Gransnet forums

Coronavirus

Should lockdown for the over 70s be extended when it’s relaxed for everyone else?

(221 Posts)
Masquereader Thu 30-Apr-20 17:17:57

The bubble suggestion helps, yes

Oopsminty Thu 30-Apr-20 17:17:44

The bubble bursts before it starts.

I have 11 close relatives. But my children have husbands/wives/partners who all have their families. They will have their own bubble. And so on and so forth

Also if its only from two households which adult child do I leave out?

grannylyn65 Thu 30-Apr-20 17:17:41

‘End of’ Really????

Masquereader Thu 30-Apr-20 17:17:03

Believe me, I've no intention of putting anyone else at risk. One way to make me stay at home would be to convince me that I'm more likely to pass on the virus than someone else: but I don't think I am; and I wouldn't recklessly endanger my own life. I would continue to follow social distancing

SueDonim Thu 30-Apr-20 17:14:36

What about the bubble suggestion? Would people be prepared to remain mainly in lockdown if they could meet a few people in their bubble?

Luckygirl Thu 30-Apr-20 17:10:23

Masquereader - your plan falls down because it is not only yourself that you put at risk by defying any rules. I agree you should have the choice to place yourself at risk - but not others.

Whitewavemark2 Thu 30-Apr-20 17:09:26

Looking at Germany, it isn’t going to be that easy I think

Luckygirl Thu 30-Apr-20 17:09:01

As a policy it makes total to sense to gradually "release" younger people who are unlikely to become as ill if they catch the virus. The effect of that will be an increase in herd immunity, which makes it hard for the virus to spread as it cannot find enough non-immune people to attack, so it potentially dies out through absence of hosts.

So - when the older more vulnerable members of the population emerge they are less likely to catch it.

Masquereader Thu 30-Apr-20 17:08:45

Am I the only person who'd be prepared to sign a waiver saying I would revoke my right to intensive care if I were to contract Covid 19 and become seriously ill after going against advice? I've done my best: kept myself occupied and healthy, stayed in touch with friends and family, facetimed my daughter and grandson: but this isn't a life. I was prepared for 12 weeks: made a mark in my diary, I could see an end. This isn't a life: and I don't think I'm the only person who feels this way. There are letters in the papers from others. I wanted to test the water to see how people felt here

Oopsminty Thu 30-Apr-20 17:01:45

I've read that it could be over 50s who may have to stay home

dontmindstayinghome Thu 30-Apr-20 17:00:45

My Mum lived in sheltered accommodation and has not set foot outside her tiny flat for over 6 weeks.

Not so for many of the other residents - quite a few are just carrying on as normal. One lady even takes herself off on bus rides most days and yes, she is over 70 and in the 'at risk' category!

Others have family meetings in the front entrance hall.

Some people won't follow the rules for their own safety no matter what the criteria is.

Davidhs Thu 30-Apr-20 17:00:27

The government can recommend whatever they want but as individuals we can choose to isolate or not, so if you feel vulnerable stay in lockdown. They are very unlikely to mandate any particular group by age, it could not be enforced.

GrandmaMoira Thu 30-Apr-20 16:59:27

It's interesting that the Government have put all over 70s in the vulnerable group but, now they have extended the testing, they are offering to all over 65 who have symptoms. France's proposed loosening of lockdown includes keeping over 65s in lockdown.
As someone between 65 and 70, I wonder if we are considered vulnerable or not? How good is our immune system?

BlueSky Thu 30-Apr-20 16:57:19

As we all know we don't live in a police state. We are strongly advised to do this and that but not made to. So really it will be up to the individual. If the government wants to forbid us to do something, then fines should be introduced like in Europe and Australia.

Alishka Thu 30-Apr-20 16:56:36

I have 'underlying health conditions'(and God I hate that phrase!) but shall be wearing gloves and my big wind-around scarf as a mask,and, like Masquereader has written,I shall,responsibly,enjoy my limited freedom.
I knew I was cracking last night when I brought up a vid. of Queen singing 'I want to break free' - LOUD!grin

Hetty58 Thu 30-Apr-20 16:54:36

www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/

Hetty58 Thu 30-Apr-20 16:53:30

Yes, it certainly should. The over 70s are, quite plainly, far more likely to die from Coronavirus - end of.

SueDonim Thu 30-Apr-20 16:51:22

The reason is a scientific one - it’s because the over-70’s immune systems are less efficient than younger people’s, no matter how physically active you are in yourself. Even at the top of Everest or at the end of a marathon, your immune system is still 70+yo.

There’s even talk of extending it down to 60+’s like me, because they’re succumbing in quite large numbers, too.

We can all make our own minds up but the staff who will need to nurse us should we fall ill won’t have the choice as to whether to care for us or not.

Wibby Thu 30-Apr-20 16:45:01

I dont think there should be an upper age limit as a lot of over 70s are fit and well, I think it should be for those who have underlying health conditions regardless of age. This virus is attacking all ages not just the over 70s.

DanniRae Thu 30-Apr-20 16:44:57

I totally agree Masquereader with everything you said. Thank you for saying it!

Masquereader Thu 30-Apr-20 16:40:56

I feel very strongly that it shouldn’t. The main argument for keeping the over 70s under indefinite lockdown seems to be that it’s for our own protection, and I feel quite able to take responsibility for that myself. I understand the reasons for social distancing and I’ve followed it so far; but I’m also concerned about my mental health if I can see no end to it. What do you think?