The continuing 'lockdown' nonsense in the media

[NIK]

I have just read a 'guide' to how work places will resume working while maintaining social distancing in a newspaper. I couldn't stop laughing.
Don't they understand the lockdown/social distancing is a myth maintained by the media?
As I said there were vehicles galore out the other day. More roadworks than you can shake a stick at with about 20 workmen working closely together. Indeed in all my life I have never seen so many temporary traffic lights locally.
I walked past some industrial units, all of which had many cars in their car parks with people evidently working as normal. One of my great nephews who works for a small 'hole in the corner' engineering firm in another town has had to go to work throughout on pain of losing his job.
When are the media going to come into the real world and stop exaggerating the 'lockdown'?

[Strawberry]

I am becoming increasingly aware of carefully placed articles in the media, and slightly cynical they are being used to keep us in place. Not saying there's reality, but I definitely feel manipulated - and the fear.

This morning I wanted to pick some litter up but my head tells me it could be contaminated with CV-19  I still tidy it away from the beauty spot, then when I get home I'm straight to the sink washing hands then back to the door to wipe the door handles. Tried to stop myself, couldn't. Then I'm remembering I touched my ear to adjust headphones.

Sheesh.

[winkywanky]

I have just read a 'guide' to how work places will resume working while maintaining social distancing in a newspaper. I couldn't stop laughing.
Don't they understand the lockdown/social distancing is a myth maintained by the media?
As I said there were vehicles galore out the other day. More roadworks than you can shake a stick at with about 20 workmen working closely together. Indeed in all my life I have never seen so many temporary traffic lights locally.
I walked past some industrial units, all of which had many cars in their car parks with people evidently working as normal. One of my great nephews who works for a small 'hole in the corner' engineering firm in another town has had to go to work throughout on pain of losing his job.
When are the media going to come into the real world and stop exaggerating the 'lockdown'?

Some or all of that may be true, despite your laughter.

But what would you rather the govt do, just say 'get on with it and do what you want'? 

[winkywanky]

I am becoming increasingly aware of carefully placed articles in the media, and slightly cynical they are being used to keep us in place. Not saying there's reality, but I definitely feel manipulated - and the fear.

This morning I wanted to pick some litter up but my head tells me it could be contaminated with CV-19  I still tidy it away from the beauty spot, then when I get home I'm straight to the sink washing hands then back to the door to wipe the door handles. Tried to stop myself, couldn't. Then I'm remembering I touched my ear to adjust headphones.

Sheesh.

Of course, undoubtedly the media are part of keeping Lockdown going. They are indeed spreading the govt line.

But again, would you rather they didn't?

It seems clear that Lockdown will gradually fall apart, despte what the govt says (and they'll have behavioural scientists who'll tell them this...infact, any idiot could see it coming anyway).

You're right to be suspicious of picking anything up that someone else just dropped. Infact doubly so, the type of twat who drops litter prbably doesn't give a flying fuck about Lockdown anyway, and have probably already contributed some deaths of their own  .

In looking after ourselves, we look after everyone. It's simple.

[Colston36]

If you think the whole idea of lockdown is a joke, watch the stats in the U. S. and see what happens where half the population agrees with you. We are already the nation with the most deaths in Europe; the fact that idiots ignore reality will ensure we race way ahead of anywhere else except Trump-land

[ratedj]

I have just read a 'guide' to how work places will resume working while maintaining social distancing in a newspaper. I couldn't stop laughing.
Don't they understand the lockdown/social distancing is a myth maintained by the media?
As I said there were vehicles galore out the other day. More roadworks than you can shake a stick at with about 20 workmen working closely together. Indeed in all my life I have never seen so many temporary traffic lights locally.
I walked past some industrial units, all of which had many cars in their car parks with people evidently working as normal. One of my great nephews who works for a small 'hole in the corner' engineering firm in another town has had to go to work throughout on pain of losing his job.
When are the media going to come into the real world and stop exaggerating the 'lockdown'?

What course of action would you suggest then?

[Hobbit]

I wouldn't believe anything the media say. Their job is to sell newspapers or online information to make money. So they will fabricate anything out of something. This morning I read an article saying that the virus had mutated and was coming back around with a more contagious mutant strain. Obviously, the media know that lockdowns are slowly lifting in a lot of countries and they need to scare people to read their articles.

As far as I am concerned right now, we have definitely passed the peak and things are much better now than before and I certainly will be going out. All I need now is the hotels and pubs to open up and I would be an extremely happy person. But obviously the chances of that happening is quite slim for the time being.

[NIK]

What course of action would you suggest then?

Nowehere have I said I am against it, although I am sceptical. I have just observed that in the real world things don't seem to be the same as the media portrays them.

[winkywanky]

I wouldn't believe anything the media say. Their job is to sell newspapers or online information to make money. So they will fabricate anything out of something. This morning I read an article saying that the virus had mutated and was coming back around with a more contagious mutant strain. Obviously, the media know that lockdowns are slowly lifting in a lot of countries and they need to scare people to read their articles.

As far as I am concerned right now, we have definitely passed the peak and things are much better now than before and I certainly will be going out. All I need now is the hotels and pubs to open up and I would be an extremely happy person. But obviously the chances of that happening is quite slim for the time being.

You reckon your paper just made up that story then?  What they report on is what's being said around the world, by scientists and by scientific studies. Presumably they stated the source of that story about new strains?

Would you rather they didn't tell you? I imagine you'd be the first to scream your head off about not being told if you caught Covid and it happened to be a new strain.

I think a big part of the problem is the hysteria of pissed-off people, saying they were made hysterical by 'a hysterical story they read'. It's clear that there's all sorts of information coming in from all sources, so unless your paper is utter shit (in which case buy a different one) perhaps you could weigh it all up with the power of your own mind?

[southcoastpunter]

As I said there were vehicles galore out the other day. More roadworks than you can shake a stick at with about 20 workmen working closely together.

Sorry Nik - your post has to be bollox - I mean, you say you saw 20 workmen WORKING.

Although I do tend to agree that the lockdown is "slipping" - more people are going out and about, albeit most (but not all) are adhering to the principles of social distancing.

[timsussex]

The government is waiting for the latest advice so they can announce plans for an easing on Sunday

Bollox - they dont want to announce any changes befpre the Bank holiday weekend - remember Friday is the moved bank holiday -they are scared that any slight relaxation now will result in a massive over the top party.

[Kev40ish]

My biggest concern is the fear it’s generating.
Common sense seems to have gone out the window.
I went to see my parents with my daughter, went into the back garden didn’t touch anything or go into the house,  just wished my mother a happy birthday. I sat and chatted to them keeping at least 2mtrs away. We used hand sanitizer before and after. We spent about 1 hour there.

My daughter was concerned we had done something wrong..it’s confused her as she doesn’t think it’s allowed!!!!

Have I done anything wrong? Put anyone at risk, I don’t think so...

[winkywanky]

My biggest concern is the fear it’s generating.
Common sense seems to have gone out the window.
I went to see my parents with my daughter, went into the back garden didn’t touch anything or go into the house,  just wished my mother a happy birthday. I sat and chatted to them keeping at least 2mtrs away. We used hand sanitizer before and after. We spent about 1 hour there.

My daughter was concerned we had done something wrong..it’s confused her as she doesn’t think it’s allowed!!!!

Have I done anything wrong? Put anyone at risk, I don’t think so...

I don't think you have, and I've done similar, also I've arranged to go see some other relatives (direct access to gardens) under similar circumstances (and not by car either). Never close, not touching surfaces, and getting them to wash dirty crocks thoroughly after I've gone.

I've been on walks along towpaths and people coming the other way move to the side the same as I do, hold your breath as you go past and smile in recognition. But I've had others who jump into a field alongside to get 10m away from me  .

Some people don't 'get it' but at least they're trying.

Some others don't get it and take all sorts of crazy risks.

Some others do get it, and still they take crazy risks (fuck 'em  ).

Ultimately, people are...people 

[Beamer]

My biggest concern is the fear it’s generating.
Common sense seems to have gone out the window.
I went to see my parents with my daughter, went into the back garden didn’t touch anything or go into the house,  just wished my mother a happy birthday. I sat and chatted to them keeping at least 2mtrs away. We used hand sanitizer before and after. We spent about 1 hour there.

My daughter was concerned we had done something wrong..it’s confused her as she doesn’t think it’s allowed!!!!

Have I done anything wrong? Put anyone at risk, I don’t think so...

I agree that you have done nothing stupid,  but following the details of the lockdown as I understand them you have "breached the rules".
IMO what you did created no risk compared to some idiots playing football, attending parties etc.

[Hobbit]

You reckon your paper just made up that story then?  What they report on is what's being said around the world, by scientists and by scientific studies. Presumably they stated the source of that story about new strains?

Would you rather they didn't tell you? I imagine you'd be the first to scream your head off about not being told if you caught Covid and it happened to be a new strain.

I think a big part of the problem is the hysteria of pissed-off people, saying they were made hysterical by 'a hysterical story they read'. It's clear that there's all sorts of information coming in from all sources, so unless your paper is utter shit (in which case buy a different one) perhaps you could weigh it all up with the power of your own mind?

I would believe it more if it was reported in multiple newspapers and from credible sources.

[winkywanky]

Link please.

[Doc Holliday]

My biggest concern is the fear it’s generating.
Common sense seems to have gone out the window.
I went to see my parents with my daughter, went into the back garden didn’t touch anything or go into the house,  just wished my mother a happy birthday. I sat and chatted to them keeping at least 2mtrs away. We used hand sanitizer before and after. We spent about 1 hour there.

My daughter was concerned we had done something wrong..it’s confused her as she doesn’t think it’s allowed!!!!

Have I done anything wrong? Put anyone at risk, I don’t think so...

You are absolutely right. At the risk of sounding like Matt Hancock the lockdown is an 'extremely blunt tool' from a scientific cross infection perspective, but there was no choice as we missed the opportunity to have a more structured system in place. The risk under the circumstances you describe is almost zero but that is because you have thought it through and carried out a risk assessment which you have adhered to.

Unfortunately had a neighbour decided to report you then you may have faced a good talking to by the Constabulary or even a fine.

[GingerNuts]

My biggest concern is the fear it’s generating.
Common sense seems to have gone out the window.
I went to see my parents with my daughter, went into the back garden didn’t touch anything or go into the house,  just wished my mother a happy birthday. I sat and chatted to them keeping at least 2mtrs away. We used hand sanitizer before and after. We spent about 1 hour there.

My daughter was concerned we had done something wrong..it’s confused her as she doesn’t think it’s allowed!!!!

Have I done anything wrong? Put anyone at risk, I don’t think so...

In what sense do you mean have you done anything wrong?

Legally, based on the facts as you've presented them, you committed an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine.

[Kev40ish]

In what sense do you mean have you done anything wrong?

Legally, based on the facts as you've presented them, you committed an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine.

I will go to the police station and turn myself in, admit my guilt and take any necessary punishment.
Being a model citizen like I am 

[hendrix]

Maybe some parts of the country don't respect law and order. My part of London, at least, is very quiet and people seem to be largely following the rules based on what I see on my walk.

[winkywanky]

You raise an important point hendrix.

Where you live counts a lot. Where I live it's virtually countryside so it's easy to go out and exercise without meeting many others, or putting them or myself at risk. I'm lucky. There's many advantages to living in a city, but not with Covid.

[rickyponting]

As regards working,the rules have been clear from the start,you can work if you cant work from home.

I know of a small building site that has had between 4 and 10 people working on it for the duration of the lockdown. As long as there is distancing in place,i cant see the problem with that.

Compare that to a trip i made to Tesco,where there were at least 100 people including staff milling around the store,i would feel more comfortable on that small building site than being in that Tescos for an hour.

At the end of the day,peoples livelihoods are at stake and i see no problem in going to work in a county where i live where there has been a tiny infection and death rate,the chances of catching this must be nearly zero.

All the people screaming for longer lockdown are people who are retired with money sat in the bank,and time to waste as lockdown doesnt really affect them,their bills are paid at the end of the month whatever happens.

The politicians have to strike a fine balance between kick starting the economy and slowing the infection rate.

If it goes on any longer,the economy will collapse and there will be no NHS to save with millions not paying tax and NI to pay for it and claiming state benefit instead.

By all means stay at home if you can work from home or if you have been furloughed on 80 percent of your pay,but dont begrudge a man needing to put food in his kids mouths who is getting nothing.

[houseboot]

I am becoming increasingly aware of carefully placed articles in the media, and slightly cynical they are being used to keep us in place. Not saying there's reality, but I definitely feel manipulated - and the fear.

This morning I wanted to pick some litter up but my head tells me it could be contaminated with CV-19  I still tidy it away from the beauty spot, then when I get home I'm straight to the sink washing hands then back to the door to wipe the door handles. Tried to stop myself, couldn't. Then I'm remembering I touched my ear to adjust headphones.

Sheesh.

I litter pick my running route and have done for years.

I have continued to do so since lockdown.

There have always been hygiene issues .... who knows how many dogs or rats have peed on the litter before I get to it and whether all the faecel matter is inside the dog poo bags or not.

It's always been a case of taking precautions and scrubbing hands afterwards.

[winkywanky]

Good lad 

[Chorley]

I popped into my office today and had to check I wasn't hallucinating as I found two senior managers had actually bothered to come in and do some work.

In between bitching about this and that, the lazy fuckers announced that even if this shit storm passes, most teams/ departments will either WFH, or gave a staggered and reduced presence in the office.

Won't matter to me or my two colleagues as who've been on the front line having daily face to face contact for the past 5 weeks.
  I'm amazed we haven't caught Covid or TB, given who we're interacting with  

 Only another 7 weeks to go. 

[winkywanky]

Chorley, I'd just like you to know that the whole of the UKP membership is right behind you in your endeavours  .

(About 2 miles behind you, bearing in mind the risk  ).

 

[Blackpool Rock]

I had to go into the office this week and ended up leaving a bit later than normal at a time when the traffic is normally nose to tail and queuing to get home.
I sailed through no problem just like the week before, while I do think there is more traffic on the roads that a month ago it's still nowhere near what it was before lock down though logically there may still be some hotspots in some areas.
Anyway all back to normal next week once Boris announces a slight lift in lockdown the masses will assume it's the green light for them

[winkywanky]

Pretty well the only time I go out in the car is for the weekly shop (and my battery's going flat  ).

The roads are pretty good but then I have to queue up in the car park for nearly an hour to get into the supermarket  . Thankfully it hasn't really rained yet when doing so (although perhaps it might reduce the queue a bit  ).

[tesla]

Pretty well the only time I go out in the car is for the weekly shop (and my battery's going flat  ).

I have that issue and the supermarket is only a mile away, so I make the return journey about 7 miles to get some charge in the battery

[winkywanky]

Careful now, you might get arrested 

[tesla]

Careful now, you might get arrested 

that would be quite useful as the police station is just up the road....

[winkywanky]

Free cuppa and biscuits guaranteed 

[Hobbit]

I'm venturing out tomorrow been at home for too long. Going to sit by a river and get pissed. Got my booze with me. I'll make sure I avoid people. Don't tell the cops. 

[NIK]

Went for a walk around a local country park yesterday. It's the fourth time I have been since the 'lockdown' and there were far more people out than the other three visits put together. Indeed more people than when I have been there in 'normal' times. Similarly, as I was driving back I witnessed far more people out walking, jogging or cycling than usual. I suppose these are the only activities people can do with sports centres, etc being closed. The roads are also virtually back to normal traffic levels.
It would seem far from breaking down the lockdown has already broken down.

[finn5555]

Went for a walk around a local country park yesterday. It's the fourth time I have been since the 'lockdown' and there were far more people out than the other three visits put together. Indeed more people than when I have been there in 'normal' times. Similarly, as I was driving back I witnessed far more people out walking, jogging or cycling than usual. I suppose these are the only activities people can do with sports centres, etc being closed. The roads are also virtually back to normal traffic levels.
It would seem far from breaking down the lockdown has already broken down.

You shouldn’t be driving anywhere to go for a walk it’s not essential travel 

[Blackpool Rock]

You shouldn’t be driving anywhere to go for a walk it’s not essential travel 

Thought it was OK so long as your drive was shorter than the exercise 

[southcoastpunter]

You shouldn’t be driving anywhere to go for a walk it’s not essential travel 

I'm pretty sure this was covered a couple of weeks back by one of the Ministers at the daily briefings (can't remember who) - he said when questioned on this point that driving locally to a point to take excersise was "allowed". However "locally" was never defined.

[Beamer]

I'm pretty sure this was covered a couple of weeks back by one of the Ministers at the daily briefings (can't remember who) - he said when questioned on this point that driving locally to a point to take excersise was "allowed". However "locally" was never defined.

It was covered a couple of weeks ago  and another great example by Boris and his mates when they say "stay local" but don't define what "local" is. 

[Blackpool Rock]

It was covered a couple of weeks ago  and another great example by Boris and his mates when they say "stay local" but don't define what "local" is.

Mmmm yeah but we should all know he has form for outright lying and his smoke and mirrors act, for instance we send £350M a week to the EU but nobody was ever able to provide an accurate breakdown of how that figure was reached 

Then there's the more recent 100K a week tests which haven't been met but they apparently have even though they haven't 
And I believe hot on the heels Bojo has recently said we will do 200K by the end of this month 

[Spencer Fobby]

The version of lockdown we have will not significantly reduced the total number of infections or deaths, merely slowed them.   By the time the vaccine is ready, herd immunity will already be reached.

We are now at a point where much of the general public is too afraid to consider easing lockdown - Neil Ferguson's advice has been taken and made as policy and yet he doesn't feel the need to comply.  Bothe because of his hubris and because he knows the risks are not that great - plus he already caught it (passed it on) and got over it.

All this is doing is creating the greatest economic and social catastrophe that we have seen in generations, that will cause as much loss of life as the disease itself.  That will put more people beneath the poverty threshold than ever before.

It's time to grow up, accept that life is a risky endeavour and get on with it.  And take on board a few lessons to help try and reduce your risk of getting it and reduce your risk of passing it on.  But fuck.... enough is enough!

[GreyDave]

The version of lockdown we have will not significantly reduced the total number of infections or deaths, merely slowed them.   By the time the vaccine is ready, herd immunity will already be reached.

We are now at a point where much of the general public is too afraid to consider easing lockdown - Neil Ferguson's advice has been taken and made as policy and yet he doesn't feel the need to comply.  Bothe because of his hubris and because he knows the risks are not that great - plus he already caught it (passed it on) and got over it.

All this is doing is creating the greatest economic and social catastrophe that we have seen in generations, that will cause as much loss of life as the disease itself.  That will put more people beneath the poverty threshold than ever before.

It's time to grow up, accept that life is a risky endeavour and get on with it.  And take on board a few lessons to help try and reduce your risk of getting it and reduce your risk of passing it on.  But fuck.... enough is enough!

We have had the Scotish Medical expert The UK Housing minster and Dailiy breifer , and Now one the UKs leading science Advisers doing their own thing they KNOW BETTER !   In the Gaudian today Black peole 4 times likely to get it and be worse of and FAT people are to, no you lot are not a diffrent shape yer FAT and at risk! If Adele can lose all that weight and stay of the pies so can some of us .

I was told I am in worry group astma I looked at the figures for under 35 years most had prexisting complaints As one Italian MP said this is a good way to become a dictator by back door ...I watched Starmeers questions and thought youre a good lawer mate but this aint no blame game we need to be sorting it out TOGETHER its point scoring that got us in this mess along with an undercooked bat stew

[willie loman]

Quite a few dissidents now posting about the virus. 4 weeks ago, I was seen as some kind of sociopathic nutcase for questioning the policy. I was wrong about the no of deaths, I assumed it would be under 20,000, but no one had grasped then that ethnicity and weight would be crucial factors. Comments from the usual suspects more than welcome.

[Chorley]

Loads of people out and about today just milling around, even though fuck all is open
Local Police are going made because people are just not social distancing, in fact quite the opposite.
If any changes are made  to relax current practices I suspect it'll be a complete free for all.   

[winkywanky]

Quite a few dissidents now posting about the virus. 4 weeks ago, I was seen as some kind of sociopathic nutcase for questioning the policy. I was wrong about the no of deaths, I assumed it would be under 20,000, but no one had grasped then that ethnicity and weight would be crucial factors. Comments from the usual suspects more than welcome.

Why are you seeking some kind of validation for your attitude early on in the epidemic? And even more recently? You made light of it like it was no big deal, you kept comparing it with the flu and also the common cold because it's 'just another coronavirus'. I can't remember whether it was you who came up with the absolute classic: 'it's just Mother Nature fighting back and having a bit of a cull to prevent over-population', maybe it was cotton? But you certainly seem to be of the same mind on it. All you have done from the very outset is pour scorn on the opinions of the real experts who are working to save lives.

How can you have 'assumed it would be under 20,000 deaths', are you some kind of soothsayer? 

Sociopath? Nutcase? I really have no idea what you are. But there's a difference between indulging in a bit of amateur debate about Coronavirus, and talking absolute shit, based on absolutely nothing, just because you don't like it. None of us like it. Jeezus .

[willie loman]

Why are you seeking some kind of validation for your attitude early on in the epidemic? And even more recently? You made light of it like it was no big deal, you kept comparing it with the flu and also the common cold because it's 'just another coronavirus'. I can't remember whether it was you who came up with the absolute classic: 'it's just Mother Nature fighting back and having a bit of a cull to prevent over-population', maybe it was cotton? But you certainly seem to be of the same mind on it. All you have done from the very outset is pour scorn on the opinions of the real experts who are working to save lives.

How can you have 'assumed it would be under 20,000 deaths', are you some kind of soothsayer? 

Sociopath? Nutcase? I really have no idea what you are. But there's a difference between indulging in a bit of amateur debate about Coronavirus, and talking absolute shit, based on absolutely nothing, just because you don't like it. None of us like it. Jeezus .

Maybe you could read your own posts and be a bit more humble, you predicted riots as we wouldn't be able to bury our loved ones , food shortages, mass graves, and most recently and most absurdly, you said that millions of young people have underlying issues, you are a silly old man, who should stick to talking about porn.

[lostandfound]

Observance of the lockdown has mostly increased over time where I live, as people adjust to it - albeit with anti social outliers, like speeding drivers and larger households who can't or won't keep their brood in check. I would like to see harsh penalties exacted on drivers going faster because there are fewer cars on the road, on streets with lots of pedestrians and cyclists around.

As well as those who are chafing against the lockdown there will be those who are reluctant to see restrictions lifted until they are convinced the epidemic is under control, and the "R" well below 1.

[winkywanky]

Maybe you could read your own posts and be a bit more humble, you predicted riots as we wouldn't be able to bury our loved ones , food shortages, mass graves, and most recently and most absurdly, you said that millions of young people have underlying issues, you are a silly old man, who should stick to talking about porn.

You prat, I said we were in danger of that if we hadn't had the Lockdown, which you argued against. You still cannot bring yourself to admit there would probably have been hundreds of thousands of deaths which would indeed have caused hospitals to be overrun, and caused civil unrest.

Talking to you is a bit like talking to a brick wall, isn't it? 

Stupidly I took the bait when you threw the gauntlet down of 'the usual suspects' commenting on your posts.

Well if you post shit, people will indeed want to comment on it.

Of course millions have underlying health issues, asthma, heart conditions, lung conditions, recovering from cancer, diabetes, THERE ARE WELL OVER A MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UK WITH AT LEAST ONE OF THESE. I can't be bothered to fucking Google it, maybe someone else can.

Jeezus.

[willie loman]

You prat, I said we were in danger of that if we hadn't had the Lockdown, which you argued against. You still cannot bring yourself to admit there would probably have been hundreds of thousands of deaths which would indeed have caused hospitals to be overrun, and caused civil unrest.

Talking to you is a bit like talking to a brick wall, isn't it? 

Stupidly I took the bait when you threw the gauntlet down of 'the usual suspects' commenting on your posts.

Well if you post shit, people will indeed want to comment on it.
You specifically said millions of YOUNG people had underlying issues, there has been no country in Europe where there have been hundreds of thousands of deaths, whether they went into lockdown, partial lockdown, or carried on as if business was as usual

[ulstersubbie]

I would like to see harsh penalties exacted on drivers going faster because there are fewer cars on the road, on streets with lots of pedestrians and cyclists around.

Agree with that, I see a fair bit of it here in Belfast. There are a lot more people out and about round my way as well, the natives are getting restless!

[winkywanky]

OK, I couldn't resist:

FOUR million people in the UK with diabetes.

SEVEN POINT FOUR million people in the UK with heart and ciculatory disease.

EIGHT MILLION people in the UK suffer from asthma.

Around TWO MILLION people in the UK living with cancer.