A plea to those who have/will stop sticking to the restrictions

[PuzzledObserver]

Loads of people on various threads have said things like I’ve had enough, I’m seeing my friends, once the vulnerable are vaccinated I’m not wearing a mask etc.

This has been going on a long time, the idea of it going on much longer is unbearable, I get it. But, I want to make an appeal to you on behalf of those who are more vulnerable and are not willing to throw caution to the wind.

If you, and your friends/family, want to get together in private, or in the open air, in defiance of whatever rules are in place at the time - well, as long as you’re all consenting adults, that’s your business. Actually, it’s not solely your business, because one or more of you could then go on to pass the virus to someone vulnerable, but that’s not my main point here.

My point is, whatever you decide to do amongst your friends - when you are out in public, please respect the wishes of other people who have made a different decision to you.

Please carry on wearing your mask in the supermarket and on the bus. Please keep your distance from people who are clearly trying to keep theirs from you.

You want to make your own decisions about risk? Fine. You don’t get to make that decision for others, and that means you have to keep away from anyone who is not choosing to be close to you.

I will stick to the rules, wear a mask and take all reasonable extra precautions.

Chris Whitty said in a news conference that you can't take individual risk. For some reason it really struck me. He looked like a deeply hurt, deeply disappointed parent when he said that any risk you take, you take on behalf of everyone else. Very powerful. To me anyway.

That said I don't judge others. Who am I to question their decisions? Also they maybe didn't get the Whitty telling off.

My area looks likely to be going from Tier 2 to Tier 3 when reviewed this coming week. Cases driven overwhelmingly by schools not people breaking the rules. People will be left without work in tier 3 when leisure shuts, some of whom do not get govt help. Rises is some places are not down to selfish flouters and people who follow the rules are losing homes or using foodbanks and getting massively into debt. I know it is not popular on MN to say anything about schools being open but in some areas that is the biggest cause of spikes.

Oh don't worry, it's not only what I think, it's a pretty large number of people. Such a foul-mouthed person, embarrassing

I really don’t give a fuck what you think. I’m personally far more disgusted by people who put others at risk by their own selfish actions.

Did you care so much about everyone's actions before covid? Did you walk out of the door while suffering from a cough or cold or an upset stomach? Because if you did you put people at risk, many of those the same people who are at risk now.
This is the first year I haven't had to make the decision every other week ftom September onwards as to whether my son needs to go to hospital. He's actually at more risk from a common cold than he is covid, a common cold nearly killed him a few years ago, because it went to his lungs and exacerbated his asthma to the point continuous nebuliser weren't working. There are many others in the same position, we've been making risk assessments for years, same with those that are immune compromised. Same with the old and frail, while we would never have visited the 100 yo grandmother in law when obviously ill, but there was always the risk we were incubating something.

@gottakeeponmovin

Honestly you only live once and whilst not vulnerable I want to get back to living a normal life. I'm fed up of not seeing friends and family for what is effectively a minute risk to most people. As soon as the jab has been rolled out to the over 60s I am going back to normal but I certainly respect any of my friends who don't want to mingle. I don't know any though - they will all be doing the same as me

I agree with this. I'm happy to keep with restrictions until spring but once the majority of vulnerable are vaccinated I'm not wearing masks or distancing anymore. Like pp I don't know anyone who won't be doing this.

It's winter and everyone is back at work and school, of course the virus is being passed around. The summer proved that walking along the street was probably zero risk despite the real thickos jumping into a road to avoid it. Packed beaches, protests and theme parks, people having bbqs didn't cause a spike either. Those people would have been called selfish. Fact is majority of people ARE catching it in hospital, work and school where it does it's rounds. Supermarkets when no one was wearing masks didn't cause a spike either. Funny that.

I'm terrified reading this thread of the way people are so quick to place blame on people for spreading the virus. I don't know where you all are where there are so many people breaking rules and not wearing masks etc, but I can't say I've seen many people at all without masks or not social distancing.
I agree with what a PP said, that noone is catching the virus on purpose, it doesnt necessarily mean they've not followed 'the rules' or that they are to blame. It's like you've all been brainwashed into blaming 'the thickos' and 'the ignorant twats' rather than questioning how it's all been handled.

@BethlehemIsInTier1

I am concerned with what others do because it affects me. And my family. My widowed dad is spending Christmas on his own. He is in tears. He wants to see us but is too stressed about us coming and the risk to him, but is also terrified that I’ll be angry with him for not wanting me to visit. I’m not - I’m just unbelievably sad and hate the idea of him being alone.

I’m not chastising those choosing to bubble with those in vulnerable positions - especially those who are unlikely to see next Christmas, but I am ranting, foul language and all, at those who are carrying on as if nothing can be done. And plenty are. Pricks.

im sick to death of seeing masks round peoples chins

just dont bother wearing one its irritating and selfish

@Whatever9999

Did you care so much about everyone's actions before covid? Did you walk out of the door while suffering from a cough or cold or an upset stomach? Because if you did you put people at risk, many of those the same people who are at risk now

Yes 100%. I kept my kids of for 48 hours after last D&V episode, I stay at home when I have a cold (and certainly don’t go to GP). Very aware of how others can be vulnerable with a DH who is at high risk due to
Medication, and with my kids having been at school with a child with cancer.

I really do try to be a reasonable and considerate human. So no hypocrisy at all. But thank you for checking.

@SpinningWheelOfFortune

I'm terrified reading this thread of the way people are so quick to place blame on people for spreading the virus. I don't know where you all are where there are so many people breaking rules and not wearing masks etc, but I can't say I've seen many people at all without masks or not social distancing. I agree with what a PP said, that noone is catching the virus on purpose, it doesnt necessarily mean they've not followed 'the rules' or that they are to blame. It's like you've all been brainwashed into blaming 'the thickos' and 'the ignorant twats' rather than questioning how it's all been handled.

how are the numbers rising again then if theyre not idiots not wearing a mask properly or visiting other households

Maybe numbers are rising for the same reason we call this time of year 'flu season' - low Vitamin D levels.

Makes sense OP. I can see why people are making different choices behind closed doors and that can be done and have people be cautious in public places with strangers. I think it makes sense that if you're socializing more with others indoors some might want to be more cautious when in places like shops of giving space and masks. Balancing risks with more caution in another area.

You have the right to decide not to mingle. But that means you don't mingle - stay in your house, don't go out, don't see anyone, don't go shopping.

I guess it depends on what people mean by mingle, but normally I see it as people mixing socially, actively socializing, not just being in the same space as others while shopping. With delivery availability being patchy in some places (and their accuracy, my latest somehow left out all my chilled items), shopping can be essential. Respecting social distancing in shops and similar is part of what is being requested.

Whether you like it or not, people are required to comply with the rules, and to do so for as long as those rules are in place

Plenty of people have said all over MN and elsewhere that they're either not complying to the rules now or not going to after a certain point. Rules are just suggestions in many areas (like laws are suggestions when there is no enforcement). I think the OP's point is that however people view the rules and whatever people do in their own homes, in places like shops and public transport that continuing to be mindful of social distancing and masks and that some who may not choose to do so need to be there at times is important.

@Bewareoftheblob

And go out if youre brave, is that it?

This isnt bravery over cowardice.

This is common sense over utter selfishness and stupidity.

@onedayinthefuture

Just so you know, death comes to us all. It catches up to us sooner or later. No one is immortal. When your times up your times up.

The dumbest thing I've seen in the pandemic so far.

Why are 'dumb' and 'thick' their go-to insults ? Really lacking in originality.

Our plans for this Christmas don't involve seeing anyone we are not already in a support bubble with - my parents (as a single parent household) and my children's dad. And we have been masking and keeping distant when out ... so I assume I'm not directly in your firing line.

But you honestly won't achieve anything by ranting, raving and swearing on here, except put your blood pressure up. Hearts and minds never have been swayed by expletive laden rants.

@Twillow because death doesn't come to us all and our time will never be up. Ok.

@doublehalo

Maybe numbers are rising for the same reason we call this time of year 'flu season' - low Vitamin D levels.

So why numbers drop after tighter lockdowns? Winter was getting deeper, Vit D levels were lowering further yet, without shutting schools, hospitals or work (which some in this thread seem to think are the only routes of transmission) but by shutting social settings and making it illegal to mix households, rates started to drop. Is that causality or correlation? Or maybe both?

And to the person who wrote they can’t believe we’re placing the blame on “people” for spreading the virus. If this wasn’t so gobsmackingly stupid I’d laugh. Do you think Covid-pixies exist? Or perhaps it’s the 5G masts?

@onedayinthefuture

Can you clarify - are we immortal or not? As you’ve said “no-one is immortal” but also that “death doesn’t come to us all” so either you’re being quite a clever and dry-humoured troll and I salute you or you’re a bit confused.

@MarshaBradyo

I’m still following the rules. Yes as fed up as everyone is but will keep going.

Same here. People who decide that they're going to stop doing so just cause transmission. Stop being so fucking self centred.

Just so you know, death comes to us all. It catches up to us sooner or later. No one is immortal. When your times up your times up

If you could refrain from delivering personally people, that would be nice.

@twillow

Right!

Like, these people seem to think that death is just an inevitably.

If you have a heart attack - no ones going to help - you're meant to die then.

If you get cancer - no ones going to help - you're meant to die then.

If you get covid - no ones going to help - "You'Re mEanT To DiE TheN".

I seriously hope to goodness that none of you people really believe that illness should always lead to death.

This isnt about people who are taking this seriously thinking we're meant to be immortal. This is about being told what precautions to take and then willingly dismissing them as inescapable.

It’s difficult to get across to people that not wearing a mask is not about them and their rights, but about the rights of others to be able to be in a safe environment. I go to a supermarket, and if the staff just wave someone in whom isn't wearing a mask, it has taken away my choice to shop in a safe environment by allowing someone in who is potentially a danger to me, and others who are already in the supermarket. That one person’s ‘rights’ does not trump the rights of the dozens of customers already there.