Why no lockdown?

[UndertheCedartree]

I have to say as time goes on I get moreand more confused about what's happening with Covid.

From what has been said those in hospital with Covid is at the same level it was in April. So why did we lockdown then and not now?

Also as an aside I'm presuming the quarantine rules when coming in from Spain will be with us til after the winter? I haven't seen my parents in 10 months and was hoping they could come over for Christmas.

I suspect it's a very simple explanation, they've discovered that Covid deaths are almost wholly within the economically inactive so it makes little sense to threaten the whole economy for the sake of the few who don't contribute.

The over-60s contribute a lot to the economy, by buying stuff. Also they overwhelmingly voted Tory so I doubt even the stupidest and cruellest Conservative government possible would be happily killing them all off.

Goldenomber depends where you live.

I live 4 mins way from student halls of residence. Over 500 cases on there.

There is a difference between hospital admissions and death rate. I think it was reported that hospital admission is close to what it was just before lockdown, which means that more deaths are expected. Fortunately, there are many lessons learned during the first outbreak and some more efficient treatments and drugs are being used.

And ‘lockdown by a thousand cuts’

Tier 2 want to be in Tier 3 as bars will be affected by Tier 2 restrictions, so will get less revenue. They want to be in Tier 4 where they will get some gauranteed income.

I can’t believe that the most clinically vulnerable are not being told to shield. What on earth is going on ?

@goldrabbit22 - yes, I think that may well be my problem!

Chickenandrice. The government don’t want to support it.

@toxtethOgradyUSA

I think basically, the I'm-alright-jack brigade who don't face losing their jobs and potentially homes if we have another period of prolonged lockdown are in favour of such a course of action. The rest of us - you know, those with families to feed and who would ideally prefer to keep a roof over our heads - would prefer to take our chances, thanks.

Or the government could take action to protect people financially. But you go ahead and be happy to allow them a pass.

@hamstersarse

I don't know where the hospital admissions the same as in March is coming from

This is the actual data

The data says on 19th March, England had 586 people admitted to hospital with covid, 647 on 12th October

In hospital on 20th March (first day with English data)
1541 people in hospital with covid
4146 people in hospital today with covid (14th October)

I still don't get why we can't just protect the vulnerable for a while (but with this being optional for them, not mandatory).
Certain times in shops reserved for them with very strict social distancing, probably mornings so the virus has settled overnight and testing of shop workers on shift.
Same for healthcare and health and care staff tested regularly.
Those who are working have legal right to work from home if possible and if not, support from government not to work.
OK, we may have to accept a reduced number of teachers, public transport etc. for a while to but so be it.
Socialising with vulnerable relatives if at all all is outside.
Let everyone else is keep the economy going and bring this to some sort of end
But I'm sure I'll be told how stupid I am

Or the government could take action to protect people financially.

We cannot afford to carry on like that. Those capable of raising tax revenue need to be able to do so, otherwise we will not be capable of funding our public services, including education and the NHS.

Mydogdoesntlisten the number of vulnerable families is just so much. I think it is 25% of households. Remember that some school children live with vulnerable parents and grandparents. And some vulnerable people work in schools, hospitals etc I think the number of people needing protected is just too vast

OK maybe. But honestly, I don't know of any child who lives with their grandparents. Perhaps some with vulnerable parents, but given the average age of dying with Covid is over 80, are they realistically that vulnerable? And what about children living in families who are unemployed? That's not great either.