So. Predictions for tomorrow? Boris's speech.

[BabyLlamaZen]

I'm pretty sure we're going to get told we can't see any other households for 2 weeks and a curfew on pubs.

Although a part of me thinks they'll just say no to seeing any other households and leave it at that with no limit. I'm hoping they'll keep the support bubbles though.

What the point of a 2 week restriction? Cases just rise again.

They lied the first time “to protect the NHS” and they are lying this time. Governments both sides of the border have lost respect and support

Hopefully enforce SD rules better, maybe close pubs early as pissheads cant SD. Possibly WFH if you can as other countries are still advocating.

Whatever is announced tomorrow, even if it starts as just for two weeks, I think it is extremely unlikely it will stay just for two weeks!! What would be the point as soon as you restart, the virus will resurge.

For what it is worth this is what I think, and I am usually an optimist, but we are in this for six months now, but only six months because the vaccine will be ready by then, and the virus will naturally die back as the weather holds up. I felt disinclined to post this, because I don't want to add to the panic or stress, but I think we need to get used to a winter in hibernation, we need to prepare for that fully and if we can, for the sake of our children and mental health - we need to try and embrace it.

Whitty did not come out with the six month time frame on a whim, this is has been carefully considered, and I am taking him at his word.

The summer is over, and now we need to get very real with the prospect of a very quite winter.

I for one think it is a more natural state, nature lives in cycles. Winter has always been a time to recharge and rest, and so maybe this year we will be following the seasons more than an any other time in our lives. We need to look for solutions, we are in this for a while longer yet.

@toomuchtooyoung01 - oh no, the poor couple, they don't need that stress!

I wonder if they say no mixing of households but keep pubs open does that mean I can only go to the pub with my household? What if my friend is in the pub but at another table? Can we talk?

When did the exponential growth start? When schools went back...

They should (at least) insist on masks for all at secondary.

Or years 8,9,10 and possibly 12 go to remote learning (as don't need to be 'babysat') other year groups on rota-7,11,13...

@ComDummings

1) no problems with testing, we are all thick and are having tests for no reason just because they’re free so it’s our fault 2) fines. Because we must tackle the virus (nothing to do with putting people off getting tested, nope) 3) we must ‘follow the science’ 4) schools are safe. So safe. Covid secure. 5) local lockdowns 6) socialising will kill granny, you stupid plebs 7) “the right steps at the right time” 8) pubs reducing hours 9) “Christmas will be cancelled if you plebs can’t behave”

This is exactly what it will be.

I really hope I am wrong, I will be gladly be wrong!

Thing is if you go out in a pub as a group of 6 whilst you may be separated from other groups you are not SD within your group. How does it matter if I sit in my house or in a pub? To me sitting in a house is less risky.
Surely they need to stop mixing of households in houses and in pubs and restaurants for it to have an impact.

I will follow the rules.

** quiet winter

Cases have been steadily increasing since the pubs reopened, impact of new school term is only just starting to be seen graph

@monkeytennis97 its not just the schools going back though is it its been the general mixing and opening, shops, eat out to help out, 'enjoy the summer" go back to work message

Twitter seems to be suggesting they’ve dropped the 2 week circuit break idea and it’s just down to closing pubs early. I can’t see that doing anything much.

I don’t know anyone who has been to a pub for months tbh though. We just stay in our own family unit of DH (wfh), DS (school of 2000), DD (school of 1800), DS (school of 2700) and me (school of 300). Cases in 3 of those schools announced today.

Am I the only one that wants schools to close again? I am fearful for my DS at a special needs school that can't do the social distancing and a lot of the children, including my DS, don't understand not to touch everything before fingering their faces and mouths. I hate this situation.

God please no dont close the schools I cant take them being at home again

This has really hacked me off. The big announcement of today at 11am was WHAT exactly?

They should have said something concrete. A significant change.

i.e. from this Saturday, pubs WILL close. Groups now not 6, but 4. Or 'something'.

Big fan of Chris & sir Patrick. But as soon as I knew it wasn't Boris, I knew there wouldn't be a meaningful announcement.

@Staffy1

Am I the only one that wants schools to close again? I am fearful for my DS at a special needs school that can't do the social distancing and a lot of the children, including my DS, don't understand not to touch everything before fingering their faces and mouths. I hate this situation.

I can see why you’d be worried. But why do all schools need to close, can you not take him out?

I couldnt see how limiting social contacts to 6, or curfews are going to make that much difference when there are so many exemptions.
If they say no mixing households (which I would abide by) I cant meet my cousin for a run.....but I can go to a running club and go out in a group of 12.

Me and DH both travel on public transport to work and our DC are at school and we have agreed we wont mix socially or go out (maybe have the odd take away...although weve only had 2 since March!) to limit our contacts.

But reading so many MN threads it seems half of people dont intend to comply or live in an area already in lockdown where most people arent complying.
I can and will blame the Government for many many failures, t and t being the biggest shit show at the moment, but I cant hold them entirely responsible for the public not complying. I know DC was a total shit about Barnard castle etc (although the barnard castle tourist board are probably grateful to him for putting them on the map!) and I despised the gaslighting afterwards but we cant just say I'm not complying because...Dominic Cummings.

I heard they're trying to de-politicise the measures hence science guys first then boris second

[quote stovetopespresso]@monkeytennis97 its not just the schools going back though is it its been the general mixing and opening, shops, eat out to help out, 'enjoy the summer" go back to work message[/quote]
Yes but when you have 10 million kids and school workers all mixing with no SD, no ventilation, no masks. It's a recipe for... well, 1400+ schools already with cases and bubble closures.

I'm a secondary teacher as is my DH. Schools are germ pits at the best of times, this isn't the best of times.

@Friendsoftheearth

Whatever is announced tomorrow, even if it starts as just for two weeks, I think it is extremely unlikely it will stay just for two weeks!! What would be the point as soon as you restart, the virus will resurge.

For what it is worth this is what I think, and I am usually an optimist, but we are in this for six months now, but only six months because the vaccine will be ready by then, and the virus will naturally die back as the weather holds up. I felt disinclined to post this, because I don't want to add to the panic or stress, but I think we need to get used to a winter in hibernation, we need to prepare for that fully and if we can, for the sake of our children and mental health - we need to try and embrace it.

Whitty did not come out with the six month time frame on a whim, this is has been carefully considered, and I am taking him at his word.

The summer is over, and now we need to get very real with the prospect of a very quite winter.

I for one think it is a more natural state, nature lives in cycles. Winter has always been a time to recharge and rest, and so maybe this year we will be following the seasons more than an any other time in our lives. We need to look for solutions, we are in this for a while longer yet.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude but... for many people, who don't have gardens, who don't have nice fields to walk in outside, who live in cramped accommodation or whatever, who live with an abuser or children who are neglected, it wouldn't be a "quiet" winter, it would be a winter of hell. And it might be their last.

@Oblomov20

This has really hacked me off. The big announcement of today at 11am was WHAT exactly?

They should have said something concrete. A significant change.

i.e. from this Saturday, pubs WILL close. Groups now not 6, but 4. Or 'something'.

Big fan of Chris & sir Patrick. But as soon as I knew it wasn't Boris, I knew there wouldn't be a meaningful announcement.

Tomorrow apparently

That’s fine it’s not what they do

Probably should have had him today though, the whole suspense thing is annoying

@monkeytennis97

When did the exponential growth start? When schools went back...

They should (at least) insist on masks for all at secondary.

Or years 8,9,10 and possibly 12 go to remote learning (as don't need to be 'babysat') other year groups on rota-7,11,13...

Exactly. What is the point of stupid curfews on pubs and telling people to social distance when schools carry on as normal? I am sick of hearing how safe schools are. If that's the case why have so many had cases?

You can eat kebabs from kebab shops, but only when holding your right ear with your left hand.

I agree with FriendsoftheEarth. Realistically, we’ll have to shut up shop, especially such the testing is completely dysfunctional. Feel very very sorry for businesses that will need to close though.

Boris "we've done what we've done to keep you safe, it's now up to you. Good night"