Anyone else going crazy waiting to hear when we’re going to be locked down …

[mowly77]

… there’s a weekend meeting of SAGE & government…Oh the anxiety.

I’m supposed to be flying to see my family for Christmas on Tuesday. I am kicking myself for not booking to go earlier! If they announce lockdown before Christmas we’re all shafted aren’t we …?!

Rumours (if they are to be believed) is that it will start on the 27th, bars, cafes and restaurants will only be able to serve outside, and no indoor mixing. Nothing has been mentioned about schools so they may (hopefully) go back in January as normal. Many people will still mix indoors with family and friends, and let's face it, I can't see many getting fined as they haven't been so far.

I guess if everyone has a normal Christmas with family and friends then there might be a surge after Christmas?
I've no idea, if people stay out of hospital that is the key to all this too.

@DaisyNGO

"Anyone who changes Xmas plans because of this needs to have a word with themselves."

Um. I don't wabt to get fined in a lockdown, doesn'tthat seem fair?

Plus Khan't would shut down the Tube, can't go no place without it,

I'm on the vodka. Things seem better. Siblings on Tuedsay now instead of 29th.

Yeah, that's a bit harsh. Quite understandable that people would worry about getting stuck, if they would be travelling.

If all they are talking about for 27/12 is outdoor eating in restaurants and all shops and schools stay open, I'm not sure why you think they would close the borders?

@BarefootHippieChick

Rumours (if they are to be believed) is that it will start on the 27th, bars, cafes and restaurants will only be able to serve outside, and no indoor mixing. Nothing has been mentioned about schools so they may (hopefully) go back in January as normal. Many people will still mix indoors with family and friends, and let's face it, I can't see many getting fined as they haven't been so far.

ha ha like anyone will comply with no indoor mixing. dream on

The politicians and the scientists know that people will not comply with any further harsher restrictions this Christmas. I think we can all agree on that one to be honest.

@Thewiseoneincognito

Is this another My Family My rules, I’m not locking myself away, will not comply tantrum echo chamber again?

Nah mate, you're confusing MN with the PM & his pals.

@mowly77

Thank you for the reassurance! I know all signs point to lockdown after Christmas as very low levels of tolerance & compliance. But I can’t help harken back to last year’s Christmas will not be cancelled … oh it’s cancelled … debacle. Oh well I’ll just try not to think about it & get on with packing fa la la la

Boris won't countenance any "Boris cancels Christmas" headlines so they'll time it to be after Christmas Day at least.

At this point I don't care what is announced. I will just take presents to my elderly grandmother and stand on her doorstep if necessary. If that isn't 'essential travel' I'll bring food with me like I did in lockdown one. My original Christmas day and boxing day plans were allowed under the previous single bubble rule so we will be going ahead as normal (hosts are like minded).

"Boris won't countenance any "Boris cancels Christmas" headlines so they'll time it to be after Christmas Day at least."

I would rather we had a government that were capable of doing the right thing at the right time rather than basing their actions/inactions on the optics and media friendliness.

Hospitalisations are still relatively low - below those during the flu season 4 years ago (thanks Google/ONS). It may not stay that way of course but a lot of people have been vaccinated and the NHS is (for now) managing despite the crappy investment by this government. Lockdown from the 27th is kite flying - so we just need to all shout as loudly as possible we don't support it

They can f* themselves. Obviously if they close services I won’t be able to use them, but I’ll take my own sensible precautions, risk asses myself and crack on.

When will the next press conference be? Isn’t there a Cobra meeting today?

Wales have gone for restrictions to level 2 on 27/12/2021, England will be less restrictive, it always is. So imagine England won't have the extended family bubble rules and more than 5 at resteraunts.

What you must do at alert level 2

At alert level 2 you must:

follow social distancing rules with people you don’t live with or who aren’t in your exclusive extended household

wear a face covering (unless you have a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering) in all indoor public places

not meet with anyone in a private home other than those you live with or your exclusive extended household

meet no more than 5 other people indoors at a café, restaurant or other open premises (unless with your household of a larger number)

meet no more than 5 other people outdoors or in private gardens (unless with your household of a larger number)

work from home if you can

What can open at alert level 2

schools, colleges and childcare providers

higher education institutions (mix of in-person and remote learning)

licensed premises

retail

close contact services

hospitality

holiday accommodation

entertainment venues

visitor attractions

leisure and fitness facilities, including gyms and swimming pools

museums and Galleries

cinemas

theatres and concert halls

places of worship

community centres

crematoriums

libraries and archive services

sport courts, golf courses

playgrounds and public parks

organised indoor activities (up to 30 people)

organised outdoor activities (up to 50 people)

weddings (ceremony limit set by venue)

wedding reception or wake (30 people indoors, 50 outdoors)

What must be closed at alert level 2

ice skating rinks for public use

nightclubs and adult entertainment venues

@Kate3150 When will the next press conference be? Isn’t there a Cobra meeting today?

My guess is there will be an announcement tomorrow at 8PM, but it will be front page news on tomorrows papers which will be leaked tonight at 10PM tonight.

Or there could be a last minute announcement tonight.

My dh's friend's wife is a nurse and she said that the two biggest hospitals trusts in my area are currently covid free ( this is in Essex , densely populated areas)
Gave me a glimmer of hope , although I'm aware that could change.

@OrangeBananaFish- thank you x

I don’t think there will be one per se but if it carries on going at this speed everyone will be ill and everything will be closed anyway

Pure speculation but I reckon it will be from 27th. Outdoor hospitality only, and limitations on numbers meeting indoors. Maybe more direct instruction to wfh rather than the woolly guidance in place now.

I am not sure if this will be enough to make much of a difference?

I have cancelled some plans today because if I get Covid now and have to self isolate, this will have a detrimental impact on a vulnerable family member over Christmas.

My wedding is on New Year’s Day, postponed from January of this year :(

@DaisyNGO

"Anyone who changes Xmas plans because of this needs to have a word with themselves."

Um. I don't wabt to get fined in a lockdown, doesn'tthat seem fair?

Plus Khan't would shut down the Tube, can't go no place without it,

I'm on the vodka. Things seem better. Siblings on Tuedsay now instead of 29th.

They can’t fine millions of people and I don’t recall any of them getting a fine when the mps and advisers have repeatedly broke their own rules .

I suspect the circuit breaker will be after the 28th (as that's part of the long Christmas BH weekend so lots of plans, movement around the country already made and paid for). That would seem fair.

But to be honest, it feels as if Omicron is probably brewing in a lot more people than are currently aware and will do its darndest in the next week.

If they go for the 27th or 28th then it's going to be crowded chaos on the roads and transport. They would need to give people a chance to get home.

@the80sweregreat

My dh's friend's wife is a nurse and she said that the two biggest hospitals trusts in my area are currently covid free ( this is in Essex , densely populated areas) Gave me a glimmer of hope , although I'm aware that could change.

Wow that’s impressive (I’m in an Essex border area), particularly as omicron seeded quite early on in Essex.

No, not in the slightest. life goes on, and locks downs are only temporary. l haven't given it a second thought.