What does this third wave even mean?

[november90]

Sorry if I sound stupid but I just don't get it. How are we talking about another lockdown when we've been in lockdown for nearly 4 months! I live in Lancashire and we have literally been in lockdown since September, what does this even mean?! We're going to open the shops and schools for a few weeks and then back to January again?
I know nobody knows the answers to these questions.... but I'm just confused!

The third wave isn’t here yet.

How are we talking about another lockdown

Nobody is talking about another lockdown in the UK, although there's no guarantee it won't at some point come to that.

Forget wave numbers because they're meaningless. As far as infection levels go, Europe is where we were in December - they're climbing rapidly so into lockdown they go. The UK is just starting to emerge FROM lockdown, if vaccines and other measures keep R< 1 then there won't be another wave here.

I think you’re jumping the gun a bit there op

Well I don't mean to sound like I'm jumping the gun, I'm reacting to comments I'm seeing flying around in Twitter and I just don't even understand how this conversation is happening when we're still in lockdown!

Yes we are still in lockdown, but the third wave isn’t in this country.

I can’t comprehend the prospect of another lockdown!

Another lockdown feels inevitable. The government seem really concerned.

We've had our third wave!!!

@User133847

Another lockdown feels inevitable. The government seem really concerned.

Half the population vaccinated in which will prevent serious illness in 99% of them.... the 50% that were not vaccinated only account to about 1% of total deaths so far.... cases are right down... just 17deaths today.... but lockdown inevitable ... how does that even make sense.

This is all just a way to make everyone not angry when they freeze international travel until at least the autumn....