O/T. The Government's handling of Covid

[Geoff Parkstone]

Given the withdrawal of social distancing and mask requirements, I am quite reassured by the quantum of the increase in cases. Had expected more and we are now in the phase of seeking herd immunity backed by vaccine strategy, so its like to not come down yet a while

[ramAnag]

Given the withdrawal of social distancing and mask requirements, I am quite reassured by the quantum of the increase in cases. Had expected more and we are now in the phase of seeking herd immunity backed by vaccine strategy, so its like to not come down yet a while

Fair point, GP...my hope that we don’t lose sight of it still being around still stands though.
Are you still wearing a mask in shops and other public places? I am in shops and theatres. I’ll let you know about others in theatres after tomorrow but as far as shops are concerned I suddenly seem to be in the small minority...probably one of 25% in a major shopping centre last week and about only 10% in a large Ascot Drive store yesterday.

[MadAmster]

All travel restrictions to be dropped here from Friday, MA, despite a rise in cases.
Make of that what you will...I really hope those in power don’t take their eye off the ball because of the distractions caused by Putin.

As long as Omicron is the gang leader we're OK. It's still there but now reduced to being of a similar danger as the flu. Acceptable levels and we're all back to normal-ish.

[MadAmster]

4 Dutch airlines have announced today that they will no longer enforce mask wearing on flights. They don't see how they can justify it and have people accept it any longer.

[Geoff Parkstone]

Fair point, GP...my hope that we don’t lose sight of it still being around still stands though.
Are you still wearing a mask in shops and other public places? I am in shops and theatres. I’ll let you know about others in theatres after tomorrow but as far as shops are concerned I suddenly seem to be in the small minority...probably one of 25% in a major shopping centre last week and about only 10% in a large Ascot Drive store yesterday.

Mostly still wearing mask in shops and on trains. Did a short bus journey and quick dip into a shop without at the weekend, but generally still being a good citizen. I cannot comment about theatres, havent been for years unlike you who seem to be a "regular"

[ramAnag]

Mostly still wearing mask in shops and on trains. Did a short bus journey and quick dip into a shop without at the weekend, but generally still being a good citizen. I cannot comment about theatres, havent been for years unlike you who seem to be a "regular"

Yep, tomorrow and a week on Thursday I think...to add to a couple of others earlier in the year at which mask wearing was universally fully observed.
Can’t remember the last time I used public transport but common sense would suggest that mask wearing should be a sensible and respectful precaution.
Not sure it’s about being a ‘good citizen’ as much as a sensible/cautious one, although I have to concede to not wearing one in pubs, restaurants or football/rugby matches.

[swaledale]

Interesting - I had no idea that the Norwegians were such dominant market leaders in Europe - and I imagine an impeccable source in the Lancet.

Lessons indeed to be learned - maybe eat more fish, lingonberries and reindeer?

or leave the EU - oh no we've done that

Ah but they are in the customs union and single market, sensible chaps the Norwegians!

[ramAnag]

Mostly still wearing mask in shops and on trains. Did a short bus journey and quick dip into a shop without at the weekend, but generally still being a good citizen. I cannot comment about theatres, havent been for years unlike you who seem to be a "regular"

Covid cases up 51.6 % over the last week in Derbyshire Dales. Theatre trip in January saw virtually 100% mask wearing. Theatre trip on Wednesday less than 10%...and people now have to pay for tests. I don’t believe in coincidences.

[Geoff Parkstone]

You have an equivalent to TyphoidMary running around the hills. Hope its not CovidrA.

You're right, not likely to be coincidence - typical of a load of theatrical luvvies to be the cause of a localised outbreak, but think of all the herd immunity being garnered

[ramAnag]

You have an equivalent to TyphoidMary running around the hills. Hope its not CovidrA.

You're right, not likely to be coincidence - typical of a load of theatrical luvvies to be the cause of a localised outbreak, but think of all the herd immunity being garnered

Do you get herd immunity in the case of a virus which keeps ‘reinventing’ itself? Genuine non facetious question.

P.S. Neither of the theatres I referred to were in Derbyshire where the number of cases remains small...but dramatically increased.