Do people think the pandemic is over?

The WHO will be announcing soon how airborne the virus is. Something that one of their members did refer to quite a while ago but he appears to have been hushed up.

B9 I’m seeing many black masks. Perhaps you could suggest some games for your DGS to get used to seeing all sorts of masks. How old is he? For example, make a minI one for teddy or favourite cuddly toy - that’s the sort of thing hospital play specialists do to prepare children for the experience of various procedures and how it will be afterwards. Use positive words such as doesn't Teddy look smart/funny etc. He can’t be protected from people wearing black masks or any other colour and do it will be kind to get him used to them MN might have some useful advice

If anyone thinks this pandemic is over, then they are either mis-informed, or are idiots.
We all have to use common sense, and if the code is masks, then wear one.
If the code is its not necessary to, then each one of us must be extremely careful in our workplace etc.
Two of our staff at work, wear a mask, the rest of us don't, and that is our choice. We are all healthy, and as long as we stay that way, then no harm is done. But if one of us gets sick........
You MUST do what is comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to take care of yourself.
Throuought this entire virus time, l have been going out and about (regarding everyone as toxic, and staying as far away from them as possible) and have seen very few people actually wearing masks....

Good advice suzie.

I think leaders wearing masks sends a powerful message. I guess if Johnson were actually a man and wore one, he would be lauded on here. They should definitely wear one in situations where they are at least recommended. For example, Sunak yesterday serving the food. He’s such a poster boy at the moment that he could have started a trend.

Thecatshatontgemat: are you and your work colleagues not aware that one of the reasons why this virus is so dangerous is that asymptomatic and presymptomatic sufferers are highly contagious? Unlike the other Sars which was more potent but easier to contain because people were mainly infectious when they were aware of their illness. And it’s now recognised that many people are asymptomatic.

thecat I honestly don’t get your point about your responsibility being to take care of yourself - if you are infected( and you may not know it) you also have a responsibility to others as well. That’s how a civilised society works surely? I feel uncomfortable with your suggestion that you and the others are healthy. Honestly, how do you know?

Agree with Suzie again on masks! Black/dark is standard wear for people in formal situations we can't expect them to turn up in bright colourful masks!

Well if Prof Sir V Ramakrishnan, president of the Royal Society says face coverings should be worn whenever you are in crowded public spaces that's good enough for me.

He said that the public remained sceptical about the benefits because the message has not been clear enough, and guidelines have been inconsistent.

He also said evidence shows they protect the wearer and those nearby, and the U.K. was way behind other countries in usage.

Prof Ramakrishnan is a renowned Nobel Prize winning biologist.

Green thanks for that. Why won’t Johnson spearhead a mask wearing campaign? He did show us how to wash our hands after all ( quite rightly)

suziewoozie

Green thanks for that. Why won’t Johnson spearhead a mask wearing campaign? He did show us how to wash our hands after all ( quite rightly)

Whilst I agree it would send out a message that mask wearing is the way to go, you only have to look at the PM breathing whilst in the H of P to see that he is still having difficulties.

I am practising wearing a mask whilst at home, and as an asthmatic I am struggling, and until such time that I can wear one for a prolonged amount of time I shall avoid places where they are required.

(I have a hairdresser appointment next week which I may have to cancel for that reason)

Just look at other European countries: mask wearing is now normal, weird when or if, you see somebody not wearing them! Obviously people with some conditions would be exempt.

Calendar girl I saw the girl as well, hilarious how she gave it a shortened name, and is unaware of the fact how does she know. Grin was embarrassing to watch.

@suziewoozie We have one of the highest death rates because the government were too slow to impose lockdown, and because we weren’t equipped to test people. I am not convinced of the efficacy of wearing a mask. If masks protect so well how have the cases come down when most people aren’t wearing them, just socially distancing, sanitising hands and trolleys?

Button sorry if I implied that mask wearing on its own is sufficient - I don’t believe that and I don’t think anyone else does. It’s part of an overall strategy which people believe increasingly ( based on more and more evidence) can help keep rates down . Yes our rates are coming down but are still relatively high - anything that might help is welcome imo.

Fair point GG as long as he keeps out of situations where wearing one would be wise. It doesn’t stop others in the cabiet does it though? Sunak missed a trick yesterday imo.

I think face masks (whether they do any good or not) are a reminder that we don't know if this virus is over yet and help people keep their distance.

Now that lockdown has eased the rates have in fact stopped decreasing according to the Covid Symptom Study App that I have downloaded from Kings, London.

suzie is correct. There is increasing evidence that mask wearing protects both the wearer and other people. I believe those who can wear a mask, should wear a mask. I have asthma but I can wear a mask without discomfort, but I understand others can’t. I wouldn’t dream of going into a shop without one. I have noticed many others don’t bother. The same with social distancing. Look after yourself and you are also looking after others.

I read this morning that the CEO of the hospital in Johnson's constituency which closed its A and E department after a Covid outbreak, is blaming staff. The CEO says that staff didn't always wear masks and this contributed to the outbreak.

Interesting that once again, staff are being held responsible. I hope it doesn't transpire that staff weren't wearing masks because they weren't provided with them. Also, where is the chain of command. If staff in a key department were flouting the guidance to wear masks in enclosed spaces, why was this not health with using health and safety/disciplinary procedures

It has been stated by Professor Tim Spector from Kings College UCL that only 52% of the populous who have had Covid 19 have made a satisfactory recovery. The other 48%
are having problems way down the line in one way or other. We must protect ourselves and in turn will be protecting others. Stay safe and wear a mask outside of your property if you possibly can.

I thought that Iam I thought the memo as a classic example of poor leadership. I remember a boss I had years ago who once sent round a memo complaining he could see staff leaving early from his window. Why didn’t he just go down and speak to them ( and even find out if there were a good reason). Instead he thoroughly annoyed the rest of us who wondered why he was never there to see those of us who left late. In this case though there is the extra health and safety issue.

I've just come from my local Asda (Scotland) and many people were wearing masks, as were my son and myself.

I believe the £10.0 voucher is not available in Scotland, Jane10. Why anyone would think this is anything other than a publicity stunt, beats me. At a time when it takes a footballer to push for food for poor children, demand at food banks is at an all time high and NHS staff in England are being asked to pay for parking there are many more deserving ways of spending our money.

I believe the virus is circulating freely everywhere. Wish I was. I'm gradually emerging from my chrysalis as and when the rules allow and my instinct indicates courage. A bit at a time is working fine for me until I finally arrive at whatever my new normal turns out to be. Onwards......