How long does it take for restrictions to take effect?

[Bubblesbubblesmybubbles]

So today's new rules, all fine by me to be honest as they have NO impact, how long will any difference they make take to reflect in numbers?

As I keep thinking 'yup that's all good' but then i realise they may well make it worse still as it'll take 3/4 weeks maybe to see any difference?!?!

Also surely there should be more penalties for those breaking the existing rules not more brought in?! I keep seeing photos of drunk people in groups hugging......punish them surely not those of us being sensible?!

Positive tests - a few days, though we can't analyse these without the data that is only released on Thursday now. Hospital admissions - about a week to 10 days. Deaths 3-4 weeks (think the average is 28 days between infection and death). We should start to see the effects of the rule of 6 soon.

Oh that's better news than I expected, thank you!!

The epidemiologist bloke on sky news said you'd see changes in case numbers by 3 weeks and death numbers by 5 weeks. Not great if it doesn't work and you only make bigger changes 5 weeks later.

Oh so it does take a while! What a tough balance between not tanking our economy further but still saving lives.

The latest regulations, the rule of six, early closing and table service, go a long way to targeting those large groups getting together and who may forget about social distancing once the booze starts to flow.

I would say that for the rest of the population the rules are awkward but not insurmountable.

It’s important for everyone to know that in a normal year our NHS is out under huge pressure in weeks following Christmas. This involves cancelled operations and clinics. This is without Covid. The reason is the spread of illness that takes place due to Christmas celebrations. Especially respiratory illness among the old and those with existing health conditions.

Only the most obtuse or callous must think that we can carry on regardless this year. Even with suppressed Covid we would have problems.

It’s a rising tide that we are facing and we need to put in place defences. We shouldn’t be pushing the limits of what is “allowed”.

I live in an area that's had restrictionns for 2 weeks.

Some aren't bothering with the rules and a couple of older relatives didn't know what the rules were (not mixing with other households for example).

Numbers are still high and I wouldn't be surprised if my nearest town also goes into local lockdown this week, like the city did.

@LemonTT I hope the new rules do help, logically they should and I wish they'd added in no more than 2 households per meet up too.

My only fear is my dad being sat alone on Christmas day