All restrictions to end?

I am not a particular fan of Boris- I have met him and was not really impressed- however, I really think much of what is said and written about him is Boris bashing as a result of the last 2 difficult years for us all - some of the bashing is unreasonable. Many people are still fearful and afraid - have got used to living in a restricted bubble - maybe hard to ‘break free’ (Freddie Mercury). Fortunately I am not one of those. I have had long Covid - I have had 3 jabs, and am classified CEV. I am getting on for 80- I have had more operations in the last 10 years than hot dinners, I am not fearful- I actually do not want any politician feeling sorry for me- or caring for me- I want them to get on with Far more important business, so that I can get back to doing as much as I can before the old bod packs up completely. I want to break free.

Thank goodness the restrictions are being lifted we can't continue living our lives in fear. It's up to the individual to take responsibility for their well being I will continue being caution but not fearful

Bluecat

As the Daily Mash said, science and the UK have decided to go their separate ways.....

It seems that the government feels that the virus will do what they want it to do. If they say it's over, it's over. If they want it to be okay for people not to isolate, then it's okay.

I think it's insane.

Yes, where are the voices of the scientists?

The 'lockdown sceptics' in government are now controlling the narrative. Their willing mouthpiece is Johnson. They will get what they want, and he will too - by remaining in power because he's "got Covid done".

I don't know if he really did say "let the bodies pile high" but there are those willing to testify that he did. Either way, I don't think he's much bothered - those bodies will largely be comprised of the elderly for whom I genuinely believe he cares not one jot. To a free-market, right wing libertarian, they are simply a drain on the public purse.

IMO this is not about what's best for the nation, it's entirely about Johnson preserving his position.

If I seem over sceptical it's because I am. I am sceptical of a man who dismissed the fears of business leaders over Brexit with the remark, "f**k business"... and then excused himself by saying it was a "stray remark".

And I'm even more sceptical about the man's accusation against Starmer over Savile when he, himself, said that the police spending money on historic cases of child abuse was a "waste"... money being "spaffed up the wall".

Boris Johnson is looking after Boris Johnson.

Restrictions to end? Really?
From what I hear and read we will still be expected to wear facemasks on public transport, in shops and in gatherings such as church services. This is a slight lessening of the restrictions - and a welcome one for many of us - but an end? No Way!

katy1950

Thank goodness the restrictions are being lifted we can't continue living our lives in fear. It's up to the individual to take responsibility for their well being I will continue being caution but not fearful

What about those who are clinically vulnerable, who will be less well protected? Their freedom to have some kind of normality is being restricted. Don't they matter?

GrannyGear

Restrictions to end? Really?
From what I hear and read we will still be expected to wear facemasks on public transport, in shops and in gatherings such as church services. This is a slight lessening of the restrictions - and a welcome one for many of us - but an end? No Way!

Good! I hope they continue.

montymops

I am not a particular fan of Boris- I have met him and was not really impressed- however, I really think much of what is said and written about him is Boris bashing as a result of the last 2 difficult years for us all - some of the bashing is unreasonable. Many people are still fearful and afraid - have got used to living in a restricted bubble - maybe hard to ‘break free’ (Freddie Mercury). Fortunately I am not one of those. I have had long Covid - I have had 3 jabs, and am classified CEV. I am getting on for 80- I have had more operations in the last 10 years than hot dinners, I am not fearful- I actually do not want any politician feeling sorry for me- or caring for me- I want them to get on with Far more important business, so that I can get back to doing as much as I can before the old bod packs up completely. I want to break free.

How does wearing a mask or insisting on better ventilation in public places stop the government from getting on with other things?

Did anyone hear a recent programme on Radio 4 called "More or Less"? Amazingly it is very interesting while being about statistics .......hard to believe but true! Made by the Open University and BBC. They looked at claims made repeatedly in Parliament by Boris saying crime has gone down and employment has gone up. Not true. Even an official statistical body has said it isn't true. But that does not stop Boris saying it. So I conclude we cannot now trust that lifting Covid restrictions is based on evidence at all.

katy1950

Thank goodness the restrictions are being lifted we can't continue living our lives in fear. It's up to the individual to take responsibility for their well being I will continue being caution but not fearful

So will you wear a mask to protect others?

Urmstongran

Where’s Alegrias when we need her?

She’s left.

I am glad they are ending. Totally had enough. We have enjoyed some brilliant outings to 'softplay' with our grandchildren. No, we did not wear a mask and neither did anyone else! Try doing an obstacle course. climbing, jumping, monkey bars and going up countless steps after young ones!! I bet had we worn masks we would be in ICU! No problem if you choose to continue wearing masks for whatever reason but others are entitled to the alternative.

MayBee70

katy1950

Thank goodness the restrictions are being lifted we can't continue living our lives in fear. It's up to the individual to take responsibility for their well being I will continue being caution but not fearful

So will you wear a mask to protect others?

... it doesn't seem to get through does it?

I had some 'home security' people in last week and because I had a cold I wore a mask, in case I let out the odd uncontrollable sneeze, to protect them as far as possible, from catching the damned cold.

Wearing a mask on certain occasions and under specific conditions is not "living our lives in fear".

montymops I endorse what you say.

If anyone wants a sensible scientifically based viewpoint on ending restrictions Independent Sage which is available on YouTube had a particularly interesting discussion today.
They were also discussing long Covid in children and there were two paediatric doctors participating, amongst others. Very balanced I thought.

Has Alegrias left ?

Yes

What a great attitude montypops! I agree that many CEV people themselves are now less fearful and and ready to ‘break free’ as you put it. One of the mothers at school, who is CEV and hasn't been into the building for nearly 2 years, came in to watch her child receive a prize this week. Her thinking was that she had missed far too much of her child's life at school and as the pupil is moving on this summer she wants to be part of those final few months. The risk was worth it to her and she certainly wasn't feeling anxious for herself.

Restrictions may well dissappear but I'm sure advise from W.H.O. won't change and advise will still be there to follow re keeping our distance, avoiding crowds, face coverings etc.
All I know for sure is that in this household our behaviours amongst our family and friends has altered and its no great hardship to continue the adjustments we made, we meet more outdoors, open windows more indoors, wear our face coverings if in crowds, We are able to do the things we need to and the things we want to. We are here and we are well and at our ages thats enough for now..If things change we will adjust again. Sadly many are now not in that situation so we have much to be thankful for and we really feel for those not as fortunate.

Lucca

Urmstongran

Where’s Alegrias when we need her?

She’s left.

That’s a real shame, I hope she returns.

Just Boris trying to curry favour with his back benchers to try and save his skin. I think he’s given up any pretence of caring about public health as long as he can save his own skin

I don’t think I’ve seen any indication that SAGE has been consulted about restrictions ending without any announcement about mitigations in place. I heard it said today that we are all only one visit to a doctor away from being clinically vulnerable.
I do not believe it should be up to those who are CEV to keep themselves safe, but mitigations in society should be put in place in order for everyone to feel safe in social settings.
What’s more the only reliable monitoring of Covid infections in the community, now regular testing has declined, is by the ONS random infection survey, which is due to stop in April!

I do not believe it should be up to those who are CEV to keep themselves safe, but mitigations in society should be put in place in order for everyone to feel safe in social settings.
Maybe Farzanah, but how would you get a whole (maskless) school to change its working practice in the example I gave?

Brilliant Amelgra.

"We are the most tested nation in Europe so no wonder our Covid figures appear worse than others!"

That's right up there with the best Trump theories - next step is, if you can't see it it's not there. (An old Chief Chemist I worked for held that rule fast in out labs, even when the fume cupboard extractor fans were not working!)

I’m very sorry that Alegrias has left, she was one of the most informed posters on the site. I really hope she changes her mind, Gransnet is poorer without her.

^"Wearing a mask on certain occasions and under specific conditions is not "living our lives in fear".^"

Spot on Dickens.