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.

@Livelovebehappy

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.

Most people are wearing masks. Begrudgingly yes but they are wearing masks. If you crossed the road to get to the supermarket, that would have posed more risk than some random in the supermarket not wearing a mask who in all likeliness doesn't have the virus anyway.

@onedayinthefuture

You’re the gift that keeps on giving. But it’s helping my general understanding of what’s going on. Thank you.

[quote FearlessGreatExpanse]@onedayinthefuture

You’re the gift that keeps on giving. But it’s helping my general understanding of what’s going on. Thank you.[/quote]

Pleased I could help :)

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

The trouble is, not only do many people not obey the rules, but they do so in an aggressive manner.

By that, I'm talking about the bus driver who was sworn at and threatened because they asked someone to either wear a mask or leave the bus (someone I know, not just rumor). Or the door person in the supermarket I saw being shoved out of the way during the first wave, because they didn't let someone in the moment they got to the front of the queue, but asked them to wait until more people came out.

[quote Doublebubblebubble]@Bewareoftheblob

And go out if youre brave, is that it?

This isnt bravery over cowardice.

This is common sense over utter selfishness and stupidity.[/quote]
In the sense that if you're worried you should take steps to protect yourself, and if you're not worried then crack on.

It's not common sense, the vast majority of people barely suffer from this virus. What's stupid is suspending our entire way of life: jobs, incomes, social lives, everything that is completely natural for us, because of a bloody virus that actually doesn't harm many.

Well of you have decided not to mingle, whats the problem? You won't be near anyone surely?

I felt very happy at the start of the vaccinations feeling the end is in sight BUT was pulled up short when a friend who lives in Portugal told me they have been issued with appointment dates.

The date is July 2021!! They are over 65.

So people going on their merry way thinking it’s all over are very wrong.

I’m not booking any holidays just yet and keeping mask and sanitiser close by.

@Primulachristmas

And pull the bloody mask over your nose

YES!

It’s totally wrong to state that the ‘vast majority barely suffer from the virus’. I’ve had covid, and the result of that is that I have no taste or smell. Haven’t had it for two months since I had the virus. I feel absolutely drained and tired on and off since ‘recovery’. The scientists are only now saying there can be long term effects on people who’ve had it, even those who’ve just had a mild case. I would consider myself having not had it bad at the time - just a mild case of the normal flu. However, I’m still suffering the consequences of having had it. I don’t even know if I will ever get my taste and smell back as many haven’t got it back months after being infected, lots of people are having the same issues. We just don’t know if there are going to be long term issues as a result of having had Covid.

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.

So do you think laws against drunk or otherwise dangerous driving are rubbish, because it doesn't matter if you kill someone on the roads as they would have died sooner or later anyway?

Livelobebebunny does that mean that a disabled person who is unable to wear a mask doesn’t have the right to go shopping? Surely they also have the same right and choice to do their shopping.

The pure irony of divs breaking rules because they've 'had enough' and then dragging this thing out even longer by doing so.

Twats.

@Primulachristmas

And pull the bloody mask over your nose

This and a 1000 times this!!

Some are scared of the virus, others are scared of losing their livelihoods, children’s education etc.

And some are scared of all of these!

In any case: that is a reason for opposing lockdowns. It is NOT a reason for refusing to wear a mask (where not exempt), refusing to follow social distancing rules, spreading propaganda against vaccines, etc. The more contempt people show for the guidelines, the more likely we are to have lockdowns.

@ktp100

The pure irony of divs breaking rules because they've 'had enough' and then dragging this thing out even longer by doing so.

Twats.

The government have done a right number on us haven't they? Find a way to make people blame each other because a virus spreads. That's literally what viruses do and they are good at it. Putting a bit of cotton over your face and shrieking at people in supermarkets who stand too close to you for your liking makes fuck all difference,

does that mean that a disabled person who is unable to wear a mask doesn’t have the right to go shopping? Surely they also have the same right and choice to do their shopping.

Of course. But the numbers of people who can't wear a mask because of a physical or mental health problem or disability are not SO great as to be likely to make a big difference to transmission rates. It is the people who take the attitude that 'no one is going to tell me what to do' or 'anyone who takes precautions against the virus is a sheep or a coward' who are the problem.

@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.

This isn't seriously your attitude is it? I'm not sure if you meant it this way, but it's coming across as not giving a shit about being careful around others, because y'know, if they die, they die.

@Iminaglasscaseofemotion exactly what I always say.. if all these do-gooder Covid police are all ‘following the rules’ they love so much, why are they all getting it?? Oh yessss from the idiots who don’t follow the rules ? Righttt? Just like the people out shopping taking photos of the amount of idiots out and about .... righhhttttt

I find these threads as annoying as the ones from people saying they will disobey rules. Hate folk preaching.

The assumption is that it’s only a year/the economy/money/mental health/a mask/a young person’s freedom.

At what point do we say “enough”?

I have done all that is asked of me. But I still think the price is far too high. I have done is more people seem to want these restrictions and do my view is in the minority. But longer term I stand by my constant gnawing gut feel that we have done more harm overall

@Iminaglasscaseofemotion

Well of you have decided not to mingle, whats the problem? You won't be near anyone surely?

You do realise that vulnerable people may be isolating however many of them do have to rely on carers entering their homes to provide assistance, attending medical appointments, shopping deliveries...a whole host of interactions that they need to participate in to survive. Other than these essentials, they will be isolating. That's why those "not mingling" are still having to come into contact with others who can spread the virus. Hence why I am always careful with masks, social distancing etc; you just don't know if the woman behind you in the queue at Tesco is a carer who is there to pick up a few items for an isolating loved one. Or if the man stacking the shelves lives with his wife who has cancer. People who could take the virus home to their loved ones.

So do you understand the problem with your statement now?

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.

I have always tried to be careful about such things, having been (as we would now say) clinically vulnerable in my youth, and had an even more clinically vulnerable parent. I hope that we may all be a little more careful in general, after the pandemic is over.

@Bleughbleughbleugh12

if all these do-gooder Covid police are all ‘following the rules’ they love so much, why are they all getting it??

I’m personally fed up of the do-badder anti-science police coming on these threads making stupid and factually/scientifically statements which are causing so much harm. Just look at the US where your view is prevalent - it’s not a pretty sight.

@FearlessGreatExpanse I understand your POV but your aggressiveness detracts from your argument.

I'm minded to break every rule going just to tell you to stick it.
Oooh you're hard.