When do you think social distancing will be removed?

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For me, I think we will have social distancing until at least end of 2021. And we might see some normality until Summer 2021. Depending on how fast the vaccine is distributed.

Boris said large weddings could be planned for summer 21, so i think SD will be largely gone before then in some situations.

I think the average age of a covid related death is 81/82?

On that basis, once we've got the over 80s vaccinated, there will be a dramatic reduction in the death rate and no need to continue with the restrictions. Yes there will still be some deaths and some people will still get very ill, but that's a fact of life. If the numbers are manageable we will go back to normal.

I do wonder at the merits of suddenly going back to normal though, won't that cause a huge spike in other contagious illnesses?

I think the restrictions will be lifted gradually, but I expect to be back to normal by the end of this flu season, provided the vaccination programme is delivered as promised.

I think restrictions will be lifted from around March next year, and pretty much normal by summer, except perhaps with regards to large events and some aspects of international travel. Fingers crossed!

I won’t actually feel comfortable going to a large event or travelling internationally until I have been vaccinated, though. And I say that as someone who usually goes to a music festival and plenty of gigs every year. I also don’t honestly see how festivals (where it’s not easy to regularly wash your hands with soap and water) can go ahead without either vaccination for wider age groups (ie below 50) or rapid on-site testing.

I think it is with us for the next year at least depending on vaccine uptake.
I read yesterday that even when we are vaccinated it will remain in place as "vaccine plus"
See screenshot from BBC website.
Obviously not what we all want but better to be prepared.

That BBC article is doing the rounds, but it's only speculation by one or two people, however well-informed, not official policy.

Once the most vulnerable have been vaccinated I think it will be hard to justify extensive SD measures. Festivals and other major gatherings will probably be the last to return to normal, but I can't see SD being imposed on, say, shops, restaurants or transport for too much longer.

Once masks came in, all social distancing has stopped. Apart from a few signs and one way systems there is little evidence of social distancing from what I've seen.

I also don’t honestly see how festivals (where it’s not easy to regularly wash your hands with soap and water) can go ahead without either vaccination for wider age groups (ie below 50) or rapid on-site testing.

To be blunt, because it doesn't much matter if the festival-goer demographic catch it once they can't pass it on to the vulnerable, they won't be overwhelming any hospitals.

@onedayinthefuture

Once masks came in, all social distancing has stopped. Apart from a few signs and one way systems there is little evidence of social distancing from what I've seen.

Agree with this. Most people in my area gave up on social distancing as soon as masks were mandated. In response to the OP, I think early summer 2021. Once the elderly and vulnerable have been vaccinated and cases start to drop off seasonally again there will be limited appetite for it to continue.

Define “social distancing”. I think rules about one way systems in shops, little spots to stand on in queues, masks outdoors on school run etc will disappear much earlier than say masks in hospitals or bans on massive indoor gatherings.

That BBC article is chilling, but I think ignores the fact that however much scientists and doctors and Matt Hancock like the idea of reducing flu deaths, no covid deaths etc, most of the population just isn’t going to be up for it once the media stops talking about covid deaths and it just becomes an endemic thing.

That BBC speculation is ridiculous. There's no way there will be the will or the money to continue this, and just....why?!

@TableCat

I think it is with us for the next year at least depending on vaccine uptake. I read yesterday that even when we are vaccinated it will remain in place as "vaccine plus" See screenshot from BBC website. Obviously not what we all want but better to be prepared.

This would never work... Where would you draw the line? Otherwise it essentially will just be in place forever... There is going to be no safer time to release social distancing measures than after the vaccine uptake.

I’m not sure people will continue to play along with all the rules for much longer regardless of what we are told.

I think things will be back to normal once everyone (that wants it) is vaccinated. Then we will have to live with it just like we live with the Flu etc. Perhaos next summer?

perhaps*

@TableCat

I think it is with us for the next year at least depending on vaccine uptake. I read yesterday that even when we are vaccinated it will remain in place as "vaccine plus" See screenshot from BBC website. Obviously not what we all want but better to be prepared.

No. No no no 😢😢😢

If you see parts of London it seems social distancing is already a thing of the past...

I went out yesterday and walk near and an through a big shopping centre. Large crowds outside and inside and very obvious that people are hanging out with their friends.

The BBC has been doom and gloom through the whole pandemic. Hugely playing up the worst case scenario.

@RaspberryCoulis

The BBC has been doom and gloom through the whole pandemic. Hugely playing up the worst case scenario.

Quite.

Who can forget the 'article' by one of the hunky Zand twins offering 'advice' on meeting friends in their gardens? Such as using brooms to mark out 2 metres, setting timers to ensure you wash your hands every 45 minutes, and - if you're a fat man over 50 - bringing your own cutlery?

July 2021 (guess)

@lljkk

July 2021 (guess)

Nope. Needs to be sooner.

There are some right doom-mongers on the BBC website--the exception being Nick Triggle, who I really admire.

Those saying SD is already on the wane- well it's not is it? Still on 2000 in a Premier league football stadium. Weddings severely restricted. SD means that in my mind, not standing 2m away from someone in the supermarket. I do that anyway haha 😂 I forsee the gov relaxing rules but other bodies and organisations will take much longer to get off the panic-train, and drop their restrictions.

I ditched social distancing ages ago. Its cruel, inhuman and not practical.

@RaspberryCoulis

The BBC has been doom and gloom through the whole pandemic. Hugely playing up the worst case scenario.

Likewise the Guardian. It was my newspaper of choice, now it's just doom laden.

@kittensarecute

I ditched social distancing ages ago. Its cruel, inhuman and not practical.

Agreed.