Coronavirus - how is it/has it affected you?

[SocketRocket]

Out of interest what is the alternative? Zero Covid is practically impossible to achieve and even if you did it'd likely to be temporary. We cannot keep the restrictions as they are as some industries will simply not survive and when you have sectors such as hospitality who account for around 7% of the UK's employment we cannot leave them to go under, the result would be a mess and very difficult to come back from. Likewise, children cannot be sent home for 10 days every time a close contact has a positive test, how many of those would have their lives ruined through bad luck?!

I don't see what the alternative to 'living with it' can be?

Zero Covid is unrealistic, we all know that. IMO it's still to early to return to normal. Even with the current vaccination program infection rates are through the roof. If you look at the BBCs national Covid map it's gone from a landscape of pale blue to Brown in such a short period of time. No matter how we want things to be it's running amok throughout the country and I really fear for a nasty vaccine immune variant coming along, also the potential health issues along the road that Ethan has explained so well.

If you are content with these high infection rates then so be it, I'm not at all happy with them and to repeat my previous comment ' I don't think it will end well'. Getting infection rates under control and protecting the economy are intrinsically linked, it's not a case of 'whats the alternative to living with it', it's more a case of how much of it can we live with.

 

[road2ruin]

Zero Covid is unrealistic, we all know that. IMO it's still to early to return to normal. Even with the current vaccination program infection rates are through the roof. If you look at the BBCs national Covid map it's gone from a landscape of pale blue to Brown in such a short period of time. No matter how we want things to be it's running amok throughout the country and I really fear for a nasty vaccine immune variant coming along, also the potential health issues along the road that Ethan has explained so well.

If you are content with these high infection rates then so be it, I'm not at all happy with them and to repeat my previous comment ' I don't think it will end well'. Getting infection rates under control and protecting the economy are intrinsically linked.

But with the vaccinations meaning that the vast majority of the adult population are covered how much more protected are we ever going to be? Obviously 100% vaccinated is the goal but we cannot keep restrictions until that point and those that are presently left unvaccinated are, fortunately, rarely affected by the virus in a serious way.

I also wouldn't say I am necessarily happy with the high infection rates however from everything I've read this is coming as no surprise and they do expect the rates to climb even higher in the coming month. The fact that they're expecting this increase but still happy to ease restrictions implies that it's all part of the plan.

 

[Billysboots]

IMO it's still to early to return to normal. Even with the current vaccination program infection rates are through the roof. If you look at the BBCs national Covid map it's gone from a landscape of pale blue to Brown in such a short period of time. No matter how we want things to be it's running amok throughout the country and I really fear for a nasty vaccine immune variant coming along, also the potential health issues along the road that Ethan has explained so well.

If you are content with these high infection rates then so be it, I'm not at all happy with them and to repeat my previous comment ' I don't think it will end well'. Getting infection rates under control and protecting the economy are intrinsically linked.

I absolutely understand what you are saying BUT now the vaccination program is so far advanced it’s no longer just about infection rates. You simply have to look at the full picture, and that must include hospitalisations and deaths.

Many times in recent weeks we have heard both experts and politicians say that the evidence is growing that vaccines are breaking the link between infections and hospitalisations/death. Once that evidence is irrefutable then the daily infection count ceases to be as important.

I do accept this is going to be a really difficult concept for many, largely because we’ve had nearly eighteen months of these figures being rammed down our throats as though we have constantly been staring into an abyss from which there would never be any escape. For that reason, when the shackles are eventually removed, be that 19 July or later, I sincerely hope the daily reporting of figures in the press and media stops.

 

[larmen]

I am working with the assumption that a lot of people won’t just go back to normal, there will be a lot of overcompensating. And the risk we assume we will have on opening up will be underestimating the effect that’s really going to happen.

 

[SocketRocket]

But with the vaccinations meaning that the vast majority of the adult population are covered how much more protected are we ever going to be? Obviously 100% vaccinated is the goal but we cannot keep restrictions until that point and those that are presently left unvaccinated are, fortunately, rarely affected by the virus in a serious way.

I also wouldn't say I am necessarily happy with the high infection rates however from everything I've read this is coming as no surprise and they do expect the rates to climb even higher in the coming month. The fact that they're expecting this increase but still happy to ease restrictions implies that it's all part of the plan.

The virus will be looking for ways to propagate it's species and high infection rates will be a potential for it to succeed. I asked the question earlier if anyone had data on exactly where these increased infections were occuring, I have a suspicion it's not only schools, hospitalisations have increased almost 100% in the last month. No one and especially myself want these restrictions to go on any longer than necessary but removing them mainly on the premise that people are weary and the hospitality industry are struggling is for me a worrying concept. Maybe we could keep something similar to what we have now but with better bubble systems in schools so outbreaks don't impinge on so many kids, overseas holidays arnt going to happen any time soon and most people aren't being asked to give up that much right now.

 

[Swinglowandslow]

The virus will be looking for ways to propagate it's species and high infection rates will be a potential for it to succeed. I asked the question earlier if anyone had data on exactly where these increased infections were occuring, I have a suspicion it's not only schools, hospitalisations have increased almost 100% in the last month. No one and especially myself want these restrictions to go on any longer than necessary but removing them mainly on the premise that people are weary and the hospitality industry are struggling is for me a worrying concept. Maybe we could keep something similar to what we have now but with better bubble systems in schools so outbreaks don't impinge on so many kids, overseas holidays arnt going to happen any time soon and most people aren't being asked to give up that much right now.

Socket, I understand there is concern on higher infection rates. But it isn't like higher infection rates in the past, when vaccination levels were non existent or low, or even moderate.
Testing levels are at their highest- whole classes at schools etc being tested etc
And, yes, testing doesn't give the virus but it finds and reveals it.
Before this level of testing, there were many unknown cases, so rates are not as spectacularly different as the bare figures imply.
The vaccination numbers make all the difference. You must accept that, because the figures, the important figures, tell you so.
Latest intel in my area is that the infection rates have gone up, are going up
but they are among the young- I've already opined as to why- but the intel also says there are only five- 5- Covid patients in the areas hospitals. Note the plural.
The situation is now different and it can only go one way, the more that vaccinations are implemented.

 

[Blue in Munich]

The virus will be looking for ways to propagate it's species and high infection rates will be a potential for it to succeed. I asked the question earlier if anyone had data on exactly where these increased infections were occuring, I have a suspicion it's not only schools, hospitalisations have increased almost 100% in the last month. No one and especially myself want these restrictions to go on any longer than necessary but removing them mainly on the premise that people are weary and the hospitality industry are struggling is for me a worrying concept. Maybe we could keep something similar to what we have now but with better bubble systems in schools so outbreaks don't impinge on so many kids, overseas holidays arnt going to happen any time soon and most people aren't being asked to give up that much right now.

Really; care to expand on that?

Pretty much every aspect of my social life other than golf has been curtailed, holidays likewise. I've had no direct professional or social interaction with wrk colleagues since this started, and I've had to give up sufficient space in my house to create two workstations so that my wife and I can work from home; I suspect if my employer gets their way that will continue until I reach retirement. And I don't think I'm anything out of the ordinary in that respect. I'm really struggling to see how you think people aren't giving much up.

 

[Billysboots]

Really; care to expand on that?

Pretty much every aspect of my social life other than golf has been curtailed, holidays likewise. I've had no direct professional or social interaction with wrk colleagues since this started, and I've had to give up sufficient space in my house to create two workstations so that my wife and I can work from home; I suspect if my employer gets their way that will continue until I reach retirement. And I don't think I'm anything out of the ordinary in that respect. I'm really struggling to see how you think people aren't giving much up.

Very true. I’ve read of a number of firms in these parts which have already sold off office space, the expectation being that working from home becomes the long term norm.

I spent my final year in the police service working from home unless called out in my line of work. At first it was a novelty but I quickly grew to hate it. I missed the workplace and social interaction, even with colleagues I usually disliked.

It was not the way I wanted to see out thirty years’ public service, but at least I only had it for a year. The thought of it becoming the norm would have tipped me over the edge.

 

[Deleted member 21784]

Really; care to expand on that?

Pretty much every aspect of my social life other than golf has been curtailed, holidays likewise. I've had no direct professional or social interaction with wrk colleagues since this started, and I've had to give up sufficient space in my house to create two workstations so that my wife and I can work from home; I suspect if my employer gets their way that will continue until I reach retirement. And I don't think I'm anything out of the ordinary in that respect. I'm really struggling to see how you think people aren't giving much up.

To think you are in a way one of the lucky ones that has the room to give up space (even though it sounds like too much space)

People in flat shares who are working from their bedroom which becomes their bedroom slash office

Not good at all

Only suits the well off with spare rooms they can convert to little offices

 

[road2ruin]

To think you are in a way one of the lucky ones that has the room to give up space (even though it sounds like too much space)

People in flat shares who are working from their bedroom which becomes their bedroom slash office

Not good at all

Only suits the well off with spare rooms they can convert to little offices

We moved sold our house in August of last year and moved in November, the family who bought our place (3 bed house) were coming from a 2 bed flat which had four of them in including a 2 and 4 year old with no outside space. During the moving process I’ve never had buyers so eager to move, they were desperate to get out having spent most of 2020 locked down there.

We had messages off then after the move to say how grateful they were to have bought out place and their whole life had changed. Good timing as it came just before the Winter lockdown.

 

[Hobbit]

I absolutely understand what you are saying BUT now the vaccination program is so far advanced it’s no longer just about infection rates. You simply have to look at the full picture, and that must include hospitalisations and deaths.

Many times in recent weeks we have heard both experts and politicians say that the evidence is growing that vaccines are breaking the link between infections and hospitalisations/death. Once that evidence is irrefutable then the daily infection count ceases to be as important.

I do accept this is going to be a really difficult concept for many, largely because we’ve had nearly eighteen months of these figures being rammed down our throats as though we have constantly been staring into an abyss from which there would never be any escape. For that reason, when the shackles are eventually removed, be that 19 July or later, I sincerely hope the daily reporting of figures in the press and media stops.

I kind of agree with you but also with SR.

I give a passing glance to the figures, and then only if there is a headline, “sudden increase.” Vaccines do appear to be breaking the link but infection rates do have to be managed(Restrictions?).

Both you and SR failed to include the danger of the next variant, echo, foxtrot or golf, being more dangerous and the vaccine less effective. Hospitalisation and deaths are down but what happens when a new, stronger variant pitches up?

I‘m all for easing things but in a managed way with one eye on possible consequences.

 

[road2ruin]

Both you and SR failed to include the danger of the next variant, echo, foxtrot or golf, being more dangerous and the vaccine less effective. Hospitalisation and deaths are down but what happens when a new, stronger variant pitches up?

Without sounding defeatist isn't this inevitable what path we take in the UK? Mutations and variants are going to appear around the world especially in places that are behind in the vaccination process and one of the things that the last 18 months has shown is that they will arrive at our shores at some point, there is little we can do about that. We just have to hope that, like all of the previous mutations, the next ones are no scarier than the last and the vaccines will prove effective which they have done to date.

 

[Kellfire]

I kind of agree with you but also with SR.

I give a passing glance to the figures, and then only if there is a headline, “sudden increase.” Vaccines do appear to be breaking the link but infection rates do have to be managed(Restrictions?).

Both you and SR failed to include the danger of the next variant, echo, foxtrot or golf, being more dangerous and the vaccine less effective. Hospitalisation and deaths are down but what happens when a new, stronger variant pitches up?

I‘m all for easing things but in a managed way with one eye on possible consequences.

I’m excited to see if they veer off into the phonetic alphabet for the next variant now! ?

 

[Billysboots]

I kind of agree with you but also with SR.

I give a passing glance to the figures, and then only if there is a headline, “sudden increase.” Vaccines do appear to be breaking the link but infection rates do have to be managed(Restrictions?).

Both you and SR failed to include the danger of the next variant, echo, foxtrot or golf, being more dangerous and the vaccine less effective. Hospitalisation and deaths are down but what happens when a new, stronger variant pitches up?

I‘m all for easing things but in a managed way with one eye on possible consequences.

I’ve not disregarded variants, but to date every variant which has appeared, each having whipped the press into a frenzy of lurid headlines, has been combatted by current vaccines.

We can’t live our lives for ever more on a “what if” basis. We simply can’t. The vaccines are doing their job, the public can see that (well, most can), and they are very unlikely to accept being told that they still have to live their lives under ongoing restrictions for an undefined period on the off chance a variant crops up which evades the vaccines.

 

[Tashyboy]

One thing Ave noticed through this Covid pandemic. It has affected everyone differently. Be it contracting the Covid virus itself. Then either dying or getting just an headache.
Be it peoples offices closing down and having to work from home. Some people are really really struggling. Some people are loving it. Brother and sis in law saved over £3k last year in not paying train fares. Not to mention travel times each way. Financial wise there loving it. But there missing interaction.
Some people have lost there Jobs. Some folk like lorry drivers are now on a wage bonanza.
Holidays, I think everyone’s missed out on those. Yet holidays at home are booming. Travelling abroad still is a Major problem.
Some folk are skint, others have money to burn.
Wherever you fall in the above categories, for me it has helped to mould people’s opinions on how this Covid pandemic should be handled.
For me 2020 was a right “ anus horribllus“. Compared to some we got off light. This year has not been much better. Thoughts with those still struggling. Gotta agree with those that say Covid is here to stay for sometime yet.

 

[SocketRocket]

I kind of agree with you but also with SR.

I give a passing glance to the figures, and then only if there is a headline, “sudden increase.” Vaccines do appear to be breaking the link but infection rates do have to be managed(Restrictions?).

Both you and SR failed to include the danger of the next variant, echo, foxtrot or golf, being more dangerous and the vaccine less effective. Hospitalisation and deaths are down but what happens when a new, stronger variant pitches up?

I‘m all for easing things but in a managed way with one eye on possible consequences.

I have made the point in recent posts.about the increased infection rates and the concern that they will produce a more virulent form of the virus.

 

[Hobbit]

I have made the point in recent posts.about the increased infection rates and the concern that they will produce a more virulent form of the virus.

Apologies, yes you did. I missed it scan reading your posts.

 

[SocketRocket]

Really; care to expand on that?

Pretty much every aspect of my social life other than golf has been curtailed, holidays likewise. I've had no direct professional or social interaction with wrk colleagues since this started, and I've had to give up sufficient space in my house to create two workstations so that my wife and I can work from home; I suspect if my employer gets their way that will continue until I reach retirement. And I don't think I'm anything out of the ordinary in that respect. I'm really struggling to see how you think people aren't giving much up.

I wouldn't consider you working from home giving up a great deal, ok it's an inconvenience but you can meet up with friends, go to a pub or restaurant, go on holiday in the UK etc. Like I say it's an inconvenience but it's not exactly life in the trenches is it and I'm sure you could live with it a bit longer. I'm not suggesting we continue with restrictions for ever, all I'm saying is we need to get these increased infection rates under control.

 

[Blue in Munich]

To think you are in a way one of the lucky ones that has the room to give up space (even though it sounds like too much space)

People in flat shares who are working from their bedroom which becomes their bedroom slash office

Not good at all

Only suits the well off with spare rooms they can convert to little offices

Am I; not sure how you have jumped to the conclusion that we have the space to give up? The ground floor is pretty much open plan, and my office is the kitchen; when the Mrs is working she is restricted to when she can use the kitchen due to phone calls & Teams/Zoom calls. On her day off she hasn't got the freedom to use the ground floor of the house as she would like because it's my office.

Mrs. BiM is working from a bedroom dressing table, so as you say, not good at all.

Our home has been to a degree taken over by both our employers to provide their office space and we are in effect living at work 24/7. Taken over space might have been a better description than given up, but it amounts to the same. The whole working from home caper has also highlighted who works & who doesn't, who is a team player & who isn't. I think a lot of people still going into work don't appreciate how lucky they are.

Don't get me wrong, I know plenty of people have had it worse, and I appreciate the fact that we both still have jobs. But it comes at a cost, and we are coming to the way of thinking that it is not one worth paying.

 

[GB72]

I guess the point is now that those who are still suffering because of the restrictions are those who have been hardest hit throughout including those who still cannot work. If I was being selfish, I could quite happily say that I could live as we are for the foreseeable future. Aside from a nice holiday and being able to stand at the bar and chat in the pub, everything else is pretty normal but I am lucky because of that. Again, being selfish, I am happy at the moment as we are as I feel safer because of the restrictions but I know that this cannot go on forever and the day has to come when we try and live normal lives. As such, I support removing restrictions even though they make no difference to me and, in some cases, are detrimental. There are people who need restrictions to lift to keep going and I think the time has come to take them into account.

On the bigger picture, I know that there will be variants and potentially more pain and suffering but I am not sure what more we can do to alleviate that. We cannot stay as we are indefinitely and, however hard a pill it is to swallow, there has to be a time where we decide that nothing more can be done and that we have to live with covid being around.

That said, I can see a semi freedom day coming with some restrictions and some mask wearing still in place.