People cancelling parties and meals left, right and centre.

[Beafaith]

What does this mean for businesses? Seen multiple posts from restaurants saying they now have availability for this date and that date in December. If it wasn't for Omricon coming to light, people wouldn't have cancelled even though there are high rates of covid. As the government haven't restricted hospitality, how are they going to cope?

I’ve had two Christmas parties this week. One in a local restaurant & one in a city centre. The restaurants were heaving on both occasions. Hopefully it’s not quite as gloomy as being reported.. I’ve also been shopping to the Trafford Centre today & it was busssssssy. Pretty normal Christmas shopping levels for a weekday…🙏🏼

Honestly I think anyone restricting thier life and making cancellations is an absolute idiot I really do

If you’re worrying about T&T and contact isolation just block the number like other normal people do

It’s insane that 2,3,4 jabs isn’t enough

Some of them won't make it.
But the government isn't prepared to support businesses. So many people want to a) see family ar Xmas and not be feeling crap with covid (or flu), b) maybe we've learnt a lesson to quickly reduce contact to stop the virus spreading. My dcs may well still ruin Xmas and bring covid home from school but I'm certainly not increasing that risk by going to a restaurant. And c) lots of us are waiting for boosters.

Reintroducing masks on public transport and in shops sent out a message that it’s not safe to be in close quarters with others.

The cancellation of many festive gatherings is the inevitable consequence - even though the people doing the cancelling are not acting on any evidence but are merely doing so ‘because everyone else is’. It’s now gathering its own momentum and unless some major revelation happens this weekend most things will continue to be cancelled.

A completely unnecessary hammer blow for hospitality and events industry.

It’s insane that 2,3,4 jabs isn’t enough

But lots of people haven’t had those jabs. I’ve had my booster now but once I knew the rough date I was going (I was a walk in) I was more careful than I had been. I didn’t want to catch covid so close to upping my protection.

Had ours last night. Was really good but in a venue full of people not wearing masks. At all. Lots of singing and shouting. Said to my colleague if we don't get covid it'll be a miracle...and sure enough, boss called just now to say she has tested positive 🙄 feeling guilty for going but also frustrated, torn between wanting to keep me and others 'safe' and wanting to live my bloody life!

People who don't want to catch Covid are not "idiots" FFS!

It’s not about the risk of catching Covid. It’s about the risk of having to isolate as a contact even if you’re completely healthy. People aren’t going to risk that a couple of weeks before Christmas.

don’t think that government support will happen again on the same scale as previously, not unless they’re forced to bring back restrictions officially.

Agree. Bars and restaurants technically open as they can do takeaway / restricted numbers, so no grants / furlough available.

I am hoping our team party will be cancelled. I have other things in the couple of weeks following that I would much rather do and won't be able if I am required to isolate.

We recently skipped an event that would have had a lot of people at it from a community that currently has a very high case rate because we are having house renovations done and having to cancel two weeks of trades would be absolutely bloody disastrous at this point.

People are making choices about what to attend based on their personal priorities.

Sorry but a Work Christmas Do is a really low priority, and if it puts me at risk of self isolation and having to miss out on another family Christmas (it's the weekend before) then too right I'm not going

I note that Jenny Harries' Public Health message was to avoid - unnecessary socialising was it? - and then BJ tells people to party on.

She looks like a party-pooper and BJ looks like the man trying to save Christmas parties.

Except that cumulatively it is having the effect of people cancelling bookings, while there is currently no question of government support.

I can't help wondering if this is actually some sort of plan to have it play out like this (at the same time, accepting that "plan" might imply too much focussed organisation of effort)

Hot off the press from coronavirus.data.gov.uk

Seven day average
Cases +1%
Tests conducted +5.2%
Deaths -5.2%
Patients admitted -3.8%

Quick! Everybody cancel Christmas and lock yourself away!

@Delphinna

It’s not about the risk of catching Covid. It’s about the risk of having to isolate as a contact even if you’re completely healthy. People aren’t going to risk that a couple of weeks before Christmas.

This! I’ve had people having to cancel things because they’ve been in contact with someone who tested positive. You don’t have to isolate according to the rules if you don’t have symptoms but a lot of people are still being cautious - only going out after a second PCR test a few days later shows the all clear.

The thing is if you're a close contact of someone and it is Omicron then you do have to isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccine status

You only have to isolate a) if someone identifies you (absolute dickheadd if they name you xmas week), b) if T&T get you (that’s what blocking is for)
So it’s totally possible to avoid isolation as I don’t associate with dickheads

The tube strikes won't be helping .

@HainaultViaNewburyPark

I don’t think it’s just restaurants that will suffer. I think shops will too. My original plan for today and Monday was to go Christmas shopping. But the reintroduction of masks has made me change my mind. I wear glasses, and I just can’t face being unable to see clearly for the majority of the day. Plus I rely on lip reading to hear properly, and the thought of not being able to communicate effectively fills me with dread. So I’m staying at home and my money is (mostly) staying in my bank account. I’ll get a few bits online, but I’d definitely have spent more if I’d been shopping in person. Plus (of course) I’d have bought food and drink whilst I was out and about.

I’m the same. Would have gone to my town’s late night shopping event, but didn’t because the masks are back. I’m exempt but can’t cope with the abuse and judgy stares, so I’ll be avoiding shops again 😔 a shame because I much prefer to shop local especially at Christmas.

The thing is if you're a close contact of someone and it is Omicron then you do have to isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccine status

This!! Last Christmas was shit for my PIL.
MIL had just been diagnosed with cancer and her “urgent” operation cancelled, they spent Xmas on their own. We want to spend Xmas together this year and because of the new rules we’ve cancelled out works party, and have told 2 other groups we won’t now be coming to their parties. I don’t really care what anyone else thinks, what’s important to me and my family is being together on Xmas day.

My partner was supposed to be going to a work Xmas party tonight. It was cancelled today because too many staff are saying they are not going.

If my CEV parents have to spend another Xmas alone I think it will see them off. So whilst I sympathise with hospitality businesses I’m not going to put myself in a position to either catch Covid or be identified as a contact of someone who does. It’s just not worth the risk. After Boxing Day I’ll be at every gathering going with bells on.

I don’t want to ruin Christmas for my 8 year old by having us self isolate if I come into contact with an omicron case. I only have him alternate years, and he’s got lots he’s looking forward to including his first sleepover party.

I think most people will be the same. Wanting to protect family Christmas over office socialising.

It must be crap but on balance I am not booking anything else after the 7th. I had to be alone last Christmas and New Year, I don't want to repeat that.

Everyone should just take an lft wherever they go - much easier! Outbreak (well 4) at STEPS concert in Glasgow - all vaccinated, all masked so yeah that worked! Changed to vaccinated or proof of lft. DP isn't and won't be vaccinated but he's more than happy to lft to go anywhere.

@VanCleefArpels

If my CEV parents have to spend another Xmas alone I think it will see them off. So whilst I sympathise with hospitality businesses I’m not going to put myself in a position to either catch Covid or be identified as a contact of someone who does. It’s just not worth the risk. After Boxing Day I’ll be at every gathering going with bells on.

Mine too - although I've only got one very old and thanks to the last 2 years, agrophobic and anorexic mum. Roll on 26th - on it!!