[quote Notsowise]@Kazzyhoward
If they close things down it will effect the economy a lot more than it will case numbers. People are finished with not mixing with family and friends inside.[/quote]
Exactly my point. We need to balance the consequences of a lockdown against the benefits. Another lockdown will be catastrophic in financial, economic, mental health, social impacts, etc. Without a lockdown, the effects may be catastrophic in terms of deaths and non covid medical treatments being cancelled or delayed.
Before any further restrictions or lockdowns, etc., we need, and deserve, some proper support packages put in place to mitigate the damage to those most affected. Huge numbers of low paid workers, temporary staff, self employed, freelancers, etc have been hung out to dry due to Rishi's crazy scattergun approach to financial support. We can't have that again. Huge numbers of people have had their medical treatments cancelled or delayed. Huge numbers of students have had their education compromised.
It's 16 months since the pandemic started. The politicians, civil servants, public sector bosses, etc have had plenty of time to find better ways of supporting those most affected, and that now has to take priority. If they can't find fair, equitable, methods of supporting those most affected by restrictions/lockdowns, then we shouldn't be doing it.