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Original poster

Is another lockdown inevitable?

257 replies

Flowersandjellybeans · 12/12/2021 06:52

I just can’t work out whether it’s more likely than not we’ll end up in another lockdown (and when that might be)…

There are multiple articles in all the newspapers, often contradicting each other… I honestly can’t work out what is likely to happen or really even on the table and when it would actually happen?

YANBU = yes, we’ll end up in another lockdown
YABU = no, we won’t have another lockdown

OP posts:
MarshaBradyo · 12/12/2021 08:24

@SirChenjins

People might not feel the same about a night out but furlough to replace closed businesses is less likely*

I rule nothing out. The money will be found for furlough if/when needed.

I very much hope not.

If MPs are struggling with Plan B maybe they’ll do same with furlough.

Public pressure must be mounting

Popcornriver · 12/12/2021 08:26

Waxonwaxoff0

And that essential education worked well from home for many children. My son included. If the government deems it safe to continue in person learning, we will continue doing things that carry less risk despite restrictions.

Echobelly · 12/12/2021 08:27

I'm not sure we'll have total lockdown again, partly as they can't pay for furlough so maybe non-essential shops, hairdressers etc will stay open and restaurants with social distancing. Not sure what theatres/concerts can do because a lot of them will have sold tickets and they can't really cut out half the audiences?

But I reckon the gov will aim to keep everything open but will be forced to impose some kind of limitations 2-3 weeks into January by the sound of likely outcomes of Omicron.

DrSbaitso · 12/12/2021 08:27

Well they could try, but after recent revelations, good luck enforcing it. Practically, it won't happen.

Motheroftigers · 12/12/2021 08:27

I can not believe people are still advocating this. Its just awful

Turquoisesol · 12/12/2021 08:27

I do wonder if they won’t have a choice eventually. It all depends on hospital admission I suppose.

SSOYS · 12/12/2021 08:30

I think they will close hospitality and non-essential shops in January. I don’t think they will close schools again, despite the spread there, as it causes such appalling harm and arguably was a be mistake the last two times. Just such a shame that the vaccine roll out to kids has been such a shambles.

MarshaBradyo · 12/12/2021 08:33

@Motheroftigers

I can not believe people are still advocating this. Its just awful
I know
Roominmyhouse · 12/12/2021 08:35

I can’t see them doing it, but not because of the health side of it but because of the economy. Forcing businesses to close again will be a disaster for hospitality which is still trying to recover. I also don’t think they’d want to pay more furlough.

There may be more restrictions but I’d be surprised if we have more lockdowns now unless a really deadly variant appears. Agree with all the people who say compliance will be low now if they tried to lockdown. Obviously if places are shut people can’t visit them but will go to other peoples houses etc.

Firawla · 12/12/2021 08:36

No. People just will not comply with it, we’ve all had the opportunity to get the vaccine. Omicron is supposed to be less serious - why would we go back into another lockdown, and why would people go along with that??
If the nhs can’t cope, it should be funded better. It’s the government responsibility to keep these services running smoothly not the peoples responsibility to stay at home forever and avoid risks of all kinds incase we ever need to use the nhs and what a burden that would be. But considering it’s been in the news that there’s been no deaths and low hospitalisations with this new omicron what even is the purpose of locking down. Right at the beginning March 2020 he was talking about just let the healthy people get it and pick up some natural immunity - at some point if it’s a mild illness, that is looking like the better option. Giving up freedom, ruining kids educations and screwing over the economy is not a minor thing.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 12/12/2021 08:39

@Popcornriver

Waxonwaxoff0

And that essential education worked well from home for many children. My son included. If the government deems it safe to continue in person learning, we will continue doing things that carry less risk despite restrictions.

Reports saying that nearly all children are behind in their education suggests it did not work well for many children.
PanettoneSeason · 12/12/2021 08:40

Personally I can see one coming! I’m in 2 minds whether they would try to impose it before Christmas Day or not. I think there would be uproar from a lot of people and I doubt compliance would be anywhere near what it has been given the stories in the papers recently. I can fully see a Boxing Day/New Years day lockdown happening.

Whether or not the money is there for funding is also another huge issue.

Here in Scotland we’ve just had new isolation rules brought back in - anyone with a household case of Covid must isolate as a household for 10days regardless of vaccination status. I’m manager in a small retail environment (6 staff - 3 FT including me, 3 PT) - I’ve had 2 call me this morning (1FT/1PT) telling me their kids have symptoms and have tested pos on LF tests. Off for PCRs today. Both kids in same school class with known outbreak at school so no doubt that will be 2 of my staff in 10 day isolations. It’s going to be a nightmare!

paranoidnamechanger · 12/12/2021 08:43

The compliance horse has bolted and the government know this. Even now mask wearing in shops and public transport isn't as high as it was before when it was mandatory.

So, no, plus they won't want to pay for furlough again. We shouldn't lockdown again, there's no need to, regardless of what may emerge with Omricon.

DramaLlllama · 12/12/2021 08:43

I have been completely following the rules through out (stupid me!) but after getting 3 booster shots, as has DH. My DD has had covid now (mild cold) but is significantly behjnd where she should be in school work because of the lockdowns - we will not be complying with any further lockdowns. I’m done with it all. Completely done.

Charles11 · 12/12/2021 08:44

@Firawla people won’t want to comply but what if the police are told to arrest or fine those who don’t?
Then we have no choice. Unless many people decide to not comply.

ChardonnaysPetDragon · 12/12/2021 08:46

The solution would be what they do in Europe and lock down the unvaccinated until they acquire some common sense, but it's not likely to happen here.

Spudlet · 12/12/2021 08:47

@Popcornriver Marvellous! Well that’s just fine then. Let’s close the schools and the children for whom home education didn’t work, like my son, can just fuck off and fend for themselves. And hey, that EHCP assessment that’s currently delayed by I reckon about 12 months for my son, thanks to school closures? Who cares, right? As long as your kid is alright, Jack.

paranoidnamechanger · 12/12/2021 08:47

[quote Charles11]@Firawla people won’t want to comply but what if the police are told to arrest or fine those who don’t?
Then we have no choice. Unless many people decide to not comply.[/quote]
There's not enough resources to enforce the lockdown rules, we saw that earlier this year. The government know this. I certainly won't be complying if there's a tiny chance of a future lockdown, can't be bothered.

WhenSheWasBad · 12/12/2021 08:49

I don’t think the current government could impose a lockdown. Not with their track record.

I’m surprised some people working in schools are reporting very few Covid cases. It’s everywhere in my school. Xs all over every register.
Staff are off sick too. Not so much with Covid but other colds and vomiting bugs. Everyone’s exhausted and run down.

There probably will be individual school closures in January of Omicron is as infectious as they say.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 12/12/2021 08:50

[quote Charles11]@Firawla people won’t want to comply but what if the police are told to arrest or fine those who don’t?
Then we have no choice. Unless many people decide to not comply.[/quote]
Police can't be everywhere at once. They don't do random house checks. Unless somebody takes it upon themselves to report people breaking the rules, most people will get away with it.

TillyTopper · 12/12/2021 08:50

I think the government might try for a lockdown post Xmas. But I don't think people will comply. I won't be.

Thegreencup · 12/12/2021 08:51

Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

There probably will be one after Christmas and I'm planning on there being one. But I seriously hope to fucking God there isn't.

Louiselady500 · 12/12/2021 08:52

Children have sacrificed more than enough. It would be a huge mistake to close them again. The government need to sort out social care urgently then hospitals may stand a chance to operate as needed.

WhenSheWasBad · 12/12/2021 08:55

Children have sacrificed more than enough. It would be a huge mistake to close them again

If omicron escapes the vaccines and is as transmissible as we think it is - then it’s very likely schools (or year groups) will close. They won’t have enough staff to run the school properly.

gettingolderandgrumpy · 12/12/2021 08:57

The talk of further restrictions is outdoor eating only . I’m sorry who wants to do that In December/ January? . If they do that it will have to bring furlough back . Imo I think they’ll do anything but bring furlough back so I think it unlikely.