses. But as long as they can virtue signal that they’re good people.

I'm already on the edge, and this would tip me over it.

Obviously not, that would be ridiculous. Saving some lives is not worth ruining the lives of everyone in the country. Especially children.

@Jeffersona

We really need to forget about pubs and theatres and concerts for a year or two

These constitute some people's entire livelihoods. They have nothing else. Their families will be evicted. Mortgage "holidays" will not be forever, and in any case only defer the problem. There is no furlough for these people. Can you really, honestly not see that?

@TinRoofRusty exactly. And kudos for the Happy Prisoners 😂😂

I could stay in lock down almost indefinitely as I can work from home but I am connected to essential work. But I really don't want to.

Yes. Absolutely.

But the first thing that came to mind- I’m single so how would I ever find a boyfriend?!
Trivial and selfish in the scheme of things I know, but the idea of being this lonely is so upsetting.

Mortgage "holidays" will not be forever,

Too true - I haven't heard of any banks that have extended the mortgage holiday by the initial extra month let alone come out and said they'll take it to OCTOBER

@OhMyDarling I don't think this is trivial at all, it's a horrible prospect. But they'll have to lift it soon, people just won't live like this for long.

I personally had to give up what many consider to be essential for life in order to become a f/t carer and, ironically, allow life to continue, albeit changed.

Due to austerity measures, DH was encouraged to wfh (HMCS/MOJ), and his work life in lockdown (and his earnings and tax payments) are identical.

Due to the failures of SEN education, DS2 was forced into internet school. It was a blessing in disguise and not only saved his mental health but allowed him to flourish and learn skills of self reliance/motivation and self learning. Education is not synonymous with brick schools.

As a family we have all learned resilience and self reliance that is standing us in good stead now because we are having zero-impact on state finances - not costing or contributing any different.

Change is difficult and painful but it is possible and sometimes it is necessary. Sometimes shit happens that is beyond your personal control and when you have gone through the stages of grief you just have to adapt to the new normal. To paraphrase The Smiths - you've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in yours.

On a societal level there are absolutely some things that are beyond personal but not collective control that can make the external environment more safe and that should be done. Otherwise it seems rational for individuals to behave in risky and irrational ways.

The trauma of staying indoors and/or changing the way you do things is nothing compared to complex grief of surviving loved ones dying alone in hospitals and care homes or survivors of severe illness/weeks in ICU and their families coping with ongoing health issues.

It is interesting that it seems to be those in countries that have handled this pandemic badly and have the highest infection and death rates that are desperate for things to get back to 'normal' despite it not being safe to do so. On the other hand, counties that went early and hard, have low infection and death rates and are safely resuming a semblance of normality. Maybe there's a lesson there.

Jeffersona seems to have zero understanding of how our economy works. The naive statement that these whole industries need to close down indefinitely means catastrophe for millions of people/ families across the country. Mostly in the younger age group. Why should these people sacrifice so much to reduce a slight chance of death for much much older people.

Even if she doesn’t care about them then she should consider that’s it such a big part of the economy that her cosy existence will not be as cosy if it collapses.

Yes, if I had to. I'd miss my mum terribly

No

Unfortunately for the 'I'm alright Jacks!' here who are enjoying the birdsong and traffic-free roads, this isn't going to go on indefinitely. Many European countries are already opening up. Taxes need to be paid and essential services need to be funded. However, if they want to lock themselves up at their own expense, so be it.

No. It'd cause so many more deaths due to people not coping. Mine included.

Idly wonders how many of these yes voters are SAHM, unemployed or pensioners who have no understanding of how economics works at even a basic level. Surely no one who needs to provide financially for other people could fail to understand the flaws in their plan.

This narrative that people who are respecting lockdown are somehow expecting everyone else to pay for it is straight from the Tory playbook. Most people are working from home. We're paying taxes, council tax, etc.
I know the Tories love to paint people who won't literally sacrifice their lives for the furtherance of big business as scroungers but it really doesn't stand up to scrutiny.

No. It’s not going to happen.

Yes no hesitation

I don't see it happening or being necessary but I'd do it. I do what I'm told!