The decision to end restrictions is dangerous and premature, unethical and illogical.

I think this says it all.

BMA says 19 July relaxation is ‘irresponsible and perilous’. This alone should concern most people. It defies explanation as to why the government are removing all restrictions when the infection rate is growing at this rate. At the same time expecting people to abide by the rules as if they were still in place. It's almost as if mass confusion were the ultimate objective.

Another 27% to go for herd immunity.

Casdon
I prefer to look at the positive side of numbers.
34,764,511 people have been fully vaccinated. 52.5%
45,881,721 people have had one dose. 68.8 %

"Are we saying that if you choose not to wear one you are happy to harm others?" I hope not Greta.

I'm unable to wear one so have a lanyard. Do I need to continue wearing my lanyard so people wont think I'm not wearing a mask because I'm happy to harm others?

The BBC News tonight identified that there could be up to 4000 admissions to hospital per day if people don’t comply with the new guidance. There are currently 4m unvaccinated adults, plus 3.5m vulnerable adults for whom the vaccine may not be fully effective. That is not a tiny thread, it’s a lot of people. Deaths reported today were 50, it’s rising significantly and will continue to rise.
Some of us are going into this with our eyes open. I wish I wasn’t, as it’s a lot more comfortable just to believe what the government says.

Greta

I'm not happy about 'freedom' day on 19 July and I think it's irresponsible of the government to just tell people to use their common sense and act responsibly. We saw crowded beaches not so long ago with a mountain of litter left behind. Where was common sense and responsible behaviour then?

We have been told on numerous occasions that if you wear a mask you protect others. Are we saying then that if you choose not to wear one you are happy to harm others?

We have been teaching children about beach litter and marine plastic for as long as I can remember, and yet it still happens. It's like people, (adults), enter a different world when they hit the beach for a holiday or a day out. It will be the same for masks.
People in holiday mood forget or don't think it applies.
Ironically it might be safer to travel on the Central Line where masks will be mandatory, than to walk along the seafront in Cornwall.

A friend of mine who has COPD and lives on South Tyneside where the infection rate is very high is terrified at the moment. Her mum died from covid in a nursing home last year.

Greta

I'm not happy about 'freedom' day on 19 July and I think it's irresponsible of the government to just tell people to use their common sense and act responsibly. We saw crowded beaches not so long ago with a mountain of litter left behind. Where was common sense and responsible behaviour then?

We have been told on numerous occasions that if you wear a mask you protect others. Are we saying then that if you choose not to wear one you are happy to harm others?

There was definitely litter left behind in parks and on beaches, but there were no spikes of infections, nor were there any spikes in infections at the numerous protest marches last summer.

The vaccine roll-out has not totally severed the link between severe illness and mortality, however it has reduced it to a tiny thread.

I understand the logic behind doing it in the school holidays, with the better weather. I would have said there are less of the other bugs around.
That's a good point DiscoDancer. The start of the new academic year in September is a notorious time for everyone passing round illnesses.
Otherwise would we be carrying on with masks until there's a good window next spring?

I'm not happy about 'freedom' day on 19 July and I think it's irresponsible of the government to just tell people to use their common sense and act responsibly. We saw crowded beaches not so long ago with a mountain of litter left behind. Where was common sense and responsible behaviour then?

We have been told on numerous occasions that if you wear a mask you protect others. Are we saying then that if you choose not to wear one you are happy to harm others?

I have to add, I felt a bit like it myself, today.
It got very hot while I was out, my glasses were steamed up, and my bags were heavy.
I was wondering why I'm bothering.

It’s just common sense to me to wait for all the people who want the vaccine, to get both doses. Then come out.

I understand the logic behind doing it in the school holidays, with the better weather. I would have said there are less of the other bugs around, but I’ve just had a horrendous’ cold’ virus, normally expected in the winter months. Wasn’t covid by the way, I was tested, due to the new evidence around cold like symptoms. Many of my family and friends have had it too. It’s like these viruses have just ‘ waited’

There’s never going to be a right time, but we’ve got this far. Would a few more months, to get as many people as safe as we can get them, really hurt?

I understand the desperation of businesses, hospitality etc. and understand it’s so hard, but if the long term outcome of coming out too soon, renders people unable to work, the end result could be worse, and businesses will still fail.

It could be the difference between nipping this in the bud more quickly in the end, by just waiting now.

I think you're right, grannygravy.
I was out today, and there was a definite feel that the restrictions are now superfluous.

MissAdventure

I can't choose when to go out, so I feel less than happy about people choosing to go maskless.
I've seen lots and lots today.

Unfortunately the general public have had the Euros, Wimbledon and various other events beamed into the homes via the internet or TV and I believe their mindset is along the lines of if they are not socially distancing or wearing face coverings why should I

I am not saying this is the right attitude but it does seem to be growing.

You can choose not to accept it MayBee but it will make little difference
If I choose not to accept it then I am going to have to stay away from indoor settings. I have no control over the choices of others only my own actions

MayBee I am not selfish in any way shape or form, I am exempt from wearing a mask, my GP even asked me if I wanted/needed a letter to let people know this at the beginning of mask wearing regulations, I declined and have worn a mask whenever and wherever it is required.

As for the perspex face shields they offer little if not any protection whatsoever to the wearer or those close by, have those folks wearing them throughout been selfish ?

I can't choose when to go out, so I feel less than happy about people choosing to go maskless.
I've seen lots and lots today.

Why should I accept something that I think is wrong? Why should I accept that other people don’t have the decency to care about the safety of others…..

Maybee unfortunately we are just going to have to accept that some will not wear masks
I rarely go where one is required so not too fussed either way but if for instance we go to a local restaurant I have no intention of wearing one just to enter has always seemed absolutely pointless exercise. If I go into a shopping situation it will depend how busy it is I hate masks so will probably choose a quiet time so I can go without but I have no control over what others choose to do

That's to MaizieD!

Thank you for the link to an excellent article.
I have posted it around!

Alegrias1

Any thoughts about the Scottish approach, just announced? Some but by no means all restrictions eased on Monday and facemasks mandatory for "some time to come".

Sounds pretty sensible to me.

GrannyGravy13

MayBee70

But we can start the economy slowly and carefully in a way that we can stop or slow down. Not just open up in a ‘it’s all over’ sort of way. Johnson is back tracking on that now but I fear it’s too late.

We have been opening up stage by stage since March, this last stage has been delayed by four weeks in order to allow more folks to be vaccinated.

I will keep a mask in my bag and if I feel uncomfortable I shall wear it.

If YOU feel uncomfortable? What about people around you? Is that not a selfish attitude or am I missing something here?

That sounds about the right way to go about things, I'd say.