
Originally Posted by
ragingpup
Update from London. The tubes have been very busy in peak times with people now going back to work. Absolutely packed this morning, most buses as well.
Received this email from friend now living in Portugal, his observations on the different responses between Portuguese government and the UK:
"Unlike Boris, the Portuguese government have been very clear about what people can and cannot do. Going to shop - you must wear a mask. No mask - No Shop. No shop - No food. No food - Death by starvation. Public transport will have limited occupancy, only a third of any carriage/bus/coach can be utilised. The same with aeroplanes unless they are being used to repatriate people - once you are out of our airspace you are no longer our problem. Bus drivers will have dispensers and all passangers must make use of these upon entering and leaving the vehicle. Passengers in taxis must sit in the rear of the vehicle. Hire cars will be disinfected on return. There is also a clearly defined schedule for returning to work. Of course there is a proviso that should the virus re-boot itself and a spike take place then all these rules will be revisited.
I watch and listen to what is happening in England with disbelief, the lack of intelligence is astonishing and I have serious concerns for all the people I know who are having to put up with this illogical thinking."
This is only a normal guy expressing his concerns but I think it is striking how clear he feels the Portuguese government actions are contrasted with our own that by allowing people to return to work without thinking through the lack of public transport options in may places, and how people will inevitably be forced to break from social distancing in order to clock in. It feels like a second wave is inevitable in the capital at least. I hope public transport in Rotherham and everywhere else is coping better.
To be clear, I recognise how difficult the situation is for all governments, and think that since finally calling for the lockdown, I've been fine with the Government's work but I am really worried about the lack of structure and thought in this development.