Matt Hancock finally starts telling the truth

[jomartin281271]

This is an extract from an interview Matt Hancock gave on Radio 1 this morning, when he was reacting to the sharp increase in reported cases.

The health secretary stressed how serious coronavirus can be for young people, even though they are less likely to die or get seriously ill.
"Long Covid is really serious. And people can be in a bad way for months and months and months," he says.
"The second really important message is that younger people spread the disease, even if they don't have symptoms.
"Don't kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on. And you can pass it on before you've had any symptoms at all."

And now that schools have opened the number of cases has rocketed and children are unwittingly bringing the virus back into their homes, possibly infecting older members of their family. Isn't it about time we had some joined up thinking from this government. It's only a week ago that Gavin Williamson and Boris Johnson were telling us that young people were almost immune.

(strikeout fail)

Maybe. Or maybe they will think, why the fuck would I listen to these selfish, demanding people who sneer about social responsibility unless they want it demonstrating in a way that benefits them?

No. I want to see it demonstrated in a way that benefits everyone. We’ve all had to give up a lot. I didn’t see my children for months, my son doesn’t know when he’ll see his partner again, my sister hasn’t seen her grandchild, I’ve lost my job...it’s SHIT! People can socialise responsibly. It’s not great but it’s better than nothing. But because some people cannot or will not moderate their behaviour, and insist on doing everything, some of us will shortly be back to being able to do nothing, schools won’t be able to function and there will be even more damage to the economy. It’s selfish and I’m fucking sick of it.

My persona

Totally agree. And don’t get me going on the quite frankly batshit crazy conspiracy therorists and the proud not to where a mask brigade

*wear 😊

And it was still 3 months!!!!

@MorrisZapp

What would the joined up thinking be?

Yes what would the joined up thinking be OP? Do you want schools closed by any chance? Just a guess.

"While it’s clear the outbreaks haven’t been caused by schools in most of England as there hasn’t been time (not true in Scotland or in Leicester incidentally) Can’t you see that putting everyone together in numbers of over 1000 with no masks or distancing might be a very efficient way to spread infection?"
^ this

@notanoctopus

"While it’s clear the outbreaks haven’t been caused by schools in most of England as there hasn’t been time (not true in Scotland or in Leicester incidentally) Can’t you see that putting everyone together in numbers of over 1000 with no masks or distancing might be a very efficient way to spread infection?" ^ this

Yes this is what I am worrying about too today

For anyone here not already familiar with our story (I started a coronvirus data service about a month ago, born out of frustration that we had no idea how many cases were in our local area before sending our daughter back to school - which seemed like total madness - how can anyone be expected to make a decision like that without knowing what the coronavirus risk on their doorstep?).

Anyway the one thing that has helped reduce my worry immensely is knowing how many cases there are in my local area every day. While I was nervous about sending our daughter back, knowing I currently live in a low prevalence area alleviates that worry. And if/when cases rise here, I can act quickly as I will know quickly - rather than waiting for things to be dire before hearing it in the news.

For anyone who has not already signed up, you can do so here if it would help at all www.covidmessenger.com

@notanoctopus

"While it’s clear the outbreaks haven’t been caused by schools in most of England as there hasn’t been time (not true in Scotland or in Leicester incidentally) Can’t you see that putting everyone together in numbers of over 1000 with no masks or distancing might be a very efficient way to spread infection?" ^ this

Yep this. Plus this testing issue is going to both deter people from declaring symptoms/testing and prevent people from testing, leading to the whole track and trace system failing. We just wont know where the virus is. They are repeating the mistakes made in the beginning. Schools need to be opened but slowly and carefully with blended learning if necessary. All these new rules, go to work, go to school, spend in crowded pubs and shops but you cannot visit your family. People will not comply with this unfortunately.

There is also no protection whatsoever for the vulnerable. They ended sheilding. It's just get back to Work, get to your children back to school, even if you or they are vulnerable or we will fine you. Absolutely disgusting!

The covid messenger app is currently only for England. They are hopeing to have the other countries on it eventually, by health board -my health board in Wales covers a huge area and three counties, so not as helpful as narrowing it down to locality.

Foobydoo Schools need to be opened, but slowly and carefully, with blended learning if necessary
Very much agree.

Around 550 schools impacted now. R between 1 to 1.2. What can go wrong.