Ok - that makes more sense, although I don't then see what the point of a nationwide test would be anyway given that this rollout isn't then against the clock per se (and it would seem that a nationwide strategy would take many times longer for London). What would a further 'mass' rollout anywhere then be for (as the proof of the different tests will be out of the way) if it isn't done against the clock? - which still then hasn't be proven possible in Liverpool.
I saw on the late news, because so many people are demanding we have Christmas, there will be further,much stricter lockdowns afterwards. Let's hope people dont them demand Easter, becuae this will never end. The rate of infection is now highest between 19-29 year olds, large amount of children testing positive, but asymptomatic. My grand kids Dad had it, and his girlfriends son, thankfully he did isolate, for 2 weeks.
I am putting my faith in the vaccine and I want my Christmas. So does everyone else I know. We are all totally fed up with the way this government has handled the pandemic. Lockdown? Shops open, kids at school? That’s not a lockdown. Complete fiasco as usual!
Christmas isn’t a roast dinner, it’s spending time with people you love, attending church and singing carols. It’s children’s faces and beautiful decorations and eating and drinking together as a family and choosing the perfect present and the joy of seeing the recipients face when they open it. Its donating to charity and feeling good about that. Its smiling at a stranger and wishing them a merry Christmas or sending a card to a neighbour you don’t really speak too all year. It’s a big bright happy occasion that chases away the gloom and darkness of winter.
A festival at this time of year is an essential part of what makes us human and I am only human.
It's such a difficult situation eh? I don't think anyone would want Christmas if it meant that someone close to them got ill and died or that their festivities caused someone else to suffer. But it will happen to someone - much like the lottery, where the numbers basically say you'll never win, but somebody does.
I think the way it's being talked about at the moment is wrong as well. The emphasis seems to be that loosening the restrictions over Christmas may mean more lockdowns in Jan. But it isn't about lockdowns is it? None of this has been - it's about people being seriously ill and potentially dying - I just think that 'lockdown' misses what the personal impact may be to some families. OK, I know that other families (the vast majority) that aren't then affected will benefit mentally etc from the closeness and contact.
A rock and hard place for the gov...and, if restrictions are lifted, a scary choice (that someone will get wrong) for us all.
Whether the ‘rules’ change, or restrictions are officially lifted - the virus won’t be having a break for the festivities, quite the reverse in fact. If you are putting your faith in the vaccine, as many are, then you may have to wait until at least January before this safety net is cast.
To me, a warm house with multiple people talking and hugging is the exact scenario we have been seeking to avoid. I am very sad about not seeing my loved ones for social gatherings but I won’t be doing it. I am going to to drive-bys, garden chats at distance, video calls and meals on wheels for my family.
I know I have a different take of it all and pose a higher risk to my family because of my job, but this is my view of it.
Don't you see this as a perfect storm? The Unis closing and students being encouraged to travel home starting after lockdown, potentially the pubs opening up again (in winter - with poor ventilation) - then culminating in an event where people sit round tables in enclosed spaces. It just doesn't feel like the right thing to do at all somehow - and I know I am pre-guessing what the gov is planning.
It does to me. Of course, there is also a chance that whatever we do the virus will remain a risk to the vulnerable. It could be that lockdowns are just “putting off the inevitable” in terms of deaths but my view of them (naively or not) is to spread the rate of hospitalisations to minimise the impact on the NHS. We do not want to be in a position of not being able to give care or treatments to people just because we are inundated with elderly/vulnerable people who have become ill from the virus because the rest of the population are carrying on as normal.
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If you are putting your faith in the vaccine, as many are, then you may have to wait until at least January before this safety net is cast.
To me, a warm house with multiple people talking and hugging is the exact scenario we have been seeking to avoid. I am very sad about not seeing my loved ones for social gatherings but I won’t be doing it. I am going to to drive-bys, garden chats at distance, video calls and meals on wheels for my family.
I know I have a different take of it all and pose a higher risk to my family because of my job, but this is my view of it.