Birmingham on Lockdown

[FractionalGains]

Just been announced Birmingham going to be put on a local lockdown. Infection rates less than 100 per 100000. 7 in intensive care. Doesn’t seem like the nhs is on the brink of being overwhelmed?

It will always be socialisation restricted first.

There’s no money to close businesses

23 were in Queen Elizabeth and Heartlands hospitals 2 weeks ago and it is now 68 with 7 in intensive care. That is expected to double this week and then, despite the lockdown coming on Tuesday, double again because of the time taken to deteriorate from catching the virus to needing intervention.

A report from an expert microbiologist stated that the virus is not becoming weaker, is exactly the same as before and that the exponential growth of the virus is taking exactly the same path.

Places seem to go into local lockdown from about 50 cases per 100,000. Better to do it sooner than later.
Birmingham was at 85.4 per 100,000 on 7th September, the 2nd highest rate of infection in England. They seem to be doing it later rather than sooner.

I've got nothing useful to add about lockdown, sorry.

But can your mum walk your kids to the playground/park for an hour to give you a break? Have you spoken to your GP - mine was brilliant when I had PND. He listened and took me seriously whilst everyone else was telling me I would be fine. I took antidepressants- I know they aren't for everyone but I think they probably saved me.

PND is awful. I hope you are not suffering in silence.

And the university students all go back next week! What will that do you cities like Birmingham?

Thank you @Notonthestairs

Will I need to cancel the cleaner? It's her workplace?

@abitoflight no, going to work is fine if it is not possible to work from home.

It's crap OP. I haven't seen my mum who loves in Sandwell since March and we had finally decided to meet up at mine on Sunday. Think we might actually still do it as she's been self isolating (I'm clinically vulnerable) and if it's becoming law I honestly don't know when I'll be able to see her again.
I feel so guilty as I know it's against the rules but I miss my mum. I've followed every single rule to a one since March. My step dad is elderly and if there is a bad second wave we may not see him again.
Just don't know what to do for the best. Hope the lockdown doesn't last too long and we can get a handle on it soon.

@Beebityboo that’s so tough about your step dad, hopefully he can avoid it. I think the restrictions come in Tuesday so you can meet on Sunday guilt free

But can your mum walk your kids to the playground/park for an hour to give you a break?
The rules for Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull are that households cannot mix indoors or outdoors. If not in a support bubble with the OP, her mum cannot take OP's children for a walk.

@FatGirlShrinking
Thank you 😊

@Itsabeautifuldayheyhey where have you seen that? Birmingham City Council have said no meeting “indoors or in private gardens”. I’m awaiting the official guidance with baited breath!

Can anyone clarify the position with grandparents who currently provide childcare?

So what is the long term strategy

This. In and out of levels of restrictions to hopefully keep some sort of control on the numbers.

Everything going to plan means that this will be no where as long as the restrictions in the summer but it does need people on board with changing their behaviour for that to happen.

I’m sympathetic to your circumstances but being in a shit personal situation doesn’t change the community one.

Sutton Coldfield should be exempt.

My ds goes back to university in Birmingham in two weeks. Even though it’s all online aswell. I don’t see the point in him going! This is horrible!

If it gets cases down that's the main thing I guess, but was REALLY hoping this wouldn't happen!

I wondered about Grandparents too, @hauntedvagina. I've contacted my MP, who supported Dominic Cummings in his quest for childcare, to clarify things. In his May reply to me on the subject of DC he stated (direct quote from email)

'I believe if a constituent in a similar position worried about who would take care of their child sought advice from my office, I would have advised as per the guidance that they must do what they believe is necessary in exceptional circumstances.'

So in my email to him of today I've said I look forward to his reply confirming my childcare arrangements with GP who are from a different household are fine to continue as they are necessary (no other after school childcare available whilst I'm working) in these still exceptional circumstances.

I will let you know when I've received a reply!!

@hauntedvagina

Can anyone clarify the position with grandparents who currently provide childcare?

This. Absolutely. I mean, what are people meant to do????

In Birmingham in a particular area that has seen a huge rise in cases. So not feeling particularly optimistic.

Also work in a school. So I have to mix with 30+ households every day with little to no real protection (COVID safe? Horseshit) but can't go & see my mum. Several kids are now self isolating & waiting for tests.

I have several colleagues who are, quite frankly, fucked as their childcare will disappear overnight.

It's absolutely a complete farcical Kafkaesque fur-lined fucking disaster.

@munchbunch12

I wondered about Grandparents too, *@hauntedvagina*. I've contacted my MP, who supported Dominic Cummings in his quest for childcare, to clarify things. In his May reply to me on the subject of DC he stated (direct quote from email)

'I believe if a constituent in a similar position worried about who would take care of their child sought advice from my office, I would have advised as per the guidance that they must do what they believe is necessary in exceptional circumstances.'

So in my email to him of today I've said I look forward to his reply confirming my childcare arrangements with GP who are from a different household are fine to continue as they are necessary (no other after school childcare available whilst I'm working) in these still exceptional circumstances.

I will let you know when I've received a reply!!

Thanks. Please do let me know when you get a reply!

Birmingham is not locked down. There is 1 restriction.

Lockdown is pubs, restaurants and cafes shut. No mixing households. A 5 mile travel limit. Nobody allowed to enter or leave the city except for work.

BJ is pussy footing around the worse areas in England the restrictions are obviously not working. In my opinion restrictions need to be stricter.

@hauntedvagina @munchbunch12
Just found this in case you haven't got clarity yet. It's so bad for so many.

Surely the risk of someone else coming into your house for childcare is the same whether you’re paying them or not? The only restriction should be that it’s for essential purposes like work or attending a medical appointment.

You’re allowed to have a relative provide childcare in Northern Ireland’s local “lockdown” areas.