The end really is in sight

[StealthPolarBear]

This is the first time I have actually believed it

@Dongdingdong

The tories are cunning fuckers and well able to do what it takes to win elections. That’s what they’re about - saying the right things at the right times. People fall for it. But watch what they do, not what they say, and you realise they’re still the nasty cocks they ever have been.

Many posts on this thread prove your point perfectly

@VinylDetective

i have no faith at all in this government

Nor do I. I have great faith in the scientists who developed the vaccine though. And in the NHS which is rolling it out so quickly.

So many scientific advisors have conflicts of interest. I don’t trust them either.

So many scientific advisors have conflicts of interest. I don’t trust them either.

I wasn’t talking about scientific advisors. I said the scientists who developed the vaccine - Sarah Gilbert’s team in Oxford. They’ve done brilliantly. So has Kate Bingham in masterminding the rollout.

@extentioncord

I'm not even in England (Scot) but I actually cried when he mentioned 21st June being a date where we may have actual normality.

Me too. And I NEVER cry.

@CutePixie I agree though I do think that scientists perhaps have more to consider in regards to their own professional integrity and reputation as opposed to many politicians . So many articles directly conflict which can be frustrating but it's easier to assess real "data" rather than political speculations

@BlindMedusa

In all the excitement and day dreaming of being back to normal, I don't know if I missed it or it wasn't mentioned but is there any news on when Shielding will be ending?

End of March. All CEV should be vaccinated by then, and then had the 3 weeks for it to take effect.

@endlesswicker
*
Can't do a link from my device for some reason, but the thread is called:
"Indoor mixing by 17th of May? Did I hear that right?"*

Correct.

Rule of 6, or 2 households mixing, outdoors on 29 March and rule of 6 or 2 households mixing, indoors on 17 May.

@boredofironing

I'm confused. Do all these openings still include social distancing? So can a theatre open up with full seating capacity in June?

Step 4 was all limits removed on 22 June.

But the need to review face masks and social distancing, so not sure if that's due first or after.

Thank you! Thats brilliant news! I'm not shielding myself but know others who are. My partner will be able to see his children for the first time in 12 months then

Well I also see many sheeple. You don’t honestly believe that it’s acceptable to kill 1000s of people just so you can shop go to the gym have parties etc?! The vaccine does nothing to stop the spread of the virus, you still catch it but will either be symptomless or hopefully not die from it. and we don’t even know if it still works with a prolonged period between doses as the manufacturer has said it’s not safe to over the 21 days.

@Iseestupidpeople

Well I also see many sheeple. You don’t honestly believe that it’s acceptable to kill 1000s of people just so you can shop go to the gym have parties etc?! The vaccine does nothing to stop the spread of the virus, you still catch it but will either be symptomless or hopefully not die from it. and we don’t even know if it still works with a prolonged period between doses as the manufacturer has said it’s not safe to over the 21 days.

I'll give you maybe 3 out of 10 for this effort.

@Iseestupidpeople

Well I also see many sheeple. You don’t honestly believe that it’s acceptable to kill 1000s of people just so you can shop go to the gym have parties etc?! The vaccine does nothing to stop the spread of the virus, you still catch it but will either be symptomless or hopefully not die from it. and we don’t even know if it still works with a prolonged period between doses as the manufacturer has said it’s not safe to over the 21 days.

You’re not keeping up. The vaccine has been shown to reduce transmissions and the Oxford one is 94% effective after the first dose, the second jab is essentially a booster.

All these dates are provisional, and really dependent upon what the data will show and how people behave in the mean time. Cautiously optimistic, but still half expect some dates might be pushed back, though fervently hope they won't need to be.

@Greenshed

All these dates are provisional, and really dependent upon what the data will show and how people behave in the mean time. Cautiously optimistic, but still half expect some dates might be pushed back, though fervently hope they won't need to be.

People are going to stop complying and they don't have the manpower to police it. They know this, too.

If all goes to plan the worst will be over. There will still be facemasks and social distancing in place until at least next year. He said that to paraphrase.

I doubt very much holidays abroad will be normal this year either. I think there will still be certain criteria for going abroad

Vaccines don't stop you getting it. It just means it won't be as bad. They are expecting it like the flu to be seasonal.

They also don't know yet if the vaccine is going to have to be seasonal. They are also working on the children's vaccine and variant vaccines.

I'm being pragmatic however I do think the worst is coming to an end.

They have said that there will be vaccination boosters to control whichever variant of the infection is prevalent in any given winter season. Again like with flu. And I suspect that, in a similar way, they'll concentrate on vaccinating the vulnerable. I don't think they'll do another massive rollout, but the vaccine will be available at pharmacies.

I'm not getting to excited about it, numbers will jump with kids going back to school which will end up delaying the next steps... I'm hoping I'm wrong though but I won't get too excited about it till it actually happens

Sadly I think the optimism is too quick. On the news I saw all the holiday companies talking about huge increases in bookings. Hope the people booking these holidays have thought about whether tests might still be required . . . and the cost. I hope they are not getting too excited and carried along with enthusiasm . . . and then find the holidays cancelled if countries don't want UK residents.

Hilarious that whenever it’s what no-one wants to hear, Boris is a bumbling a**hole but when everyone thinks they’re getting their summer back suddenly he’s Saint Boris! I still won’t feel comfortable or particularly safe going on holiday or living a “normal” life this year

I agree that booking overseas holidays at this stage is a tad premature.

@LewScroose

I do think Boris is a bumbling a*hole, and definitely not Saint Boris. My optimism right now is based on the success of the vaccine rollout, not because of what Boris said.

[quote Mittens030869]@LewScroose

I do think Boris is a bumbling a*hole, and definitely not Saint Boris. My optimism right now is based on the success of the vaccine rollout, not because of what Boris said.[/quote]
It’s the amount of people saying he sounded positively statesman-like. I suppose hearing what people want to hear has that effect....

Just a ploy to distract us from Hancock. Too much, too soon. This has not been a proper lockdown either, some areas not doing any social distancing or mask wearing, like Hackney. Saw two women get out of their cars and kiss on meeting yesterday. We should have had another proper lockdown with no coffee shops etc open. It will mutate again. We are giving it hosts all the time. Boris et al don't give a toss about us.
Another lockdown for the summer will leave the coast clear, Literally! for them ( & all the rich with private jets) all to take their holidays without the masses clogging up everywhere.

I'm always confused when the doom mongers say "this wasn't a proper lockdown" because

Apparently it was one of the strictest in the world

Cases have plummeted even with more kids in school in kw/critical groups,

Cases have plummeted so presumably we did not need 100% compliance with rules for this to happen

Apparently it was one of the strictest in the world

You just have to read the various rules and laws applied across the world to see how it's simply not true. Not even close!