Are we back to square one?

[Sadless]

Are we back to square one with the new varient or is it just a slight problem and won't cause too much of a problem now.

Sal

@Whammyyammy

Not at all, can't see us going back to lockdowns and tight restrictions on visiting families or closure of hospitality venues.

Introduction of masks for those that still believe in them and day 2 pcr tests when coming back into UK..... no issue really

You are correct, freedom day has past, the pandemic is all but over. No return to mask wearing, quarantines or anything else. Boris said this very clearly in the summer. No plan B, no need for it.

No one knows. Eventually viruses become more transmissible but less dangerous, hopefully this is another step towards this.

I'm severely immunocompromised and don't respond to vaccines so have been on square one all along. Actually more like GoToJail. Levels are very high so I'm at as much risk as in March last year. But I'm lucky as I don't have to go to work and am able to get out for walks, can afford food and heating and have some good friends and family who will see me outdoors. Can't avoid all risk as children in education and dh works and socialises.

@xxxGirlCrushxxx

Not going through mask wearing again either

Done with that

You don't give a toss then about how stressful attitudes like yours are for those who are exempt and genuinely can't wear a mask?

No way of knowing where we are.
It's just as possible that omicron is the fabled more infective yet less serious variant that could bring covid to the level of a common cold (which can also kill the vulnerable).

@xxxGirlCrushxxx

Not going through mask wearing again either

Done with that

That’s very selfish. What about the people with an actual brain who don’t want your covidy germs all over them?

I don’t think we are at square one as the vaccines will not be completely ineffective against this variant but they may be less effective. This winter was always going to be difficult.
We need to enforce easy mitigation measures without tanking life and the economy, so masks mandatory- yes, should never have got rid of them! So many selfish people not wearing them. I have worn one all the way along because although I have had Covid, am not vulnerable and am now treble jabbed, it is a respectful gesture to those who are older or vulnerable.
Vaccines into as many people as possible because less effective is better than unvaccinated.

Also if we all get vaccinated and wear masks then hopefully less chance of other, much worse restrictions.
We do need to protect the NHS although long term healthcare in this country will need a massive overhaul. We need more staff, money and resources and if that means insurance then so be it. It won’t happen overnight though and in the mean time if my mum has a heart attack I want an ICU bed please!
We can’t close businesses or schools again so something has to give. If that’s only masks and vaccines then great- not too onerous.

Why do people keep saying Chris Whitty looked concerned? He just looked like what he probably is - a bit knackered.

Not back to square one as we have so much more understanding of the situation and how to treat those that need it. I do forsee some further restrictions, though.

All these idiots stomping their feet and whining "but you pwomised..." Pathetic.

@Puppylucky

Why do people keep saying Chris Whitty looked concerned? He just looked like what he probably is - a bit knackered.

He always looks concerned. Personally I think he just hates the briefings.

We are not back to square one because there’s not a hope in hell the government will ever get that level of compliance back ever again.

That ship has sailed. Most they will do is add the masks back in to make it look like they’re doing something.

Lip service.

@Theplantisgrowing

Remmy123

No, it's just another variant like we have the flu I'm not getting all this panic. I blame the media!

Er, so you didn't watch the Downing Street briefing last night then? Not sure which media outlet a very concerned looking Chris Whitty works for

He didn’t look concerned. He hates being in front of the camera.

@HariboMaroon

We are not back to square one because there’s not a hope in hell the government will ever get that level of compliance back ever again.

That ship has sailed. Most they will do is add the masks back in to make it look like they’re doing something.

Lip service.

Chris Whitty himself has said that he knows that there is public support around restrictions like face masks.

However, the is very little support around lockdowns and restrictions on social gatherings.

Lockdowns and social restrictions at this point would buy them a LOT more time, but compliance for that is incredibly low. They know it wouldn’t work as too many people will ignore it. Especially getting together at Christmas. Not many people will sacrifice another Christmas.

They have picked things that they know most people may moan about but will do as it’s not too much to ask, and means we can still go about our daily business.

Face mask and travel restrictions are more an annoyance/ inconvenience. They don’t fully prevent you from doing something.

Also, I do know that face mask and travel restrictions will prevent some people from continuing to do stuff.

If won’t prevent everyone. That is the point.

Why are people so incredibly selfish ?

Mask wearing either reduced transmission or it doesn't. Those are the ONLY two possible outcomes.

Not wearing a mask definitely DOES assist with transmission because it is spread by aerosol droplets in the breath.

Therefore wear a fucking mask. Because there is a bigger chance that it reduced transmission than not.

So simple that only truly stupid people would not wear one .

When someone calls another person selfish it just means that they're not doing what they want them to do.

It's about control not morality.

@ktel1

When someone calls another person selfish it just means that they're not doing what they want them to do.

It's about control not morality.

Yup

If the mask brigade don't like it then stay away from people without a mask....social distance was once a thing

Anyway, I'm exempt, wore mask a few times last time due to pressure. Won't this time

@Finknottlesnewt

Why are people so incredibly selfish ?

Mask wearing either reduced transmission or it doesn't. Those are the ONLY two possible outcomes.

Not wearing a mask definitely DOES assist with transmission because it is spread by aerosol droplets in the breath.

Therefore wear a fucking mask. Because there is a bigger chance that it reduced transmission than not.

So simple that only truly stupid people would not wear one .

This is what I don't get. Why people like to argue that don't work. If someone was going to cough or sneeze near you wouldn't it be way better if they had a mask on while they did it in terms of the droplets reaching you/ not reaching you.

@DumplingsAndStew

Not back to square one as we have so much more understanding of the situation and how to treat those that need it. I do forsee some further restrictions, though.

All these idiots stomping their feet and whining "but you pwomised..." Pathetic.

If Boris promised, then there won't be further restrictions, he is known as many things and a man of his word is certainly not one of them.

However, the is very little support around lockdowns and restrictions on social gatherings.

Dominic Cummings can go off to see his family in lockdown.
Matt Hancock can have an affair.
Boris Johnson can have friends round at Christmas.

Presumably if new restrictions come in we can all pick and choose when to follow them.

@jgw1

If you would like to live your life aspiring to the behaviour of the likes of Hancock, Cummings and Johnson, you've got bigger issues than just choosing not to follow the law.

Therefore wear a fucking mask

I am really, really bored of this hostile crap. I thought we were past that but no, here we are again.
Who do you think you are to speak to other people like that? I'd bet anything you don't go around saying that to people irl.

Yes if you think the government is a bunch of numpties why would you want to follow their examples?

[quote DumplingsAndStew]@jgw1

If you would like to live your life aspiring to the behaviour of the likes of Hancock, Cummings and Johnson, you've got bigger issues than just choosing not to follow the law.[/quote]
Of course we should all aspire to be as good as those who have led us so successfully through the pandemic. The greatest challenge the country has faced since Churchill won the war.