Sadly [ and this is just my opinion, rather than accepted fact ] we have decided to largely ignore COVID, and to let the "weak" suffer the consequences. Having been involved with SARS and Swine flu, I believe we have no idea what could hit us, but we have decided to ignore that and are being dishonest with the population.
My view is shared by some of those I have worked with during the pandemic, but is not politically acceptable. This has nothing to do with party politics.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
I think in the run-up to the next general election, all the politicians are more worried about their budget, potential economic impacts and impacts on their popularity than the health impacts on individuals. They don't want more lockdowns, they don't want to make rules that will be unpopular with many people, and to some extent they don't seem to care that the more vulnerable will suffer. Being somewhat cynical, I would say that's because a lot of the more vulnerable people are people who are economically inactive (I think that's the term) ie retired or not working due to poor health or disability.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
If they asked people to wear masks in hospitals, clinics, GP surgeries, in confined spaces there would be no need for further lockdowns as Covid spread, as well as flu, bronchitis, pneumonia etc, would be vastly reduced.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I think it's broadly accepted that Covid is here to stay in one form or another and that we have to learn to live with that situation. Is it realistic to expect the population to wear masks for the rest of their lives? That for me would be just existing, not living. I know, and accept, that other people will have a different opinion.
As I understand it, if we all wear masks which, as well as protecting us from COVID will also prevent us from catching other viruses, our immune systems may ‘lose their immunities’ to these bugs too and they will then affect us more seriously … that could then add to the pressure on the NHS. Look at what has happened historically to communities when they’ve been exposed for the first time to viruses from another part of the world.
It’s not straightforward
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Not everywhere @KT53. Just where it's likely to be easier to catch it or transmit it. Seems like common sense to me and such an easy way to protect the vulnerable as well as medical staff and services.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
As I understand it, if we all wear masks which, as well as protecting us from COVID will also prevent us from catching other viruses, our immune systems may ‘lose their immunities’ to these bugs too and they will then affect us more seriously … that could then add to the pressure on the NHS. Look at what has happened historically to communities when they’ve been exposed for the first time to viruses from another part of the world.
It’s not straightforward
That's an interesting thought. I think maybe it depends on what you define as "catching" a virus - coming into contact with it, or becoming ill/developing symptoms?
I haven't had a cold-type viral illness since December 2019, even though I've been doing normal things since the end of the COVID lockdowns/restrictions, unmasked unless asked or required to wear one. I assumed that meant that my immune system was doing it's job dealing with viruses etc before they develop into an illness (flu and Covid vaccinations will have helped with that). I'm pretty sure I've been in contact with viruses. I would worry if I thought that by not catching any colds etc my immune system was being weakened.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Mixed feelings about it all here. Staff have been asked to wear masks if we have covid, or we are looking after someone with it, in our hospital.
Whatever our thoughts are about masks, I recall the ‘cough’ particle simulation in slow-mo that we were shown and clearly a mask prevents a substantial volume of spray going from the person coughing/sneezing and also into a person in their vicinity. Similar idea to coughing/sneezing into a tissue/sleeve. Politeness at least.
Posts
Having been involved with SARS and Swine flu, I believe we have no idea what could hit us, but we have decided to ignore that and are being dishonest with the population.
My view is shared by some of those I have worked with during the pandemic, but is not politically acceptable. This has nothing to do with party politics.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.