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Original poster

Social distancing could last for years

135 replies

Donotfeedthebears · 21/03/2021 16:12

www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-56475807

So much for removing restrictions on 21st June then!

OP posts:
GeorgiaMelissa · 21/03/2021 21:50

Government seems to disagree. Social distancing is difficult and damaging for businesses and, as a result, it is important to return to as near to normal as quickly as possible. Ahead of Step 4, as more is understood about the impact of vaccines on transmission and a far greater proportion of the population has been vaccinated, the Government will complete a review of social distancing measures and other long-term measures that have been put in place to limit transmission. The results of the review will help inform decisions on the timing and circumstances under which rules on 1m+, face masks and other measures may be lifted. The review will also inform guidance on working from home - people should continue to work from home where they can until this review is complete.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/963491/COVID-19_Response_-_Spring_2021.pdf

MaxNormal · 21/03/2021 21:54

See, people have accepted in general that for the greater good we must do this. If that means long term we do this, then so be it

Are they? People are taking to the streets. Tens of thousands in London yesterday. They're busy burning police cars in Bristol tonight.

If the government doesn't unlock as promised, and we have a nice hot summer, there will be riots and the cities will burn.

notrub · 21/03/2021 22:02

@Donotfeedthebears

www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-56475807

So much for removing restrictions on 21st June then!

These are the non-scientific (because they're not based on evidence) opinions of people who happen to be scientists.

Remember how many predictions from individual scientists have been wrong in the last year?

You need to listen to scientists when their views are backed up by research and shared by their peers. Otherwise they're simply opinions that are perhaps more valuable than those of the man on the street, but still opinions.

Personally I can't see how this can work - if we need to wear masks all the time, then it would mean covid levels in the community are still high. If they're high and we're no longer in lockdown, then masks or not, the virus will spread like wildfire, mutating all the time. If they're low/non-existent then we don't need masks.

notrub · 21/03/2021 22:03

@MaxNormal

See, people have accepted in general that for the greater good we must do this. If that means long term we do this, then so be it

Are they? People are taking to the streets. Tens of thousands in London yesterday. They're busy burning police cars in Bristol tonight.

If the government doesn't unlock as promised, and we have a nice hot summer, there will be riots and the cities will burn.

They're busy burning police cars in Bristol tonight

The protest in Bristol is about the government's crime bill. It's NOT an anti-lockdown protest although it wouldn't surprise me if some of those folk join in for the jollies.

MaxNormal · 21/03/2021 22:07

The protest in Bristol is about the government's crime bill. It's NOT an anti-lockdown protest although it wouldn't surprise me if some of those folk join in for the jollies

I'm well aware of what the protest is about. I'm pointing out that general tension levels are rising and will spill over by summer.
Also, it's a bill criminalising protest, it's all interlinked.

FaithfullyYours · 21/03/2021 22:09

@Strangekindofwoman

No one is going to stay away from their families and friends for years. Except for the doom and gloom merchants like Thewiseoneincognito
Yup. This poster needs a medal for her/his constant doom and gloom. All their posts are full of the bloody saaame nonsense.
legohouse · 21/03/2021 22:17

I don't mind what other people choose to do but I will continue to wear my mask.
Before Covid I was unable to go into any shops at all due to my mental health condition. Wearing a mask has been like an armour to me,
I can now go into most shops and my life has improved so much.
This has nothing to do with germs etc..
I understand that this is not the case for the majority but I wanted to share my experience

XenoBitch · 21/03/2021 22:23

@legohouse

I don't mind what other people choose to do but I will continue to wear my mask. Before Covid I was unable to go into any shops at all due to my mental health condition. Wearing a mask has been like an armour to me, I can now go into most shops and my life has improved so much. This has nothing to do with germs etc.. I understand that this is not the case for the majority but I wanted to share my experience
I am glad a mask helps you fee like you can do more things. My mental health condition means I am unable to wear a mask. If the mask rule is extended for goodness knows how long, I will still have to face judgement and comments in public, and shaming online..
HolmeH · 21/03/2021 22:26

I’ll wear a mask. It’s never bothered me to do so although it’s kinda annoying with glasses!

But I won’t be distancing from my friends & family once everyone is vaccinated. Absolutely not. I never have SD when out for a walk to be honest. But I do keep a distance from those I don’t know out of politeness. We’ve started a bubble with my parents now they’ve been jabbed (child under one) & looking forwards to the in-laws visiting in April. They’ve booked a nearby AirBnB & we’ve got lots of plans for day trips. Again, we will not be distancing from them but we are sticking to the no indoor rule.. it’s time to start enjoying little bits of life again. What’s the point of vaccinating us all if we have to stay 2m apart?!

Midlifephoenix · 21/03/2021 22:27

I'm fine with the social distancing, though that just isn't possible in trains and busses. Maybe in those circumstances masks should still be worn.

Hardbackwriter · 21/03/2021 22:41

[quote GeorgiaMelissa]Government seems to disagree. Social distancing is difficult and damaging for businesses and, as a result, it is important to return to as near to normal as quickly as possible. Ahead of Step 4, as more is understood about the impact of vaccines on transmission and a far greater proportion of the population has been vaccinated, the Government will complete a review of social distancing measures and other long-term measures that have been put in place to limit transmission. The results of the review will help inform decisions on the timing and circumstances under which rules on 1m+, face masks and other measures may be lifted. The review will also inform guidance on working from home - people should continue to work from home where they can until this review is complete.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/963491/COVID-19_Response_-_Spring_2021.pdf[/quote]
I find it quite depressing that there is no acknowledgment there that there is any loss that isn't monetary from not allowing people to hug their loved ones, or indeed to have normal social interactions at all - the reason people find it hard to stick to 2m, for instance on walks, is that it feels really unnatural. Of course it has a huge impact in businesses; huge swathes of the economy aren't viable with social distancing in place. But there's also a human cost even when it doesn't do any economic damage.

XenoBitch · 21/03/2021 22:54

I find it quite depressing that there is no acknowledgment there that there is any loss that isn't monetary from not allowing people to hug their loved ones, or indeed to have normal social interactions at all - the reason people find it hard to stick to 2m, for instance on walks, is that it feels really unnatural. Of course it has a huge impact in businesses; huge swathes of the economy aren't viable with social distancing in place. But there's also a human cost even when it doesn't do any economic damage.

I remember last year when we were allowed to meet someone outdoors. I met my mum and it felt wrong to keep 2m away. It went against every instinct in my body. Also, meeting with a friend who was going through a rough time. Not meant to put a comforting hand on their shoulder. 2m was never law and even now, I will hug friends and not insist they sit miles away from me on the sofa/in my garden. I am meeting a friend next week and if I am 2m away, she wont be able to hear me!

GeorgiaMelissa · 21/03/2021 22:55

@Hardbackwriter

Totally agree. But it's usually about money and economy, so I'm not surprised.

everythingbackbutyou · 21/03/2021 23:06

@Strangekindofwoman, drives you demented, doesn't it?

Thewiseoneincognito · 21/03/2021 23:08

@MaxNormal

See, people have accepted in general that for the greater good we must do this. If that means long term we do this, then so be it

Are they? People are taking to the streets. Tens of thousands in London yesterday. They're busy burning police cars in Bristol tonight.

If the government doesn't unlock as promised, and we have a nice hot summer, there will be riots and the cities will burn.

A MadMax scenario? That would do us all the world of good wouldn’t it 🙄
TheGumption · 22/03/2021 06:50

I would love social distancing to be permanent but people are already ignoring it, particularly in supermarkets. Highly doubt it will be in place for years.

TheVampiresWife · 22/03/2021 07:11

@TheGumption

I would love social distancing to be permanent but people are already ignoring it, particularly in supermarkets. Highly doubt it will be in place for years.
SD being permanent would be disastrous, for the reasons already mentioned on this thread. A world without cultural venues, bars, gigs, funerals with more than a handful of mourners, the inability to meet new partners and no social contact whatsoever would be unthinkable.
MummyPop00 · 22/03/2021 07:56

Not a chance SD continues as the government can’t afford the detrimental affect on business & the economy for much longer.

Strangekindofwoman · 22/03/2021 08:02

@TheGumption

I would love social distancing to be permanent but people are already ignoring it, particularly in supermarkets. Highly doubt it will be in place for years.
You don't want to ever visit your family and friends ever again? Or go to a gig,wedding,pub on holiday etc?

You don't want to visit loved ones in hospital or in a care home?

That's SD.

tobee · 22/03/2021 08:46

@TheGumption

I would love social distancing to be permanent but people are already ignoring it, particularly in supermarkets. Highly doubt it will be in place for years.

How bizarre.

nordica · 22/03/2021 09:13

Something like mask wearing or increased hygiene measures, or waiting for appointments outside rather than in a stuffy waiting room seem like good ideas going forward. In many Asian countries that were affected by the SARS pandemic, masks are routinely worn anyway.

kittensarecute · 22/03/2021 09:18

@TheGumption

I would love social distancing to be permanent but people are already ignoring it, particularly in supermarkets. Highly doubt it will be in place for years.
If you want to live this pointless half-life permanently, you crack on, love. I stopped antisocial distancing ages ago.
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/03/2021 09:20

Something like mask wearing or increased hygiene measures, or waiting for appointments outside rather than in a stuffy waiting room seem like good ideas going forward. In many Asian countries that were affected by the SARS pandemic, masks are routinely worn anyway.

I wear a mask to avoid a fine, as soon as they are no longer a legal requirement they will be going in the bin. I'll be ditching the excessive hand sanitiser as well, although saying that I've cut down a lot anyway. I don't mind waiting outside on a nice day but I don't fancy waiting outside for an appointment in the cold or rain!

Notquiteworried · 22/03/2021 09:44

@dootdoot

In a general sense I think it would be a good thing if some of the covid measures continued. I hope people are no longer expected to go to work with filthy colds and people just accept that its going to be passed round this office. I hope mask wearing is seen as less odd, as it is in Asia, on public transport/shops etc. Social distancing as in people keeping out of my personal space would be well welcomed by me but I don't think we can continue on as we are now
Yes, things like this would be a good 'restriction' allowing humans that get ill to actually stay at home and not pass it around without risking losing their jobs or financial penalties. I bet it's one of the first things to go back the way it was though. And don't think this only applies in offices etc, I have been told in care that a heavy cold isn't a good enough reason to be off and I didn't need the flu vax until recently because I wasn't enough of a risk. Suddenly I'm being offered it left right and centre.

I think mask wearing will become like gloves and aprons in healthcare settings, I do think they're here to stay for those working with vulnerable groups, and I think it'll become guidance to socially distance if you're currently shielding because you're CEV.
But many businesses simply won't survive if they have to restrict numbers for any length of time though, we'll lose a lot of businesses anyway, because of what's happened and so many people taking a big financial hit, hopefully though, the people who've done a lot of saving will spend more and even stuff up a bit!
I just can't see people doing it for years to come, I think they'll make things like care homes and hospitals, Dr surgery etc mandatory for SD and masks and quietly let people make their own choices from there and stop enforcing.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/03/2021 09:55

I think mask wearing will become like gloves and aprons in healthcare settings, I do think they're here to stay for those working with vulnerable groups, and I think it'll become guidance to socially distance if you're currently shielding because you're CEV

I think it would be very sad if mask wearing became the norm in care home settings, meaning residents didn't get to see the faces of those caring for them.