Is everyone else really confused by Boris/government mixed messages?

[annabel85]

One day it's everyone get back to the office and pack out rush hour trains again and back to Pret and Costa for your morning coffee and lunchtime sandwich. The next it's talk of lockdown and quarantines and 'let's be careful out there'. Why not just continue to advise to work from home then where it's possible and productive to do so?

One day it's 'it'll all be over by Christmas' the next it's 'second wave will be here in two weeks'.

One day it's all get back to the shops and let's support the retail industry, the next it's compulsory masks.

We could list a whole bunch of other conflicting advice from the government and cognitive dissonance from Boris Johnson.

It's a confusing time for everyone and Boris has an impossible job in many ways but they really aren't helping matters with such confusing mixed messages.

I understand they're blindsided by events and changes (I thought they were proactive for once with the Spain quarantine tbf) but their strategy is so confused. It veers between complacency and panic on a daily basis. People don't know whether they're coming or going.

@PigletJohn

I saw another newsflash today. I don't know if this is the same one we were grumbling about or another later one.

Looks like things have changed again. Announced Friday p.m. to take effect on Saturday.

"The further easing of lockdown restrictions in England - due to come in this weekend - has been postponed for at least two weeks, amid concerns over an increase in coronavirus cases."

"Casinos and bowling alleys will remain shut, with Boris Johnson saying it was time to "squeeze the brake pedal".

Wedding receptions of up to 30 people were meant to be allowed as part of the changes but cannot yet happen.

Face coverings will be mandatory in more indoor settings, such as cinemas.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53609467

Who was it was saying they found it easy to keep up with government changes?

Certainly not me!

Have some cheap food, but also please also lose weight.

This is the most ridiculous mixed message out there

Really? You actually can’t think of how this would work? No such thing as healthy eating out? Lots of people are already a healthy weight? A treat is allowed even if you’re cutting down?

I’m so absolutely fucking sick of the wilfully obtuse, the downright disingenuous and the thick as shit. It’s more frightening than any virus.

Piglet what's confusing about that information? It's simple. The things that were going to open from tomorrow won't now for at least 2 weeks. We don't have the capacity to open up more.

Everything else will continue as is - except in areas of local lockdown where you'll get local guidance.

@itsgettingweird

Piglet what's confusing about that information? It's simple. The things that were going to open from tomorrow won't now for at least 2 weeks. We don't have the capacity to open up more.

Everything else will continue as is - except in areas of local lockdown where you'll get local guidance.

Well, plus changes to masks, and a very confusing message that absolutely those who were shielding are fine to go to work, just please be aware things are getting worse again so be super careful.

Look, I can follow it (usually), but not even Johnson's dad would argue the government have handled the messaging and communication well!

Ok so changes to masks. But they named changes so again it's not confusing.

People are using the word confusing when what they actually mean is the advice is changing.

Well good! Because I want it to change for the national interest.

I have the same restrictions on me in a town that's had 2 cases in 17 days as other places. I don't like the new stricter changes anymore than the next person and of course it's annoying when your area is so low risk (currently).

But they message is clear and has been for a while (took them long enough as they were worse than shit at the start).

The message is they will lift restrictions and open things up but will put brakes on if number rise and will lockdown locally and regionally where needed.

Just go online and look at Ivor Cummins, Michael Levitt, Dr Ron Daniels etc. We are all being led a merry dance. The peak is over. There is no effectiveness shown by wearing masks. Just be smart, socially distance and get out and enjoy life. This is a test of every rational person.

@itsgettingweird

Ok so changes to masks. But they named changes so again it's not confusing.

People are using the word confusing when what they actually mean is the advice is changing.

Well good! Because I want it to change for the national interest.

I have the same restrictions on me in a town that's had 2 cases in 17 days as other places. I don't like the new stricter changes anymore than the next person and of course it's annoying when your area is so low risk (currently).

But they message is clear and has been for a while (took them long enough as they were worse than shit at the start).

The message is they will lift restrictions and open things up but will put brakes on if number rise and will lockdown locally and regionally where needed.

Sorry, what the government is doing and the way they are doing it is shit.

The only message that has truly been clear is that if you're Cummings or Buckland or Stanley Johnson you can do what you want, and bugger the rest of us.

Lab your opinion is it's shit. I shared that opinion for the first few months of this. I agree the Cummings debacle was horrendous and so was his dad jetting off to Greece.
Bit I happen to think it's much clearer now and even Boris seems to have stopped being so blustery and jokey. (He's still shit when not reading a speech and is answering questions)

But my opinion happens to be that finally he's grown a backbone and is happy to make unpopular decisions for the sake of the Nation. And the decisions are clear. They may not be what we want to hear but finally IMO it's very simple.

If they had the resources to enforce it things would improve 10 fold again.

@itsgettingweird I'm sorry, I don't want a big argument, but Johnson does not do anything for the sake of the nation. He has realised his own position on the conservative is under threat, as MP s are staring already to talk of replacing him before the next election, that's why he's suddenly being more 'decisive'.

I myself am not shielding but think it beyond disgusting that those who were are having all additional workplace protections removed at the same time as we are all being told that things are worsening and we must be very careful.

He isn't making evidence-based policy decisions, he's feeding the country policy-based 'evidence'.

He's a terrible PM.

Boris is naturally libertarian and his overriding approach to this whole thing has been to stick his fingers in his ears and say “la la la, I’m not listening”.

For this reason I am now concerned. I’m envisaging his scientific advisors sitting him down and really hammering into him how certain they are of imminent danger, for him to have changed his tune and bothered to hold a press conference yesterday.

I can see cases in the rise in Europe and this is much sooner than any of the models were predicting. With schools due back, I think there will shortly be more changes so brace yourselves!

@everythingthelighttouches

I absolutely agree, the fact he paused at all must mean things either already are or are very close to being terrible.

Johnson would not act if it was only a few lives on the line, it must be bad enough that his political position is in danger, which means a lot of lives or the NHS itself.

What keeps the economics of the country going are not those working at home. It's the minimum wage, zero contract hours, no sick pay workers. If they have to go to work on the Frontline then so should those working from home all safe and cosy and earning 3 times what Frontline workers earn.
The message from government has always been simple. Obey the guidelines to a tee. Wash your hands keep your distance and now wear a mask and still keep your distance. Disobey any if that then you will have repeated short notice lockdowns. After all you were all warned enough if numbers of infections rise then there will be lockdowns. How much if that don't people understand.
It may have took 14 days for another 1000 people to die of Covid in the UK mainly in England but people continue to die if Covid now over 46,000. That's right over 46,000. On average 70 a day. That's 70 people with 70 families grieving. So next time you moan about lockdowns, next time you head off for the beach, pub, holiday, not keeping social distance, nadk wearing and hand washing rules think of those 46,000 dead in the last 6 months.

The main worry us that it's no longer the old in danger. Figures show a substantial rise in 17-22 year olds testing positive and the same for those under 40. If you look at pandemic if 1918 first wave killed the old and feeble mostly. Second wave killed a lot of people a lot younger. The biggest threat could be that 17-22 group University ages. University cities could be at risk. Schools must go back in September. That's imperative so more stringent lockdowns to make sure schools do go back could occur. The economy can't get going till schools are back.
Think the Government will soon be in dire need of incontinence pads as they continue to run around like headless chickens!

UK Government is a shambles with no clear strategy or plan.

@PigletJohn

I saw another newsflash today. I don't know if this is the same one we were grumbling about or another later one.

Looks like things have changed again. Announced Friday p.m. to take effect on Saturday.

"The further easing of lockdown restrictions in England - due to come in this weekend - has been postponed for at least two weeks, amid concerns over an increase in coronavirus cases."

"Casinos and bowling alleys will remain shut, with Boris Johnson saying it was time to "squeeze the brake pedal".

Wedding receptions of up to 30 people were meant to be allowed as part of the changes but cannot yet happen.

Face coverings will be mandatory in more indoor settings, such as cinemas.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53609467

Who was it was saying they found it easy to keep up with government changes?

what's hard to understand about that message? What bit don't you get? This is what I don't understand with all the "confusing " stuff - of course things will change - the whole of society is affected by what is going on and we have a duty to do our best to limit infection. Honestly - we are still in the middle of a pandemic - things will change and sometimes at short notice, surely you understand that?! I get that for those in Spain and those who had weddings planned and celebrating EID it is frustrating , disappointing, upsetting. Not too mention poor bowlng alley owners/ workers that now can't open

But really, for me - I look at the changes/ new rules and think to my self - do these apply to me or what I am about to do/ go? If yes, I take note . If not, I crack on with my life

I don't think the GOV is expecting every person to remember every rule at every moment in time - it is not an exam

It;s pretty easy to remember / understand the main rules which are about social distancing to prevent the virus going from one human to anther human - you presumably understand this bit?
keep gatherings in low numbers, minimise mixing households (very easy to understand) wear masks when on public transport, shops (very easy to understand even if you don;t agree) and keep as much distance as possible from everyone else - 2 meters if you can, wear a mask if not.

I am looking forward to the cinema next week. I will bring a mask, if they tell me to wear it I will - not need for endless discussion, sad face, happy face, I don't understand wails and silly media coverage outside a cinema somewhere.

[quote labyrinthloafer]@everythingthelighttouches

I absolutely agree, the fact he paused at all must mean things either already are or are very close to being terrible.

Johnson would not act if it was only a few lives on the line, it must be bad enough that his political position is in danger, which means a lot of lives or the NHS itself.[/quote]
what a silly comment! honestly the dramatics on this thread are ridiculous.

do all you guys all work at home? peeking out behind the curtains

Honestly, get outside, go for a walk - have a nice lunch in a nice cafe somewhere - meet a friend (socially distanced of course) for a coffee.

have a read of some of the more positive threads - it might change your perspectives.

The ONS are saying that there are currently 4,900 new cases every day at present. That is an alarming figure and has definitely made me more wary of going out and enjoying the things we are now allowed to do. I sadly think we have to face the fact that we still do have to be very careful and that it's going to be a long haul...

@itsgettingweird

Lab your opinion is it's shit. I shared that opinion for the first few months of this. I agree the Cummings debacle was horrendous and so was his dad jetting off to Greece. Bit I happen to think it's much clearer now and even Boris seems to have stopped being so blustery and jokey. (He's still shit when not reading a speech and is answering questions)

But my opinion happens to be that finally he's grown a backbone and is happy to make unpopular decisions for the sake of the Nation. And the decisions are clear. They may not be what we want to hear but finally IMO it's very simple.

If they had the resources to enforce it things would improve 10 fold again.

agreed I think the "doomsters and gloomsters" as Boris himself would call them just want everyone to be perpetually miserable , full of fear - not seeing joy in anything and wanting as much confusion and chaos as possible

I think some people enjoy this - does anyone watch "what they do in the shadows" ? anyway Colin Robinson springs immediately to mind when I read some posters on here.

[quote labyrinthloafer]@everythingthelighttouches

I absolutely agree, the fact he paused at all must mean things either already are or are very close to being terrible.

Johnson would not act if it was only a few lives on the line, it must be bad enough that his political position is in danger, which means a lot of lives or the NHS itself.[/quote]
Right!

So he's finally acting. Whatever his motivations he's acting to save lives.

Yet when he didn't do that and take it seriously everyone was (rightly so!) slating him.

But now he's doing it everyone is still slating him.

I'm no fan of him or his idiotic law breaking advisors. But I can see that someone is changing their stance and damned if the do or don't.

And I will add I'm happily following all guidance as per government. My ds still has no swim training since March. That's 6 times a week he went from to nothing. He lost his school, didn't take his GCSEs and now is facing blended learning from college despite having an EHCP and needing support.

My LA has had 2 cases in 17 days!

But it's understanding why government are doing what they are doing.

Confusion and not liking changes aren't the same thing. But some people are choosing to equate them as equal. That's not helping to save lives.

@sashagabadon

Yes, I do work from home, I’ve been flat out writing bids for Covid research since March, I’ve got a young child and I’m desperate for him to go back to school, it’s hideous home schooling and working.

I’m out and about, in restaurants, visiting relatives, having friends over (all within the rules). generally being cheery. I’m on here because i woke early and I’m distracting myself from the stress of all the work I’ve got to do this weekend.

But I can see this isn’t over by a long chalk and I’m concerned that Boris is concerned , because Boris strikes me as someone who isn’t usually concerned, about much really.

It’s the day after an announcement which people are reasonably discussing.

It really irks me that when people are discussing coronavirus on a coronavirus thread in the coronavirus bloody section, someone comes along to accuse us of being small-minded, curtain-twitching doom-mongers!!!! (Crikey that was a mouthful.)

These posts are so transparent.

[quote everythingthelighttouches]**@sashagabadon

Yes, I do work from home, I’ve been flat out writing bids for Covid research since March, I’ve got a young child and I’m desperate for him to go back to school, it’s hideous home schooling and working.

I’m out and about, in restaurants, visiting relatives, having friends over (all within the rules). generally being cheery. I’m on here because i woke early and I’m distracting myself from the stress of all the work I’ve got to do this weekend.

But I can see this isn’t over by a long chalk and I’m concerned that Boris is concerned , because Boris strikes me as someone who isn’t usually concerned, about much really.

It’s the day after an announcement which people are reasonably discussing.

It really irks me that when people are discussing coronavirus on a coronavirus thread in the coronavirus bloody section, someone comes along to accuse us of being small-minded, curtain-twitching doom-mongers!!!! (Crikey that was a mouthful.)[/quote]
so the same boat as everyone else then!
although I am going in to work and have been since March and going on the public transport and not frightened so I prob have a different perspective to those just staying at home.
(a lot of posters on these negative threads seem to me to be relishing being as negative as possible with no thought to those reading who literally can't go out (sheilding etc) and not considering the effect these negative posts are having on them.
If you are generally living your life ok and doing all those things - why be so negative on Mumsnet?

I try and think of the positive instead - honestly (and I say this to be helpful) read the positive threads and stay off these ones - it will really help your perspective.

Of course this isn't over - no one has said it was?

Carry on doing all those things you are doing, keep an eye on any changes and live your life with a mask on (if required)

I'm concerned that Boris is concerned

^ this

It's exactly what I'm (trying!) to say.

Whatever mistakes he's made in the past he's concerned enough now to put the brakes on. Concerned enough during recess to be making press conferences.

The message is clear. It's just we don't want to hear it. Everyone was preparing for a second wave at winter with local/regional lockdowns.

Things not following a path we'd expecting doesn't make it confused messaging - it makes it messaging we weren't expecting and a feeling of confusion because it feels way beyond our control (because many felt they were in control again)

sashagabadon what do you mean by don’t be so negative? Are we not allowed to discuss this?

It’s possible to discuss this and get on with your life.

If you prefer to “think positive” why are you on a thread where you accuse people of being negative?

People are different. As the saying goes “you do you and I’ll do me”.