So how do we feel about Sajid Javid telling us not to ‘cower’ from Covid

I have taken his comment in a different way to some on here. I took it as him encouraging those who are cowering to join the ones that are not, whether that be through choice or not. Far too many people are content to 'take' while others take all the risks!

Cowering indoors
From what I've read and heard of some people in RL, yes, some are. A friend was telling me she hasn't seen her DD even though she lives a mile away because her DD is terrified to go anywhere.

Cowering is what some people are doing
Ignoring restrictions, not wearing masks etc is what some people are doing.

Most of us are taking sensible precautions and trying to live as normal a life as we can, being thankful to those who do have to work and help us stay safe.

Love0c as I said I have offered to spend sept-dec on the wards (knowing the autumn is going to be horrendous).

I take it you are working on the front line given your comment?

MayBee70

What he said sounded like a lot of people on here who seem to mock that those of us still taking as many precautions as possible. To protect ourselves, protect the NHS, protect others and reduce the chance of new variants becoming vaccine resistant.

I have several health problems, I take what precautions I deem necessary to protect myself, my family and others.

I will not however, live a life cowering from a disease that I am double vaccinated against.

People have worked in shops, schools, pharmacies, nurseries, schools, colleges, care homes, hospitals, warehouses, transport, garages, logistics and transport (the list is endless) throughout the pandemic.

That’s an interesting article, thank you for posting.

I do think the use of the word ‘cower’ does give insight into the rhetoric within number 10 at the moment (which makes even more sense if you can bring yourself to read Cumming’s blogs )

I worked throughout the pandemic thanks love and I think it's a ridiculous thing to say.

There are lots of people who have taken much more risk during the pandemic through lack of choice too. Having choice is a luxury. My own Mum has had to work in an extremely high risk environment at an age where really should have been drawing her pension. She didn't have the choice to 'cower' at home.

It's not 'just a comment' is it?

Nothing wrong with what he said. I am cross he felt the need to apologise. To all those intent on 'cowering, ' just imagine if there was no food in the shops, nobody was working so therefore no money for pensions, benefits, hospitals, schools etc etc. Imagine that! Back to work or that is exactly what you will get!!

this is an interesting article on the use of language Someone posted another article about it the other day which was really interesting (it was along the lines of the rhetoric for us to blame one another)

What he said sounded like a lot of people on here who seem to mock that those of us still taking as many precautions as possible. To protect ourselves, protect the NHS, protect others and reduce the chance of new variants becoming vaccine resistant.

Why the sigh lemongrove?

Alegrias nobody can use plain language now without running it past the thought police.

Nezumi65

I take it from those replies that neither granny gravy nor lemongrove understands the link between transmission & new variants. Ignorance is bliss. Let’s hope the gamble pays off.

Sigh.

Cower: to crouch down in fear.

I thought what he said was OK.

A few weeks ago one of the Scottish medical people said we should be careful, but not fearful. Nobody complained.

I'm confused. Maybe I need a lie down.

And if the government really wanted to protect the economy they should have acted sooner. I agree with Cummings on that (not particularly something I ever thought I would say).

I take it from those replies that neither granny gravy nor lemongrove understands the link between transmission & new variants. Ignorance is bliss. Let’s hope the gamble pays off.

Nezumi
I won’t get into mixing it with you, suffice to say I don’t think using a word ( cower ) warrants the outrage on the thread ( or in RL)
There is a line to walk between protecting people and worrying about the economy, and that’s what government has to do.
I understand your personal anxieties of course.

Nezumi65

Lemongrove do you understand why increasing transmission increases the risk of new variants?

Are you aware that the number of positive tests has fallen over the last four days, yesterday’s numbers were 20,000 less than last Saturdays.

If this continues it can only be a good thing for all, as less chance of a U.K. variant.

As our friends across the Pond might say, “He miss-spoke” and I believe he has now retracted the comment.
Honestly, surely people in the public eye are aware that they have to engage their brain before their mouth?

But, without wishing to introduce “thread about a thread” - the last thread I ave just read did suggest exactly this attitude of “cowering” instead of facing up to a danger and taking sensible precautions.

Lemongrove do you understand why increasing transmission increases the risk of new variants?

Lemongrove there are millions of people of all ages who are at higher risk of Covid. Many do not have the choice to protect themselves. My son doesn’t - he needs 24 hour 2:1 care and cannot be vaccinated. There are many others in similar situations to him. Some are at higher risk due to their job, some due to their health. Others are fearful of bringing it home & killing a more vulnerable member of their family.

This government has made a choice to increase the risk to these people (& incidentally the rest of us by increasing the risk of vaccine resistant strains). They are putting businesses under increased pressure by the sheer number of people who are off work. They have made a choice to infect as many people as possible before the autumn.

IMO this is not offensive. It is morally bankrupt. It is ‘I’m alright jack-ism’ at its worse. It’s also reckless for everyone, but I find that less morally problematic than not giving a stuff about the millions this puts at risk.

There was a middle road available between the two extremes of full lockdown and full opening up.

JaneJudge

People seem rather offended that people might be offended and we can't be having that!

Perplexed is the word.
Not about just this particular subject ( the word cower) but anyone who reads any social media site threads will notice all the perpetually offended/ angry posts about any subject at all.
Nobody takes a step back to really examine things ( talking of the unexamined life)... but dives in boots first.
Javid was saying that we as a nation ( not you Mrs Bloggs of
10 Coronation St Harrogate) shouldn't cower from life.
The vaccinations have made a huge difference to hospitalisations and deaths, and yes you can still catch Covid,
Which is where taking personal responsibility helps, we are all different and have different approaches to life.
We can’t all stay in our houses forever, nor should we, as a nation.

I'm not even sure that much offence has been expressed. I've seen a lot of anger, too.

Greeneyedgirl

Rather late he has apologised!!

Oh yes, they all have to constantly ‘apologise’ now for just about everything ....it’s meaningless and done to pacify.
I wish they would have more backbone at times.