What are the chances of lockdown this Christmas?

[43leftfeet]

I've been away this weekend (UK, but I've been distracted and not following the news).

I see there's been talk of Johnson announcing a "ban on Christmas" possibly, around the 17th - or not, depending on what happens with Omicron - is that about right?

I know we can't know yet what's going to happen, but what are people's feelings?

What do you think the restrictions, if any, are likely to be in England & Wales & in Scotland?

And I would adhere if scientists said so.

It seems it will be the dominant variant really quickly, in a few weeks according to various experts

Having to wear a mask whilst in a shop is totally different from not being allowed to see your family though.

Actually, by 17th it’s too late as most parties have happened. It’ll be rife by new year.

I am almost certain there will be. In fact I thought we would already have been in one by now so not only do I see it as overdue but I feel like they would do it on purpose over Christmas just to upset people more. It was totally illogical what happened last time. Seems like it was on purpose to spoil Christmas. It is true that people will rebel / not follow so that might put them off, but if they send the police out to fine people they'll just be fined and it will stop.

@westofnormal you think they'd do it over Christmas just to upset people...? And they did it last year just to 'spoil' Christmas 🤦🏽‍♀️

Do you look the numbers in hospital ever? It would explain why we aren't in one now quite simply.

@westofnormal why would they do it to annoy people? Does make sense.

Doesn’t

We haven’t got a functioning government so basically they roll a dice for a decision.

I still can't get over how many people now casually fling around the possibility of "lockdown" as though it's a normal thing to do in the face of an infectious disease which, compared to previous pandemics, is pretty mild.

Can they please try and keep in mind the real, long term implications of lockdowns, which were always blindingly obvious to some people, but which are now only starting to be discussed in the mainstream media.

It beggars belief, it really does. And to think no country would have done it if authoritarian China hadn't done it first. A fine example to follow

@westofnormal - I'd say the opposite. The sad fact is a 'cancelled Christmas' would cost them more votes than any deaths that could follow a 'normal' one in a worse case scenario and they know that.

Remember when they said relaxing restrictions was irreversible? They can make changes at ANY time.

Austria are lifting their lockdown this weekend but only for the fully vaccinated. Perhaps they’ll do something like that here?

I am my office decider and we have gone back to wfh today till at least mid-Jan. Can't see this useless government doing anything more, so taking responsibility for ourselves.

And in one case, my colleague's 97 year old nanna.

Even if they do, after Boris Johnson, the health sectary and hoardes of other policitans couldn't even follow they're own rules, I'm definitely ignoring it and doing my thing own thing.

I think it all depends on the potency of this variant. Which should know by the end of the month how likely it is that people will be in hospital with it, but thus far the evidence suggests it is more contagious but less dangerous. Let's pray this variant is just like a cold virus and actually ends the pandemic.

Well no one is complying with the mask wearing, so I’m guessing they won’t be complying with future lockdowns either. It would be humiliating for the government, and so I’m doubtful there will be any Xmas lockdown.

I’m complying and have only seen one elderly lady with an exempt lanyard since new rules came in.

Oh God we're back to the MN Mystic Megs ("I see ... not a lockdown but some restrictions... but they might be a lockdown ... beginning at 5.43PM on a Wednesday in January... with a rule of six ... but not a rule of six ... woo ... woo").

To answer your thread title, OP: Nil.

We're supposed to be going away to the in-laws (driving across Europe) on 18th so I wouldn't be surprised if he changes the rules on 17th

@CrystalBollocks

Oh God we're back to the MN Mystic Megs ("I see ... not a lockdown but some restrictions... but they might be a lockdown ... beginning at 5.43PM on a Wednesday in January... with a rule of six ... but not a rule of six ... woo ... woo").

To answer your thread title, OP: Nil.

Yep 😂😂

@JennyForeigner

I am my office decider and we have gone back to wfh today till at least mid-Jan. Can't see this useless government doing anything more, so taking responsibility for ourselves.

And in one case, my colleague's 97 year old nanna.

But how long are you going to take personal responsible for extending the life of someone who is already 97, well over average life expectancy? Where does that end?

And I think from what is emerging about the Downing Street party last Christmas, the chances of meaningful compliance are virtually zero.

@CrystalBollocks

Oh God we're back to the MN Mystic Megs ("I see ... not a lockdown but some restrictions... but they might be a lockdown ... beginning at 5.43PM on a Wednesday in January... with a rule of six ... but not a rule of six ... woo ... woo").

To answer your thread title, OP: Nil.

Haha, yep!

In any case, there is bugger all anyone can do about it if that is the path the government want to take.

Horse
Stable
Bolted

I won't be complying.