The doctor from Bath.

The government have had to juggle Covid against economy from the start. That’s probably where your line of thinking came from disco. They would have been slated whatever they did. More recently though, they have made decisions, which I believe didn’t involve a rock and a hard place. Eg. Dominic Cummings should have been sacked. Not doing so, I think, has had grave repercussions. I also believe allowing students back into universities, was a wrong move. We have the internet, there’s absolutely no need for anyone to go anywhere, unless it’s caring for vulnerable people, and keeping essential services going. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a long winter?

Casdon

Summerlove of course, but they will still do it, public pressure will be stronger than prudence.

That's not a reason for the government to tell everyone it's fine.

Also, why Christmas? Why not the religious celebrations of other religions?

Because Christmas is way more than a religious celebration now. Apart from Jehovah’s Witnesses, I don’t personally know anyone, of any faith or of none, who doesn’t celebrate it in some form.

Sadly, the family get-togethers won’t happen this year.

I am no supporter of this government, but I do understand the delicate balance between the economy/people's mental health/treatment of other diseases/etc., and covid19 restrictions. Although there is little point in going over old ground, this shutdown is too late and I think the plan, if there is one, is to lift it for Christmas and then shut down again. Christmas is the perfect petri dish for infections; all those people from different households, stuffed into over heated poorly ventilated houses. January is going to be a very grim month indeed.

Personally, I feel that that particular Doctor should come with his own Public Health Warning. I detested it when during the earlier lockdown he used the hashtag 'Beware of People'. Thought that was totally and completely horrible.
He just sees the virus - maybe due to his work, but does not see humans as people, and has no idea at all about mental health issues with not having involvement with other people.

Mental Health issues are already rising totally out of control and well beyond the abilities of mental health teams to be able to deal with them. Be good if someone would look into this which is already happening - and the dreadful results - just as important as covid wards that may start getting to be filled up!!!

Has anyone listened/read what Dr Tom Jefferson has to say? ...I think he talks sense..