Are people no longer bothered by Covid….?

[Iwannabelikeyouohh]

Is anyone actually bothered about Covid?
From places I’ve been recently, everyone is just “normal”

I took my son to a toddler class this morning.

I walked in wearing my mask. Room full of 19 other adults and their toddlers.

Not one single adult had a mask on (expect me)
There was no distancing in the class.
It was as normal as normal can be.

I joined a new slimming class tonight.

Again I walked in wearing a mask. No one else had one on.
All chairs pushed up together, people sat close.

I don’t get it.

How can we go from distancing, mask wearing, avoiding people on walks (which is exactly what it was like) to nothing….

@Benjispruce4,

‘People are still dying’.

To put that in perspective, less than 10% of deaths are currently due to COVID and the majority of those are in the very old.

This is comparable to winter flu.

We will never stop every death and I am not sure we really want to have measures in place forever now.

If the numbers go up, we need to bring measures back.

You're never going to be safer than you are now, with so many of the population freshly double jabbed.

If you don't get back to normal now, when will you?

@RedskyThisNight

The people who are bothered by Covid are still mostly staying at home, or meeting small groups of friends in their houses where they know everyone has been vaccinated. So, if you're going to somewhere like a toddler group, you are self selecting people that are just getting on with things.

Some of us feel forced into difficult decisions. I am still concerned by covid (and CV) but don’t feel I can reasonably isolate my toddler any longer without affecting his social development. His verbal development has been surprisingly unaffected by masks and being socially isolated though!.

Never been bothered by Covid, except for maybe that first week or so of all the horrendous images on the news from Italy last year. I am mildly perturbed by what all of these measures appear to have done for other illnesses though. I’ve never had Covid (as far as I know) but since May of this year I’ve had several viruses, more than I’d have had in a normal year, that have all absolutely knocked me for six. I’ve got a toddler in nursery and I’m pregnant so I’d expect to pick up more bugs and feel worse when I get them, but I’m hearing the same from masses of other fit young childless people that they’re being absolutely floored by viruses, and it’s only September now. The most recent ‘cold’ I had would almost certainly have killed an old/vulnerable person in my inexpert opinion. I can see other stuff, that we’re not vaccinating for, becoming a much bigger problem than usual for services this winter. That said, I don’t see any point in the masks now since even in shops there’s usually only about 50% of people wearing them, rendering the whole thing even more pointless than if everyone was. I tend to wear mine in a shop or building til I see what the staff are doing and take it off if they’re not wearing them, or wearing them under their noses - I find wearing one really uncomfortable, much as the ‘SELFISH’ brigade insist that that’s impossible.

I wasn't bothered 18 months ago 🤷‍♀️

@AlixandraTheGreat

I'm interested to know where you got this from? Is there a study saying this or are you simply having a punt?

It's just the logical conclusion of a position that advocates continued Covid suppression measures. I'm not a Government cheerleader, but I think the PM had a point when he said "if not now, when?" when justifying the lifting of restrictions in July.

But the "if not now, when?" never seems to be a question that those who want restrictions to continue ever seem to answer!

Simply saying "when numbers are lower" isn't really good enough, as we all know that as it's likely that numbers will increase from artificially suppressed levels once restrictions are lifted, prompting calls for restrictions again a few weeks later!

Alternatively I can only conclude that those advocating continued restrictions either:

a) believe Covid will somehow magically disappear in the months ahead, or

b) that restrictions will need to be in place without any realistic expectation of their removal, in place for years and years.

I’ve had serious coronophobia all throughout. Now I’m 34 weeks pregnant and not so bothered anymore.

I’m regretting closing our bubble now incase we get it as baby could be early.

I have 2 secondary dds and it just seems pointless worrying now. It’s rife but so many kids have no symptoms and aren’t passing it on at home. The cold virus going around is much worse. Dd2 has just had that.

Once this baby is safely here and a bit older I’ll be going back to normal. I can’t wait now.

(I do still anti bac wipe my shopping but that’s my little habit now 😂 It’s quite gross how dirty the wipes can be)

@Benjispruce4

Masks reduce risks. Scotland’s cases may have been much higher if they’d dropped mask wearingZ it’s not all or nothing. Every mitigation helps. People are still dying, many of them vaccinated. Stop being selfish.

Masks don't really reduce the risk, they spread risk over a longer period... They may mean the average hitherto uninflected person will become Infected in four months rather than two. Your post seems to be yet another example of those who believe that greater restrictions will lead to Covid going away, and for the risk to be reduced overall.

The least worst thing we can do is for those who are not CEV or have CEV relatives, is to act completely as normal,
and hasten the day when Covid is truly endemic and there are no more surges in populations that still have high percentages of in infected/unvaccinated people (I believe estimates were that 50% of pupils have been infected so that's 50% who remain - though that's presumably dropping fast ) and as such as exacerbating community spread.

Those with CEV can choose to protect themselves as best they can over this time with medical grade masks and distancing, with the expectation that, in a few months, things will have settled. I appreciate that this is shit, but I can't see another way that doesn't involve permanent restrictions.

@Warhertisuff

Thanks for your reply.

This is a quote from your previous post:

So it's not a case of mask wearing and socially distancing for another few months, or even couple of years, Covid won't "magically" disappear over that time, so if you're still arguing for restrictions like FFP2 masks for all, distanced outdoor socialising, and other intrusive restrictions, then there's no way out... that would be the "new normal", not for the next six months or year until Covid blows away, but for generations

Isn't that the definition of 'scaremongering' that posters on your side on the fence jump on people for - particularly for one poster in particular if I recall? This is rather doom-ish.

For what it's worth, I think a combination of vaccines, mask-wearing and distancing for the next year or so should see things improve tremendously. All pandemics do burn out in time; this one will. We simply can't decide that we're bored and give up and that will just prolong it.

To be fair I think there is an argument for mitigations to continue throughout the winter - to manage it more than anything. At the moment cases being flat is a good thing it means that the process is being managed so that cases and hospitalisations remain at a level that doesnt overwhelm the NHS whilst letting as close to normal life as possible. As well as helping to do the same with other viruses.

That is a sensible goal I think to deal with this winter alongside flu

@Warhertisuff

Masks don't really reduce the risk, they spread risk over a longer period... They may mean the average hitherto uninflected person will become Infected in four months rather than two. Your post seems to be yet another example of those who believe that greater restrictions will lead to Covid going away, and for the risk to be reduced overall.

OMG Your post seems to be an example of bonkers - ness.

@AlixandraTheGreat

*@Warhertisuff*

Masks don't really reduce the risk, they spread risk over a longer period... They may mean the average hitherto uninflected person will become Infected in four months rather than two. Your post seems to be yet another example of those who believe that greater restrictions will lead to Covid going away, and for the risk to be reduced overall.

OMG Your post seems to be an example of bonkers - ness.

It’s not bonkers

But also the point of infection now was to avoid the winter period when flu will rise

I've not been bothered for a very long time.

The only time I think about it is when I'm being wound up by safetyism and covid theatre.

Was pretty anxious about getting it before and always followed rules. Since summer I've relaxed a lot and now with the close contact isolation rules pretty non existent (schools, double jabbed) I actually don't see the point in getting myself worried. I wear a mask when I have to now - so at GP and usually if I remember to in shops. I haven't bothered wearing it in coffee shops as no one else was and it seems silly to wear it when walking to table, to then take it off when I'm sat down anyway now that the tables are closer together since the 2m rules don't seem to be in force now. Mostly though, my risk comes from my Dc at school (where COVID is quite high atm) and DH teaching at another school. DC's best friend is in school this week whilst his mum and dad are both home with COVID - this is all within the rules now, but does represent a risk of it spreading to classmates and then their families. As such, I've chosen not to worry myself with it all - I've had my jabs and so I'm as protected as I can be right now, and will just see what happens!

Masks don't really reduce the risk, they spread risk over a longer period... They may mean the average hitherto uninflected person will become Infected in four months rather than two

Where are posters of stuff crap like this getting it from?

(And what on earth is 'uninflicted'- it's not even a word!)

There was research out last week which showed not wearing a mask doubles the risk of being infected.

But the main point of wearing a mask is it protects others from your asymptomatic infection!

There are posters here like @ZenNudist who got Covid after 2 jabs, and said 'Oh I was fine'. And they encourage everyone to go around as 'normal'.

I suppose darling @ZenNudist doesn't even understand that when she was infected , and swanning around in shops or on transport, or wherever, that she was probably infecting God knows how many other people, who maybe are not 'fine' now. They may have long term health problems after getting covid.

IMO everyone has a right to live a 'normal' life but we also have a duty to accept that at any time we can be infected and infect others.

That is why masks are necessary to reduce risk, in crowded places.

Covid is spread by airborne viral particles.

Masks are still mandatory in any health setting. My hairdressers is still ensuring ALL staff and clients wear masks.

I don't its necessarily that people aren't bothered by covid just that there's other things going on in life to deal with too.
MN perception of course is that if your not consumed by covid news, know the stats and protocols for every country in the world and don't wear a medical mask 24/7 then you are selfish and don't care.

It's utterly depressing to read so many (younger?) posters here who are relaxed about getting Covid BUT who don't understand that they are usually the ones passing it onto more vulnerable people.

Out and about, I notice it is younger people who are maskless compared to middle aged or older people.

It's pure selfishness.

It's really not that awful to put a mask on for the short time you are in shop, on a bus, standing in a queue for a coffee.

You might be saving someone from what can be a very serious illness.

MN perception of course is that if your not consumed by covid news, know the stats and protocols for every country in the world and don't wear a medical mask 24/7 then you are selfish and don't care.

Really?

I think most of the posts here say the exact opposite of that!

eg that anyone still wearing masks and taking care is an idiot.

@FamilyFortune

MN perception of course is that if your not consumed by covid news, know the stats and protocols for every country in the world and don't wear a medical mask 24/7 then you are selfish and don't care.

Really?

I think most of the posts here say the exact opposite of that!

eg that anyone still wearing masks and taking care is an idiot.

Are you going to live thinking that way for the rest of your life then? Because Covid isn’t going away.

Sorry that reply was to the wrong post. Apologies.

No, I've more important things to worry about. I know it can be a serious illness for some who get it but from the beginning I saw the government propaganda and media hype for what it was. I've not worn a mask since July 18th, don't see the point really.

@FamilyFortune

It's utterly depressing to read so many (younger?) posters here who are relaxed about getting Covid BUT who don't understand that they are usually the ones passing it onto more vulnerable people.

Out and about, I notice it is younger people who are maskless compared to middle aged or older people.

It's pure selfishness.

It's really not that awful to put a mask on for the short time you are in shop, on a bus, standing in a queue for a coffee.

You might be saving someone from what can be a very serious illness.

I have noticed the same but these people are rarely wearing them correctly, never mind using something medical grade that actually protects people.

There is no point wearing a mask with your nose poking out

Middle aged - not bothered - stopped wearing my mask the day we were allowed. I've had my jabs - the kids are at school and will get it at some point anyway - I'm completely back to normal as is everyone I know. On the tube I reckon only 20 percent of people are wearing masks

@FamilyFortune

And what on earth is 'uninflicted'- it's not even a word!)

I actually wrote "uninflected" - obviously I meant "infected"....

There was research out last week which showed not wearing a mask doubles the risk of being infected.

You've cited research that confirms my point. If you're half as likely to get Covid over a period of time, then you can still
catch Covid wearing a mask, it will just take you twice as long to do so (on average). It delays, it doesn't fully prevent.

It's like throwing a six-sided dice against a twelve-sided dice. After 4 throws. those throwing a six-sides dice will be twice as likely to throw a '1'. However, they'll
all throw a '1' in time.

Not much bothered, no.

I'm double jabbed and will be getting my booster soon. I've also had covid twice, pre and post jab (post jab was asymptomatic, thankfully). I've been CV all through and the medication I've just started places me in the CEV category going forward.

I've followed all the rules and was utterly terrified to begin with. I genuinely thought I was going to die. My mental health was absolutely fucked - self harm, suicidal thoughts, anti depressants for the first time in decades. In all honesty, that was a far greater risk to my health than Covid ever was. When I was jabbed I was able to move forward, gradually. I'm so much better now and refuse to return to the very dark place I was in from March 2020 to February this year.

I'm exempt from mask wearing and the abuse I've had absolutely didn't help matters. Being scared to leave the house because you're terrified of catching a virus that you're convinced will kill you and because you're scared you'll be shouted at/abused/threatened again, all while your MH is in the toilet anyway, is something I never want to have to go through again.

So, yes. Enough is enough. I need to get back to normal. And thank goodness that's what I'm doing.