Hypocritical neighbours

This has really rung a bell with me. I live in a small hamlet and drinks were arranged on the Green yesterday at the last minute. I’m over 70 and have mild asthma and live alone. My son lives in France and rings me every day to make sure I’m sticking to Govt rules, which I am. I go out into the road and clap every Thursday but I didn’t go to the drinks yesterday. It surely is against all guidance? Now, who I thought was a good friend, walked past my house when I was in the garden earlier, didn’t stop and just yelled out “You missed a great time!” It was like being slapped in the face! I came in and cried, with hurt but also anger. I’ve not harmed anyone else! Now I feel really alone.

SheilsM It wouldn't surprise me at all if there is a spike in new cases in a few days after yesterday. Be happy you won't be one of them.

This has all brought out the best and worst in people. There are some people going over and beyond what they need to do. Unfortunately, there are others who have probably always been stupid, self-centred and thoughtless. Enjoy the weather and your garden and know that you're alone amongst millions of other like-minded people.

Lucy2 What you've written is cobblers. Sunshine and fresh air don't build up antibodies and the immune system any more than a swig of bleach does.

Who exactly is the power class? In case you hadn't realised it, some of the so-called "power class" want the plebs to go back to work, so that the businesses owned by these power classes make some money. They'll be absolutely fine as they circle like vultures picking up the pieces from all this, buying up the failed businesses and retreating to their ivory towers. It's the human ants whose numbers will decrease.

People flouting the rules aren't taking control of anything. They're giving in to an infection which could make them and their friends and family seriously ill or kill them … all because they don't have the ability to exercise self-control.

I can't help thinking that one of the reasons that so many people are not adhering as strictly to the lock down rules as they should is because of the mixed messages given by the government from the start and the lackadaisical way they have been policed...it's obvious that the public has little or no faith in what the government has done so far or continues to plan for and the softly softly attitude and constant flow of ineffectual BS and lies from No 10 has just washed over the country...let's face it, many people don't need much encouragement to bend or break the rules, they actually think it's clever to 'get away with it! They also will all have that very short sighted fatalistic attitude whereby 'it won't happen to me or my family' and they will always find some reason to justify their actions even when doing something they know they REALLY REALLY shouldn't...which apparently includes risking their own lives, the lives of their families and friends and those of the NHS staff and careworkers they will all be outside clapping for again next Thursday!!!!

Spot on cariad; agree with every word.

I am so proud of my small town. Originally there was going to be a big celebration. Then lockdown came and we were encouraged to decorate our homes and dress up.
On the day brought out tables set out for afternoon tea, all in their own gardens or just outside their front doors, even lots of singletons.
There were prizes for the best estate, best house, best evacuee etc.
A very happy day with everyone keeping a safe distance.??

Cariad I agree, trouble is this government is trying to please everyone, I don't want to be the bad guy Boris. So its softly softly with the rules. and I bet there will be a spike. I couldn't believe the pictures I saw on the BBC News with large gangs of people out, keeping, so say, the social distance and having a party. If it had been a group of teenagers it might have been a different matter. Disgraceful.

I’m of the opinion if people want to flout the ambiguous rules let them. I’m self isolating, as is my daughter, her husband and children. She works from home and he is a key worker. He does the shopping once each week for his family and me. We could order online (if we could get a slot) but he feels there are more vulnerable that need this service. What I do take exception to is the people who flout the rules, endanger other people’s lives and then stand on their doorsteps every Thursday evening and clap for the NHS, who’s job is ten times worse for their stupidity. And the people who have parties and bbqs with friends but get their weekly shop delivered because they think a supermarket is too risky. God help us.

Barmeyoldbat I feel the government is treating the public like parents treat toddlers when they don't want to tell them the truth. All this stuff about being "released" from lockdown and somehow connecting it with the liberation of Europe is absolute tosh.

It doesn't matter whether people are "allowed" out twice or day or drive to a beauty spot or go to a garden centre (or whatever) - the virus is still going to be there and it will affect people in exactly the same way it has up to now, even if people do have a dodgy app on their smartphone. The government doesn't have a magic wand and this is going to be around for a long time yet. No amount of Johnson's upbeat waffle is going to change that. IMO people would be extremely foolhardy to abandon social distancing now (for those who've been sticking to the rules in the first place).

I'm extremely grateful I was totally unaffected by any of the so-called celebrations on Friday.

BUT.... not really defending those people having parties etc. amongst a lot of people.
However, the lockdown and keeping people totally isolated was only ever meant to be a short-term policy, put in place in order to prevent a total breakdown of NHS services for those who caught the virus.
Until such time as a good vaccine against this, is in general use (and who knows when that can be) - the virus will continue to spread and infect people. Unless, the suggestion is that the current isolation and lockdown remains in place for all UNTIL that vaccine is in use.

Yes, obviously, any lifting of the lockdown, and increased circulation of people must mean more of those will get it. This is totally unadvoidable. At present there is ample space in hospitals, etc for any of those that do contract it and require medical intervention.
Lockdown cannot possibly be the final answer - testing, testing and more testing is what is needed. At present we have no idea how many people may have had / currently have this virus.
People are in total panic - not without good reason, but some strange stories are circulating.

Yesterday, a friend told me (in a phone call), that her husband (normally, an intelligent and well-read person) had told her they will stay at home, totally isolating until a vaccine in found - as 90% of over 60-year olds died if they caught this virus!!!! When I told her that not only was the figure totally wrong (under 10% death rate at top end on age scale -over 80-year olds), and that means she is planning to stay at home for the next twelve months at least, she was horrified.
We have been very mixed messages from those supposedly leading us all the way through.

In the meanwhile, whereas it can be comfortable and relaxing for those of us who are retired and on fixed pension incomes, to be able to have this time in our pleasant, comfortable homes, often with nice gardens and nearby outdoor space.
On the other hand..... It is a total nightmare for those trying to continue with their lives amidst economic ruin, either no jobs, or small business going bankrupt, rent and mortgage arrears, children screaming and frightened,and increasingly restless. Breakdown of mental health issues....not surprised that many of these just cannot cope with staying and home - and they are not feeling very safe there.

A woman in my street is a practice manager for a local GP practice. She and her husband had extended family around yesterday. Other neighbours were furious and very upset as they have been following the rules and have not see their adult children and grandchildren etc. Well I'm afraid I saw red at this. This woman could potentially get the virus and take it to work where she will be in close proximity to the Gp's and nurses. So I posted this information on a local website. I haven't mentioned names or the GP practice but it wouldn't take a brain surgeon to work it out. Another neighbour went to the GP website and there is a question and answer bit asking if they would recommend the practice. They ticked extremely unlikely and put the reason, because the practice manager does not practice social distancing!

Should have her hair shaved, sprayed with some sort of dye, and ostracised forever!!!!
It worries me how quickly so many people have descended to the level of 'reporting or so-called naming and shaming' other people.
Just the sort of behavior that was abhored in the countries under nazi yoke, that we are supposedly recently celebrating over throwing.

My neighbour is off out to her son's today.
She just told me as she went by (shouted it through the window, in case anyone wonders)

All the family will be there, including son's girlfriend, who is a senior carer in a care home.

i was just wondering , if you felt you should report them, who would you inform, would it be the police ?

Yes, report them all to the Police. No doubt you are the same types of people who would have reported your neighbours to the Gestapo or the Stasi!

I'm SHOCKED that so many of you accept that your neighbours put your lives and the lives of many, many vulnerable people at risk.

We're not fighting an external enemy. No one WANTS their neighbours to be in trouble. But the only way this is going to improve is if we all pull together.

Those refusing to follow the rules are putting us all at risk. They're not brave resisters. They're bl**dy selfish idiots.

So, people are shocked that we notice, shocked that we don't say anything, shocked if we do, think we should phone the police, and think we shouldn't.

I’m not sure how others are putting you at risk if you are self isolating.

Because I'd like to come out at SOME point Rosalyn69. Not to mention, the higher the rate of infection in ones area, the greater the chance of catching it. It IS very simple really.

If we all stay in, the virus will lessen. If half of us go out, it'll spread like wildfire.

If someone broke your car window, you'd report them, wouldn't you? They're breaking the law and harming you. If someone had a party on VE day, they're breaking the law and potentially harming you. How are they different?

Some people HAVE to work. They have no choice.

You do have a choice about getting together with the neighbours because you deem it worth YOUR risk. Selfish.

I’m not sure they are breaking a law. Someone reported a friend of mine (wrongly as it happens) and when the police came and he asked them if he had broken any laws the policeman said no.
I rather imagine the person who reported him knew who he was (he has lived in the area for 40 years) and where he lived and was being spiteful.

GagaJo please don’t treat me in such a condescending manner. It’s not very nice.

Well, if you make a ridiculous comment I'm not sure how others are putting you at risk you ought to expect a retort on the same level.

Make a valid point if you want a better debate.

I am talking about people I personally saw. 5 families who live in different houses on my street. Street party. All together. No distancing. That was and still is against the rules.

* Gagajo* I’ve watched your posts with interest, I remember you returning home from Switzerland , straight off of the plane to your Family, no isolation but many excuses as to why you had no choice.
My neighbours also have lots of excuses about why they can see other family members at the weekends, I’m sure some of their excuses are as good as yours were, although you use more Block Capitals than they do.