Coronavirus - how is it/has it affected you?

[SocketRocket]

Which experts?

When these decisions are made, they are based on discussions with many experts, who lead very large teams of other experts. If they basically feel we should not ease restrictions, and their expertise is completely ignored, then I'm sure they'd resign on mass. And, I don't see any benefit in ignoring the experts.

That doesn't mean any decision goes from 100% restriction needed to 100% no restriction needed. It is a balancing act. No doubt people in these teams challenge the pros and cons of each decision, before making a judgement call on the right decision. It is why we'll see experts, and many independent ones, giving opposing views in the media. There are pros and cons to every decision.

So, for me, I'm inclined to believe that any changes that occur with restrictions will have been backed by well respected experts.

SAGE. I'm not confident the off the cuff comment made was as a result of expert opinion.

Look at your own post #25,367

 

[SocketRocket]

Apologies if my comment was insulting. That wasn't my intention.
I'm clumsily trying to say that a totally depersonalised daily figure of how many humans died yesterday has become an obsession for some of us and a meaningless statistic for others.
I'm not entirely certain which camp I occupy, which causes me to think I've become desensitised to it, which I don't believe is healthy.

The numbers are depersonalised but they are real people, loved ones like our own.

 

[Foxholer]

Which experts?

When these decisions are made, they are based on discussions with many experts, who lead very large teams of other experts. If they basically feel we should not ease restrictions, and their expertise is completely ignored, then I'm sure they'd resign on mass. And, I don't see any benefit in ignoring the experts.

That doesn't mean any decision goes from 100% restriction needed to 100% no restriction needed. It is a balancing act. No doubt people in these teams challenge the pros and cons of each decision, before making a judgement call on the right decision. It is why we'll see experts, and many independent ones, giving opposing views in the media. There are pros and cons to every decision.

So, for me, I'm inclined to believe that any changes that occur with restrictions will have been backed by well respected experts.

Yeah... riiight!

 

[PNWokingham]

I understand your concern and fear but if those that are worried just keep wearing masks, isolating, social distancing and avoiding any crowded places that is absolutely fine but let’s not make their fears impinge on the lives of the vast numbers of people who think differently, including our current leaders. The worried don’t need to interact with others, they can continue to lead their lives how they want to but let others live theirs.

Sums it up very well. Totally agree. And I believe it is by far the majority view of the population despite the constant negativity of some towards this move to normality

 

[SocketRocket]

Sums it up very well. Totally agree. And I believe it is by far the majority view of the population despite the constant negativity of some towards this move to normality

And you know it's the view of the majority how? I feel you have no idea if that's the case.

 

[PNWokingham]

And you know it's the view of the majority how? I feel you have no idea if that's the case.

There has been no surveys but 90% or so of views I have heard are fine with this. You can stay locked up or whatever makes you feel safe and everyone else can do what feels right for them.

I will further add that apart from this thread it is an almost non event of conversation. People are putting covid and covid worries behind them and getting on with life. Some of those still wear masks in some places, most don't in most places. Covid is very real but so is cancer, heart disease, depression etc. And similarly, they are not main topics of conversation in the workplace, pub, home, golf club or elsewhere. They are realities of life to a greater or lesser degree.

 

[bobmac]

So some say we should get on with our lives and some are more cautious.
How am I doing so far?

 

[Hobbit]

So some say we should get on with our lives and some are more cautious.
How am I doing so far?

It’s a good start.

Bearing in mind the Covid situation that was before us two years ago, the precautions, restrictions, lockdowns and general practices around hand washing etc were essential. However, what is the Covid situation now? Vaccines have been rolled out, and boosters. Anti-virals are becoming available, and the general treatment of patients is no longer a suck it and see lottery.

And what of Covid itself? The current variant is highly transmissible but it’s mortality rate ‘v’ infection isn’t high. But that’s misleading. The number of deaths is still as high, though dropping, as the worst flu epidemic that’s been seen for many, many years.

One of the main targets of the precautions/restrictions etc was to protect the NHS. Job done. The stats suggest it’s the old and/or the vulnerable that are the vast majority who die. What can be done to protect them, and what can they do to protect themselves? We’re back to vaccines and treatments. But what about masks? No one is stopping them from wearing them, and no one is stopping them buying a decent mask that offers proper protection.

”Learning to live with Covid” isn’t ignoring it, it’s accepting that it’s there and making reasonable adjustments that might mitigate its potential impact. Those adjustments don’t need to include everyone.

Lift the restrictions but take the precautions on an individual basis. And let’s not forget that restrictions can be reimposed if the next variant is a nasty one.

I, for one, at 63 with a dodgy ticker(3 heart attacks), obesity and diabetes intend to get on with living. If others want to stay at the back of their cave till they feel safer, it’s their choice. I’m not imposing on you, so please don’t impose on me.

 

[Foxholer]

...
Lift the restrictions but take the precautions on an individual basis. And let’s not forget that restrictions can be reimposed if the next variant is a nasty one.

I, for one, at 63 with a dodgy ticker(3 heart attacks), obesity and diabetes intend to get on with living. If others want to stay at the back of their cave till they feel safer, it’s their choice. I’m not imposing on you, so please don’t impose on me.

Makes a lot of sense, even if the reason for lifting of restrictiona may not have been entirely clinically based.
From the numbers I've seen, diabetics seem to be at the top of the 'died with Covid' list, so stay vigilent!

 

[Hobbit]

Just off out for my second booster. #feelingprotectedinSpain

 

[SocketRocket]

There has been no surveys but 90% or so of views I have heard are fine with this. You can stay locked up or whatever makes you feel safe and everyone else can do what feels right for them.

I will further add that apart from this thread it is an almost non event of conversation. People are putting covid and covid worries behind them and getting on with life. Some of those still wear masks in some places, most don't in most places. Covid is very real but so is cancer, heart disease, depression etc. And similarly, they are not main topics of conversation in the workplace, pub, home, golf club or elsewhere. They are realities of life to a greater or lesser degree.

So you don't know.

The biggest concern I've heard is that people with Covid would be free to circulate if they wished, how are vulnerable people supposed to shield against that, I guess the answer is lock themselves away from society. If that's the view of the general public then I despair but I'm not so sure it is the general view.

 

[Fade and Die]

If my trip to the theatre yesterday was anything to go by, (Dirty Dancing ??) most people have put it behind them. Tube, theatre, pub and restaurant all very busy, only a few masks being worn (inc me and the Mrs on the tube) everyone having a good time.

 

[road2ruin]

So you don't know.

The biggest concern I've heard is that people with Covid would be free to circulate if they wished, how are vulnerable people supposed to shield against that, I guess the answer is lock themselves away from society. If that's the view of the general public then I despair but I'm not so sure it is the general view.

But whether that’s the end of February or six months down the line that’s going to happen anyway. There will be the point at which all restrictions are lifted.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Just been to Costco, first time in over 2 years, mask wearing is about 50/50.

I will still wear one indoors, I’ve 2 vulnerable people at home and will continue to do what I believe is best for them, not worth worrying what others do as I have no control over strangers.

 

[SaintHacker]

So you don't know.

The biggest concern I've heard is that people with Covid would be free to circulate if they wished, how are vulnerable people supposed to shield against that, I guess the answer is lock themselves away from society. If that's the view of the general public then I despair but I'm not so sure it is the general view.

Keep a distance where possible, wear a mask, get jabbed/boosted, all the tings we have all been told to do for the last two years. May be a bit of a hard nosed attitude but is it right that the vast majority shoud still face restrictions to protect the very few?

 

[SocketRocket]

Keep a distance where possible, wear a mask, get jabbed/boosted, all the tings we have all been told to do for the last two years. May be a bit of a hard nosed attitude but is it right that the vast majority shoud still face restrictions to protect the very few?

Thats the way a civilised, caring society works, we look after the vulnerable, especially when it's not putting us out much. If we were to apply a similar attitude shown by a number here to all those needing our help and support then it's a very poor reflection on society.

 

[PNWokingham]

Thats the way a civilised, caring society works, we look after the vulnerable, especially when it's not putting us out much. If we were to apply a similar attitude shown by a number here to all those needing our help and support then it's a very poor reflection on society.

that is an extremely disingenous statement. Nobody is saying not to support vulnerable but rules cannot be kept in place to have only the smallest impact on samll portion of the population. If you are vulnerable you take a much more cautious attitude to being indoors at busy times. As has been mentioned many times and i am not going there again, masks help a bit but omicrom will rip through wherever it wants. And most who catch it will be fine. Like Billy, these points have been repeated enough and i won't bother any more

 

[D-S]

Thats the way a civilised, caring society works, we look after the vulnerable, especially when it's not putting us out much. If we were to apply a similar attitude shown by a number here to all those needing our help and support then it's a very poor reflection on society.

So your date for easing restrictions is never? I assume most of those who die of flu each year fall into the vulnerable category too, so masks in crowded areas, social distancing, table service only, rule of six etc.etc. will need to remain in place indefinitely otherwise we are not ‘a civilised, caring society “.

 

[SocketRocket]

that is an extremely disingenous statement. Nobody is saying not to support vulnerable but rules cannot be kept in place to have only the smallest impact on samll portion of the population. If you are vulnerable you take a much more cautious attitude to being indoors at busy times. As has been mentioned many times and i am not going there again, masks help a bit but omicrom will rip through wherever it wants. And most who catch it will be fine. Like Billy, these points have been repeated enough and i won't bother any more

That's fine but if you do then expect it to be challenged.

 

[Swango1980]

Thats the way a civilised, caring society works, we look after the vulnerable, especially when it's not putting us out much. If we were to apply a similar attitude shown by a number here to all those needing our help and support then it's a very poor reflection on society.

If I wanted to guarantee not negatively impacting on the vulnerable, then my only option would be to never leave the house again. If I even gave a slight cold to a very vulnerable person, that could be extremely serious for them.

However, if it turns out restrictions will ease further very soon, and Witty and Co come out and say they are happy with this decision, would you he happy?