Confused about other countries

[Lissy23]

So I have a friend who lives in Alabama (USA) and another who lives in California. Both of these friends are posting on Facebook pictures of them going out and about with friends. One of them even posted a video from Disneyland, so they’re clearly travelling around as well.

I have another friend in Germany who has recently posted a photo of her travels around with her kids and they don’t appear to be staying at home or only doing essential travel.

Why are we the only ones that seem to be doing this? I know our rates are bad and we’ve messed up a lot, but I thought the states were also not great either? I can’t see any restrictions there whatsoever, except mask wearing. I’m so confused!

@ineedaholidaynow

But isn't asking people to stay at home to help the NHS , the same as being community minded we are in this together to help everyone.

It's a subtle but important difference. DON'T OVERLOAD THE NHS is guilt- and fear-inducing.

It's basically positive versus negative parenting. But with governments.

But isn't asking people to stay at home to help the NHS , the same as being community minded we are in this together to help everyone.

I don’t think it is, though it’s hard to put into words. When Macron or the Prime Minister speak here, they openly and clearly appeal to “civisme”, civic behaviour, and “solidarité”, standing alongside one another. It’s a lot broader (maybe more profound) than “save The NHS”.

But equally there isn’t a “protect the NHS” narrative here. It’s more about standing alongside our care / medical / nursing workers and not putting others, including them, in danger. We pay high taxes, and have an excellent health service: the idea that it needs to be “saved” would be deeply concerning.

In Mexico you can more or live a normal life as long as you are not s child/have children

Maybe it is because many people in this country aren't community minded. You just have to see it on here when people talk about their own risk assessment completely ignoring the community around them.

@ineedaholidaynow

Maybe it is because many people in this country aren't community minded. You just have to see it on here when people talk about their own risk assessment completely ignoring the community around them.

People are people, some are community minded whole others aren't. This is why strong leadership is important, particularly during a crisis. Messaging is critical, let's pull together to conquer this. In this way, everyone has a role to play even if simply by staying home.

What we see in the UK is hopelessly mixed messaging which ratchets up confusion and anxiety. So we have "the people" bickering amongst themselves because they are trying to make sense of the incomprehensible.

It actually isn't rocket science, but it does require leadership informed by science and empathy, and a cross-party unity. A pandemic should not be a political football, and it is woeful that some seek to make career gains on the tidal wave of human suffering.

@ChocolateFrogsandMice

Australia had that enormously long lockdown and they pretty much eliminated it. Now one case alone will lockdown an area for weeks. They're on top of it. Same as new Zealand. It is too rampant here for that to work now. We still haven't properly closed the boarders.

Not all of Australia has experienced lockdown. The long lockdown you are referring to was Victoria.

My State only locked down for 3 days back in Nov, WA has recently locked down for 5 days.