When I had my jabs there was a box of masks and hand gel just inside the door and someone led us in singly, asking if we had our own masks, the doctor had a mask.
I haven’t heard of anyone dying this time round, not like the last lot.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
@Chris-P-Bacon I wasn’t assuming you were rude just pointing out the uselessness of complaining to the receptionist about policy over which they have absolutely no control. You may as well go into a supermarket and complain to the checkout operator about the price of your food.
Many people are extremely rude and demanding to GP receptionist’s especially when they can’t get an appointment but then all sweetness and light with the doctor.
I don't mind if somebody wants to continue wearing a mask..it's doesn't bother me at all, but the simple matter is, mask wearing is no longer a legal requirement or mandatory. If I'm not going to object to anybody wearing one I don't expect those same people to object that I choose not to. Especially when no other precautions such as social distancing, hand sanitising, self testing are, on the whole, no longer being observed or indeed a legal requirement. "Following the science" works both ways.
The figures for deaths from flu/pneumonia in the 2 years prior to Covid,
for England and Wales are between 25,000 and 30,000. That is
approximately 500 per week averaged over the year. Virtually nobody
wore masks then.
I accept that many people are still extremely nervous and will take extra measures, but I'm living as 'normal' a life as possible.
My hope is that Covid has done severe damage to presenteeism. I can remember decades ago when I worked in offices. People would retire and , with pride, announce that they had never missed a day's work. In those days , when I could practically catch a cold over the phone, I wondered how many of the smug bugger's colleagues lost days of work because the hero dragged himself in to work and spread the love.
Many people are extremely rude and demanding to GP receptionist’s
I wouldn't disagree with that.. sadly that probably also applies to supermarket checkout operators, GP receptionists, airport staff ( a seemingly popular target ) ..even the young lad in our local chippy has more agro than he deserves. Entitlement seems an ever growing personality trait in modern society but there is always going to be the usual gaggle of local 'head the balls'. If your in a public facing role some may say it goes with the territory. My wife was for a number of years...oh the stories she could tell!
That is
approximately 500 per week averaged over the year. Virtually nobody
wore masks then.
I accept that many people are still extremely nervous and will take extra measures, but I'm living as 'normal' a life as possible.
True, but how many fewer deaths might there have been if people did routinely wear masks or keep away from others when they have a cold or flu? I can understand people not wanting to wear masks all day as a matter of routine, but to wear one when they are coughing and sneezing ought to be good manners. A bit like hand washing - MRSA and norovirus almost vanished for a while. Which tells a story about people's everyday hygiene habits
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Hand washing reasonably often and thoroughly is basic hygiene and a no-brainer, full stop. I don't understand why anyone wouldn't bother if there are facilities available. Same with using hand sanitiser when entering a place where it's provided at the entrance (just back from our community centre where they have it just inside the door, and most of the larger shops do too).
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Hand washing reasonably often and thoroughly is basic hygiene and a no-brainer, full stop. I don't understand why anyone wouldn't bother if there are facilities available.
I can understand what you're saying Jenny but the problem is those "facilities" have surfaces such as taps & door handles that you have to touch after washing your hands. That's why I generally don't bother going out of my way to wash my hands in situations where I normally wouldn't. And that's one of the problems of having been a microbiologist!
Clay soil - Cheshire/Derbyshire border. I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
Posts
Covid is unlikely ever to be 'over'. Much like flu it mutates.
I can remember decades ago when I worked in offices. People would retire and , with pride, announce that they had never missed a day's work. In those days , when I could practically catch a cold over the phone, I wondered how many of the smug bugger's colleagues lost days of work because the hero dragged himself in to work and spread the love.
Entitlement seems an ever growing personality trait in modern society but there is always going to be the usual gaggle of local 'head the balls'. If your in a public facing role some may say it goes with the territory. My wife was for a number of years...oh the stories she could tell!
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
I can understand what you're saying Jenny but the problem is those "facilities" have surfaces such as taps & door handles that you have to touch after washing your hands.
That's why I generally don't bother going out of my way to wash my hands in situations where I normally wouldn't. And that's one of the problems of having been a microbiologist!
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful