All restrictions to end?

Sparklefizz

^...and his hair looked particularly stupid.^

I don't care about his hair, but I do care about the restrictions ending, and it's much too soon. The only reason the numbers are going down at the moment is because people with Covid don't have to do a PCR after a positive LFT, and don't even have to report a positive LFT apparently.

I feel we are being thrown to the dogs, just as I was trying to feel less anxious about going out and about.

Absolutely right Sparklefizz. We have no idea what the case numbers are now and can only rely on hospital admissions and deaths. Reckless in the extreme and all to save his political skin. As far as I know Delta hasn’t gone away and Omicron will morph into another variant at some point - or a new variant will be brought in from overseas.

Rosie puts it well. It's the sudden rush that is so alarming (remember 'tis the season to be jolly cautious'?). 1st March would have been more reasonable: schools and hospitals need time to adjust and the public needs to see some data and evidence (remember 'I will level with you'?). As someone else has just said, he PM owes the public that much.

Another off-the-cuff wheeze that may misfire. BJ is beginning to seem like Macbeth rushing about, and that isn't a look to inspire anybody.

If only we could hear from Chris Whitty about this. His silence speaks volumes.

Johnson just wants to boast that we’re the first country to lift all restrictions. As with the lockdowns ( hey everybody, we’re going to lock down next week so I’m just giving you the chance to go out and party for a few days to infect everybody) he likes announcing everything in advance if it makes him look good. Remember the ‘it’ll be gone in 12 weeks/by Easter/ by Christmas statements’. He’s probably thought up a catchy soundbite to use already.

Surely hospital admissions and deaths are the most important figures the amount of cases now although important is not so relevant.
I also have a friend who is a paramedic she hasn’t been on call to a Covid case for several months
We may get new variants but the rules will have to be changed if we do, not kept just in case of something that may or may
not happen.

Do I detect a “dead cat” ? And no, nothing to do with that footballer.

I think we’d still be concerned in March, but I agree it’s too early now. But then so many aren’t testing or wearing masks or probably not isolating already.

Where’s Alegrias when we need her?

People haven't been isolating for months now, especially as the symptoms do not always follow the governments criteria. Back in May 2020, when I tested positive I didn't have a temperature, cough or change in taste or smell. I only got a test as my DH had a mild fever for a day and , as I worked for the NHS, he was entitled to a test as was I.
I speak to people every working day who have symptoms such as runny noses, headaches etc but haven't tested/isolated.

Now maybe the time for constituents to let their MP know what their view is. I understand a final decision will not be made by the House of Commons until after the February recess.

LtEve

People haven't been isolating for months now, especially as the symptoms do not always follow the governments criteria. Back in May 2020, when I tested positive I didn't have a temperature, cough or change in taste or smell. I only got a test as my DH had a mild fever for a day and , as I worked for the NHS, he was entitled to a test as was I.
I speak to people every working day who have symptoms such as runny noses, headaches etc but haven't tested/isolated.

And I know people who are more responsible - thank goodness!

rosie1959

Surely hospital admissions and deaths are the most important figures the amount of cases now although important is not so relevant.
I also have a friend who is a paramedic she hasn’t been on call to a Covid case for several months
We may get new variants but the rules will have to be changed if we do, not kept just in case of something that may or may
not happen.

Deaths still remain over 200 a day on average.

growstuff

rosie1959

Surely hospital admissions and deaths are the most important figures the amount of cases now although important is not so relevant.
I also have a friend who is a paramedic she hasn’t been on call to a Covid case for several months
We may get new variants but the rules will have to be changed if we do, not kept just in case of something that may or may
not happen.

Deaths still remain over 200 a day on average.

I expect there will be an end to reporting the death rate soon. I am ambivalent about this; on one hand, I acknowledge that sometime we have to get back to some kind of normality, but on the other hand, I would feel more confident if the statement about ending reporting and restrictions came from scientists, not from the Liar in Chief as he tries to save his career.

growstuff

LtEve

People haven't been isolating for months now, especially as the symptoms do not always follow the governments criteria. Back in May 2020, when I tested positive I didn't have a temperature, cough or change in taste or smell. I only got a test as my DH had a mild fever for a day and , as I worked for the NHS, he was entitled to a test as was I.
I speak to people every working day who have symptoms such as runny noses, headaches etc but haven't tested/isolated.

And I know people who are more responsible - thank goodness!

Everybody I actually know tests and isolates if necessary, it's just lots of patients don't.

I hope Wales doesn't follow lifting all restrictions.
It seems irresponsible to me to allow people who have covid to mix with others. If they use public transport, sit in a busy office then go to the pub they could infect so many people and some of those may be badly affected.

Couldn’t agree more AGA. Mark Drayford had covid now. Perhaps that will influence things in Wales.

Prince Charles succumbing again is a timely reminder that it's not over yet.

It is not over yet, but how much does it matter, is the question. Personally I think it is too soon, and like Rosie, I would like to hear from Chris Witty and other scientists.
Two issues affect me and my family.
Our son is about to start chemo and will have no functioning immune system. How can he feel safe? We will want to visit him. DH has health issues himself though he is not CEV, but he worries about encountering the grandchildren who are all of school age, the youngest not yet vaccinated as too young. How safe is he?
It is hard to know the right time to lift restrictions or how to interpret them personally.

Germanshepherdsmum

Couldn’t agree more AGA. Mark Drayford had covid now. Perhaps that will influence things in Wales.

Oh, has he?

He's been quite strict.

Probably secretly at parties Callistemon. All will be revealed, mark (?) my words.

No, not Mark Drakeford.
I bet he's never been to a party in his life!

I want to hear from Chris Whitty.

Callistemon21

No, not Mark Drakeford.
I bet he's never been to a party in his life!

You're probably right. Not exactly the life and soul of any party.

Sparklefizz

I want to hear from Chris Whitty.

Me too but I think he's been told not to comment. Why else would he remain quiet?

Haha Germanshepherdsmum. If Mark Drakeford has a Covid party shaped nail in his political coffin I think the whole of Wales will be completely gobsmacked regardless of our personal affiliation, and we are not known for being quiet. He’s the epitome of Mr Sensible.