Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
No one working in No. 10 is obeying lockdown and covid restrictions claims Julia Harley-Brewer. They don't bother with social distancing, screens or masks and have even set up a bar for socialising:
"A furious Whitehall source alerted me to this hypocrisy. They said: 'If those in Downing Street had to wear masks all day, or tried to run a business while sticking to social-distancing rules, or were forced to sit looking at a screen at home all day, would they be slower to keep the rest of us under those restrictions?
'No wonder they don't understand why four more weeks of lockdown is a big deal for so many people, and why it may be a death-blow for countless more businesses.' "
Tbh face coverings and social distancing observation have pretty much stopped where I work.
Yes, also at my office. Ditto the pub I frequent. Compliance is very low generally now, outside of Nick Palmer’s circle of friends apparently. Real world observation supports the view that people support restrictions on other people.
Still quite high in shops and supermarkets, though, I find.
The one that gets me is the 'masks on to enter a pub/restaurant' rule. It strikes me as utterly insane and making no difference whatsoever.
It's what's been referred to elsewhere as "Covid theatre" - a useless ritual performance. Same as having to put a gag back on when you have to get out of your seat to go to the loo, or to walk through a hotel lobby on the way to your room. Like a lot of the rules, a classic example of something-must-be-done-ism.
"Covid theatre" - I like that - yes, virtue signalling as it pertains to the pandemic. Will be with us for a long time, I fear. When legal restrictions are eventually removed should one ignore or mock this tendency?
It has been a liberating feeling this weekend fucking off the pointless “mask until you sit down” rule. Noone’s challenged. Track and trace also can go and do one.
These sorts of minor protests are important. Every time you see someone wearing a mask when out and about, it’s a reminder to be afraid. Conversely every time you see someone breaking the pointless rules, it’s a cue to self reflect on what on earth you’re doing following them.
Just a single drop in a limitless ocean maybe. But what is an ocean but a multitude of drops.
We were invited not to bother to wear a mask in a taxi the other day. We left them on anyway because we were going to a hotel where we knew from past experience that we'd only be obliged to put the evil things back on, but it was nice.
There is no legal obligation. Just don’t wear one if you think it’s silly. If challenged, just utter “exempt”.
I have thought about getting myself and husband two of those hidden disability lanyards. Indeed, he is actually entitled to one. It's dealing with other people that stays my hand. Easier to comply with the nonsense and hope it's finally over soon.
Our son is severely autistic and thus has a lanyard. We tend to try to avoid going anywhere because quite a few people assume he’s just playing the Lawrence Fox card, due to so many wankers going around lying about it.
Clip clop clip clop. There goes Andy on his moral high horse.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
Suspect that they do know but are jealous as they don't qualify for one themselves.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
The sooner we get rid of these increasingly pointless masks, the better. For that reason if no other.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
No it is not. But it is to call anyone else a wanker because their condition for not masking in every setting isn’t as severe in his eyes as autism is.
I put myself through not one but two lots of two week quarantine due to suspected infection in me and household members, before Boris Johnson even announced the first lockdown. I have been wearing a mask in appropriate public settings since late January 2020, despite it exacerbating my own chronic lung condition. I bet not many of you can say that.
I’m not going to be so rudely lectured by people like Andy Cooke. Wearing a mask to walk 3 metres from the door to the table of a pub is idiotic and I refuse to now do it, especially given I’ve been a good boy and been double vaxxed, and anyone else at risk has been given the chance to be too.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
The week on week infection inflation rate falls again. Now down to 31%. That’s the lowest it has been in this wavelet I think.
Do we know if they are still doing data drops of "Covid" deaths from way-back? If so, that is going to skew the numbers significantly, when they are now so low....
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
Maybe more people wearing them would help the idiots who think having a face to face argument will prove their covid virtue to be more aware.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
There are no Ubers.
Pretty much the same here in the US north-east (except there are still Ubers but their rates have sky-rocketed). We’re just back from a vacation to Nantucket island (off the coast of Massachusetts) and wife’s home town of Narragansett, Rhode Island. Apart from where federal mandates still apply, such as the ferry to the island, mask wearing has become entirely optional. Some shops still have signs saying optional if fully vaxxed, but no-one’s checking. Some teenagers and younger children still wearing, but virtually no adults. It feels like the end phase is underway.
One of the stories that has perked up my Sunday is the snippet in the Mail that the left's candidate to replace poor Sir Keir is Dawn Butler.
The prospect of watching MS Butler pitch for votes in any constituency that is not the innermost of inner city seats is almost too delicious to contemplate.
Yes, that would be something wondrous to watch. LOTO Butler, on the campaign train in a former red wall seat, filmed calling people she meets as "racist" 2,438 times in a single hour.
And asking for their votes at the same time!!
'labour is the only party that will speak up for white racists like yourselves'
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
Never yet been challenged for not wearing them but then apparently I look like a serial killer according to several work colleagues over the years
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
It really seems to have brought out the worst in people.
7/1 on Wales to beat Italy is surely pretty good. The Italians have changed their team and have nothing to play for. No real advantage to be had in winning the group.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
There are no Ubers.
Pretty much the same here in the US north-east (except there are still Ubers but their rates have sky-rocketed). We’re just back from a vacation to Nantucket island (off the coast of Massachusetts) and wife’s home town of Narragansett, Rhode Island. Apart from where federal mandates still apply, such as the ferry to the island, mask wearing has become entirely optional. Some shops still have signs saying optional if fully vaxxed, but no-one’s checking. Some teenagers and younger children still wearing, but virtually no adults. It feels like the end phase is underway.
It's a sad state of affairs that the best hope we now have against never ending 'low level' restrictions is the common sense of other countries proving it's unnecessary. Without that I'd really have no faith in the busy bodies ever getting off the drug.
I'd have expected the angry knuckledraggers to all be lined up to receive Boris's spaff. And yet there some of them are behind gorgeous. So possibly yes, as hideous a thought it might be.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
Never yet been challenged for not wearing them but then apparently I look like a serial killer according to several work colleagues over the years
There's a 'joke' about someone thumbing a lift and on getting one, after the car has started moving says to the driver "How do you know I'm not a psychopathic killer?" To which the driver replies, without taking his eyes off the road or his hands off the wheel "What are the chances of having two in the same car!"
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Likely to be the sort of c**** who think Down's Syndrome adults shouldn't be seen out in public at any time, Covid or not.
Not least because, for once, the criticism comes from a smaller, weaker jurisdiction than hers. The standard catch all "evil Tories oppressing Scotland" response won't work this time.
I'd have expected the angry knuckledraggers to all be lined up to receive Boris's spaff. And yet there some of them are behind gorgeous. So possibly yes, as hideous a thought it might be.
According to Hodges he has been hoovering up the Muslim vote and is now focusing on the white working class with his pro-brexit anti woke anti establishment message. Whether he could combine those two groups of voters together (as much as I dislike categorising people) is questionable though.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
There are no Ubers.
Greetings. Why are there no Ubers?
I think there are three reasons:
1. Uber requires that drivers now put in plastic safety screens between the customers and the drivers, and a lot of the drivers have said "fuck it, why bother?"
2. The job market is red hot. And Uber simply isn't paying as well as working in a bar / restaurant.
3. People are still a little bit cautious about travelling in other peoples' vehicles.
But it's a total pain for people like me, who prefer to be driven, than to drive.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
Never yet been challenged for not wearing them but then apparently I look like a serial killer according to several work colleagues over the years
I'd have expected the angry knuckledraggers to all be lined up to receive Boris's spaff. And yet there some of them are behind gorgeous. So possibly yes, as hideous a thought it might be.
According to Hodges he has been hoovering up the Muslim vote and is now focusing on the white working class with his pro-brexit anti woke anti establishment message. Whether he could combine those two groups of voters together (as much as I dislike categorising people) is questionable though.
Whilst it sounds unlikely, don't put it past him. Besides, offering massively contradictory platforms to different voters is how we have Clown as PM with a majority of 80.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
There are no Ubers.
Pretty much the same here in the US north-east (except there are still Ubers but their rates have sky-rocketed). We’re just back from a vacation to Nantucket island (off the coast of Massachusetts) and wife’s home town of Narragansett, Rhode Island. Apart from where federal mandates still apply, such as the ferry to the island, mask wearing has become entirely optional. Some shops still have signs saying optional if fully vaxxed, but no-one’s checking. Some teenagers and younger children still wearing, but virtually no adults. It feels like the end phase is underway.
My wife and I are off to LACMA this morning, and then we'll go to the Farmer's Market for lunch. We'll carry masks, just in case, but don't anticipate needing them.
Public transport mask mandates are going to be the last thing to go, but even there I expect them to be gone by the end of the Summer.
I'd have expected the angry knuckledraggers to all be lined up to receive Boris's spaff. And yet there some of them are behind gorgeous. So possibly yes, as hideous a thought it might be.
According to Hodges he has been hoovering up the Muslim vote and is now focusing on the white working class with his pro-brexit anti woke anti establishment message. Whether he could combine those two groups of voters together (as much as I dislike categorising people) is questionable though.
Whilst it sounds unlikely, don't put it past him. Besides, offering massively contradictory platforms to different voters is how we have Clown as PM with a majority of 80.
Untrue. We have Clown because he offered the single platform of Get Brexit Done and I am not Jeremy Corbyn. The rest of the details were neither here nor there.
I'd have expected the angry knuckledraggers to all be lined up to receive Boris's spaff. And yet there some of them are behind gorgeous. So possibly yes, as hideous a thought it might be.
According to Hodges he has been hoovering up the Muslim vote and is now focusing on the white working class with his pro-brexit anti woke anti establishment message. Whether he could combine those two groups of voters together (as much as I dislike categorising people) is questionable though.
Whilst it sounds unlikely, don't put it past him. Besides, offering massively contradictory platforms to different voters is how we have Clown as PM with a majority of 80.
Not least because, for once, the criticism comes from a smaller, weaker jurisdiction than hers. The standard catch all "evil Tories oppressing Scotland" response won't work this time.
Plus good positioning by Burnham as future Labour leader? Looks sincere though!
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
Never yet been challenged for not wearing them but then apparently I look like a serial killer according to several work colleagues over the years
They sound like a charming bunch
Having fallen from the ugly tree has a few compensations. I never got ID'd in a pub once, even when I was 16.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
It doesn't seem that long ago that tories on here were giving each other one speed hand jobs (with eye contact) over the vaccine program compared to Europe. And now, the fucking place is opening up later than most European countries. What was it all for?
Mistakes made or reasonable caution over the unlocking doesn't in any way affect the assessments made of the vaccine rollout speed in various countries, if you can stop giving yourself a handjob for being so super edgy long enough to notice.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
Never yet been challenged for not wearing them but then apparently I look like a serial killer according to several work colleagues over the years
They sound like a charming bunch
Blinks...why do you say that? They merely commented I had a certain way of looking at people that made them think I was deciding how best to butcher them. Doesn't make them bad people or even uncharming. I wasn't offended by it in the least
Why do Labour lefties love the light blue shirt with beige blazer look do much? GG here, Red Ken and Jeza all wear it fr too often for it to be coincidental
Surely this thread should be taken down? I kindo f agree that Labour are the value, as I agreed with Mike they were in Hartlepool when we were both wrong, but if the latest elections there were 2019, its all a load of nonsense and could be really misleading (is really misleading)
I'd have expected the angry knuckledraggers to all be lined up to receive Boris's spaff. And yet there some of them are behind gorgeous. So possibly yes, as hideous a thought it might be.
According to Hodges he has been hoovering up the Muslim vote and is now focusing on the white working class with his pro-brexit anti woke anti establishment message. Whether he could combine those two groups of voters together (as much as I dislike categorising people) is questionable though.
Whilst it sounds unlikely, don't put it past him. Besides, offering massively contradictory platforms to different voters is how we have Clown as PM with a majority of 80.
And a LibDem MP in C&A! Dis-mount.....
All Liberal Democrats are strongly opposed to authoritarian centralised government, which is the main characteristic of Johnson's government. You can choose for yourself which examples bother you most.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
There are no Ubers.
Pretty much the same here in the US north-east (except there are still Ubers but their rates have sky-rocketed). We’re just back from a vacation to Nantucket island (off the coast of Massachusetts) and wife’s home town of Narragansett, Rhode Island. Apart from where federal mandates still apply, such as the ferry to the island, mask wearing has become entirely optional. Some shops still have signs saying optional if fully vaxxed, but no-one’s checking. Some teenagers and younger children still wearing, but virtually no adults. It feels like the end phase is underway.
My wife and I are off to LACMA this morning, and then we'll go to the Farmer's Market for lunch. We'll carry masks, just in case, but don't anticipate needing them.
Public transport mask mandates are going to be the last thing to go, but even there I expect them to be gone by the end of the Summer.
I should expect that the federal public transportation mandate will simply be allowed to lapse in September and won’t be renewed.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
No it is not. But it is to call anyone else a wanker because their condition for not masking in every setting isn’t as severe in his eyes as autism is.
I put myself through not one but two lots of two week quarantine due to suspected infection in me and household members, before Boris Johnson even announced the first lockdown. I have been wearing a mask in appropriate public settings since late January 2020, despite it exacerbating my own chronic lung condition. I bet not many of you can say that.
I’m not going to be so rudely lectured by people like Andy Cooke. Wearing a mask to walk 3 metres from the door to the table of a pub is idiotic and I refuse to now do it, especially given I’ve been a good boy and been double vaxxed, and anyone else at risk has been given the chance to be too.
He was referring to people who lie about an exemption not people, such as yourself, who are exempt
He has absolutely nailed it here. Describes almost every avid Remainer I know (as in know on the internet)
"Here in Britain, Labour is lumped in with a “big blob” of its own. Too often a loud part of that blob sounds like either a select priesthood, speaking to itself about questions that would strike most people as abstract angels-on-a-pinhead theology, or a self-appointed police force dispensing constant, scolding judgment, wagging its finger at the latest supposed infraction of progressive standards. It’s exhausting and so unappealing that even a serially dishonest and incompetent government – but one that seems to accept you, your country and your way of life without pursed-lipped judgment – seems preferable by comparison."
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
What was the point of the vaccines, the Welsh might ask.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
Never yet been challenged for not wearing them but then apparently I look like a serial killer according to several work colleagues over the years
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
The hand gel thing is one of those that most people still unthinkingly do, the Dutch courage before going over the top in to the supermarket, even though it does almost nothing to improve your odds of remaining covid free.
I do wonder when the dust has settled whether the same will be said about mandated public use of masks. Without doubt both measures encourage people into higher risk environments than they would otherwise be comfortable with, despite neither measure probably making any discernible difference to their chances of catching it. Let’s face it, if these measures were so good, one must ask how 30-40% of the UK population caught covid, despite the end to commuting and face to face medical appointments, and the more or less continual mandating against socialising.
Why do Labour lefties love the light blue shirt with beige blazer look do much? GG here, Red Ken and Jeza all wear it fr too often for it to be coincidental
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
Never yet been challenged for not wearing them but then apparently I look like a serial killer according to several work colleagues over the years
Surely this thread should be taken down? I kindo f agree that Labour are the value, as I agreed with Mike they were in Hartlepool when we were both wrong, but if the latest elections there were 2019, its all a load of nonsense and could be really misleading (is really misleading)
Leave aside that either David Cowling or OGH can't count or have deliberately added a couple of thousand to the Lib Dem total to try and pretend they're not irrelevant.
Surely this thread should be taken down? I kindo f agree that Labour are the value, as I agreed with Mike they were in Hartlepool when we were both wrong, but if the latest elections there were 2019, its all a load of nonsense and could be really misleading (is really misleading)
Leave aside that either David Cowling or OGH can't count or have deliberately added a couple of thousand to the Lib Dem total to try and pretend they're not irrelevant.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
No it is not. But it is to call anyone else a wanker because their condition for not masking in every setting isn’t as severe in his eyes as autism is.
I put myself through not one but two lots of two week quarantine due to suspected infection in me and household members, before Boris Johnson even announced the first lockdown. I have been wearing a mask in appropriate public settings since late January 2020, despite it exacerbating my own chronic lung condition. I bet not many of you can say that.
I’m not going to be so rudely lectured by people like Andy Cooke. Wearing a mask to walk 3 metres from the door to the table of a pub is idiotic and I refuse to now do it, especially given I’ve been a good boy and been double vaxxed, and anyone else at risk has been given the chance to be too.
He was referring to people who lie about an exemption not people, such as yourself, who are exempt
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
There are no Ubers.
Pretty much the same here in the US north-east (except there are still Ubers but their rates have sky-rocketed). We’re just back from a vacation to Nantucket island (off the coast of Massachusetts) and wife’s home town of Narragansett, Rhode Island. Apart from where federal mandates still apply, such as the ferry to the island, mask wearing has become entirely optional. Some shops still have signs saying optional if fully vaxxed, but no-one’s checking. Some teenagers and younger children still wearing, but virtually no adults. It feels like the end phase is underway.
My wife and I are off to LACMA this morning, and then we'll go to the Farmer's Market for lunch. We'll carry masks, just in case, but don't anticipate needing them.
Public transport mask mandates are going to be the last thing to go, but even there I expect them to be gone by the end of the Summer.
LACMA is fantastic - much better collection than the Getty IMHO.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
There are no Ubers.
Pretty much the same here in the US north-east (except there are still Ubers but their rates have sky-rocketed). We’re just back from a vacation to Nantucket island (off the coast of Massachusetts) and wife’s home town of Narragansett, Rhode Island. Apart from where federal mandates still apply, such as the ferry to the island, mask wearing has become entirely optional. Some shops still have signs saying optional if fully vaxxed, but no-one’s checking. Some teenagers and younger children still wearing, but virtually no adults. It feels like the end phase is underway.
My wife and I are off to LACMA this morning, and then we'll go to the Farmer's Market for lunch. We'll carry masks, just in case, but don't anticipate needing them.
Public transport mask mandates are going to be the last thing to go, but even there I expect them to be gone by the end of the Summer.
I should expect that the federal public transportation mandate will simply be allowed to lapse in September and won’t be renewed.
Similar situation in MD. Probably a higher percentage of people still voluntarily wearing masks than you report, but I only carry one in case people request that I do. Public transport still has a mandatory mask requirement. Zero occupancy restrictions in restaurants etc... Clubs absolutely packed.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
The hand gel thing is one of those that most people still unthinkingly do, the Dutch courage before going over the top in to the supermarket, even though it does almost nothing to improve your odds of remaining covid free.
I do wonder when the dust has settled whether the same will be said about mandated public use of masks. Without doubt both measures encourage people into higher risk environments than they would otherwise be comfortable with, despite neither measure probably making any discernible difference to their chances of catching it. Let’s face it, if these measures were so good, one must ask how 30-40% of the UK population caught covid, despite the end to commuting and face to face medical appointments, and the more or less continual mandating against socialising.
The hand gel thing is entirely harmless. It is no hassle and not compulsory. It is probably of marginal benefit to the spread of colds and stuff. And a sizable proportion of those who caught Covid did so from working. To keep the country going.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
Yep - I watched someone having a go at two Down's Syndrome adults for not wearing masks last week - both had lanyards and weren't doing anything beyond their weekly shop.
Agree; there are some very stupid people about. Really ought to know what those lanyards mean.
More to the point, who are these horrible busybodies who are abusing people for being maskless?
Never yet been challenged for not wearing them but then apparently I look like a serial killer according to several work colleagues over the years
He has absolutely nailed it here. Describes almost every avid Remainer I know (as in know on the internet)
"Here in Britain, Labour is lumped in with a “big blob” of its own. Too often a loud part of that blob sounds like either a select priesthood, speaking to itself about questions that would strike most people as abstract angels-on-a-pinhead theology, or a self-appointed police force dispensing constant, scolding judgment, wagging its finger at the latest supposed infraction of progressive standards. It’s exhausting and so unappealing that even a serially dishonest and incompetent government – but one that seems to accept you, your country and your way of life without pursed-lipped judgment – seems preferable by comparison."
Reading the grauniad comments I am struck by the wide division between those who accept the article has validity and those who absolutely refuse their reality. It rather makes Mr. Freedlands point for him.
Why do Labour lefties love the light blue shirt with beige blazer look do much? GG here, Red Ken and Jeza all wear it fr too often for it to be coincidental
Beige Boys
I think they are of an age when linen jackets were trendy
Why do Labour lefties love the light blue shirt with beige blazer look do much? GG here, Red Ken and Jeza all wear it fr too often for it to be coincidental
Beige Boys
I think they are of an age when linen jackets were trendy
Mr. Moonshine, not sure it's a high horse to not want your autistic son to cop flak.
No it is not. But it is to call anyone else a wanker because their condition for not masking in every setting isn’t as severe in his eyes as autism is.
I put myself through not one but two lots of two week quarantine due to suspected infection in me and household members, before Boris Johnson even announced the first lockdown. I have been wearing a mask in appropriate public settings since late January 2020, despite it exacerbating my own chronic lung condition. I bet not many of you can say that.
I’m not going to be so rudely lectured by people like Andy Cooke. Wearing a mask to walk 3 metres from the door to the table of a pub is idiotic and I refuse to now do it, especially given I’ve been a good boy and been double vaxxed, and anyone else at risk has been given the chance to be too.
He was referring to people who lie about an exemption not people, such as yourself, who are exempt
How does he know who is lying and who is not?
He doesn’t - he said that (he believes) there are sufficient liars in aggregate that some individuals react by assuming that everyone with a lanyard is a liar.
No one working in No. 10 is obeying lockdown and covid restrictions claims Julia Harley-Brewer. They don't bother with social distancing, screens or masks and have even set up a bar for socialising:
"A furious Whitehall source alerted me to this hypocrisy. They said: 'If those in Downing Street had to wear masks all day, or tried to run a business while sticking to social-distancing rules, or were forced to sit looking at a screen at home all day, would they be slower to keep the rest of us under those restrictions?
'No wonder they don't understand why four more weeks of lockdown is a big deal for so many people, and why it may be a death-blow for countless more businesses.' "
Tbh face coverings and social distancing observation have pretty much stopped where I work.
Yes, also at my office. Ditto the pub I frequent. Compliance is very low generally now, outside of Nick Palmer’s circle of friends apparently. Real world observation supports the view that people support restrictions on other people.
Still quite high in shops and supermarkets, though, I find.
The one that gets me is the 'masks on to enter a pub/restaurant' rule. It strikes me as utterly insane and making no difference whatsoever.
It's what's been referred to elsewhere as "Covid theatre" - a useless ritual performance. Same as having to put a gag back on when you have to get out of your seat to go to the loo, or to walk through a hotel lobby on the way to your room. Like a lot of the rules, a classic example of something-must-be-done-ism.
"Covid theatre" - I like that - yes, virtue signalling as it pertains to the pandemic. Will be with us for a long time, I fear. When legal restrictions are eventually removed should one ignore or mock this tendency?
It has been a liberating feeling this weekend fucking off the pointless “mask until you sit down” rule. Noone’s challenged. Track and trace also can go and do one.
These sorts of minor protests are important. Every time you see someone wearing a mask when out and about, it’s a reminder to be afraid. Conversely every time you see someone breaking the pointless rules, it’s a cue to self reflect on what on earth you’re doing following them.
Just a single drop in a limitless ocean maybe. But what is an ocean but a multitude of drops.
We were invited not to bother to wear a mask in a taxi the other day. We left them on anyway because we were going to a hotel where we knew from past experience that we'd only be obliged to put the evil things back on, but it was nice.
There is no legal obligation. Just don’t wear one if you think it’s silly. If challenged, just utter “exempt”.
I have thought about getting myself and husband two of those hidden disability lanyards. Indeed, he is actually entitled to one. It's dealing with other people that stays my hand. Easier to comply with the nonsense and hope it's finally over soon.
Our son is severely autistic and thus has a lanyard. We tend to try to avoid going anywhere because quite a few people assume he’s just playing the Lawrence Fox card, due to so many wankers going around lying about it.
Clip clop clip clop. There goes Andy on his moral high horse.
WTAF. His son is autistic and you're sneering??
There may be some backstory I don't get, but that is well out of order. Apologise! You are a sensible poster, normally
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
The hand gel thing is one of those that most people still unthinkingly do, the Dutch courage before going over the top in to the supermarket, even though it does almost nothing to improve your odds of remaining covid free.
I do wonder when the dust has settled whether the same will be said about mandated public use of masks. Without doubt both measures encourage people into higher risk environments than they would otherwise be comfortable with, despite neither measure probably making any discernible difference to their chances of catching it. Let’s face it, if these measures were so good, one must ask how 30-40% of the UK population caught covid, despite the end to commuting and face to face medical appointments, and the more or less continual mandating against socialising.
The hand gel thing is entirely harmless. It is no hassle and not compulsory. It is probably of marginal benefit to the spread of colds and stuff. And a sizable proportion of those who caught Covid did so from working. To keep the country going.
It is "harmless" - but my (public sector) employer is spending thousands of pounds on the things (and in fact lots more on "cleaning" of dubious direct Covid relevance) in anticipation of staff returning to the office on some level.
I've posted on here for the 2021 results. Ward results available on the council website.
There was a council by-election in a Tory leaning ward as part of this May's round, meaning a slight complication in calculating: so as not to overweight I took the average (I know Andrew Teale and the like go with largest vote for each party)
So, 2021 council elections came to, iirc, 11410 Labour Vs 11450 Tory, a Tory lead of 0.12%. (Labour list, using the lead candidate method can up with a 0.3% Tory lead).
Whatever, the start point for this election.is neck and neck, and not a substantial Labour lead.
No one working in No. 10 is obeying lockdown and covid restrictions claims Julia Harley-Brewer. They don't bother with social distancing, screens or masks and have even set up a bar for socialising:
"A furious Whitehall source alerted me to this hypocrisy. They said: 'If those in Downing Street had to wear masks all day, or tried to run a business while sticking to social-distancing rules, or were forced to sit looking at a screen at home all day, would they be slower to keep the rest of us under those restrictions?
'No wonder they don't understand why four more weeks of lockdown is a big deal for so many people, and why it may be a death-blow for countless more businesses.' "
Tbh face coverings and social distancing observation have pretty much stopped where I work.
Yes, also at my office. Ditto the pub I frequent. Compliance is very low generally now, outside of Nick Palmer’s circle of friends apparently. Real world observation supports the view that people support restrictions on other people.
Still quite high in shops and supermarkets, though, I find.
The one that gets me is the 'masks on to enter a pub/restaurant' rule. It strikes me as utterly insane and making no difference whatsoever.
It's what's been referred to elsewhere as "Covid theatre" - a useless ritual performance. Same as having to put a gag back on when you have to get out of your seat to go to the loo, or to walk through a hotel lobby on the way to your room. Like a lot of the rules, a classic example of something-must-be-done-ism.
"Covid theatre" - I like that - yes, virtue signalling as it pertains to the pandemic. Will be with us for a long time, I fear. When legal restrictions are eventually removed should one ignore or mock this tendency?
It has been a liberating feeling this weekend fucking off the pointless “mask until you sit down” rule. Noone’s challenged. Track and trace also can go and do one.
These sorts of minor protests are important. Every time you see someone wearing a mask when out and about, it’s a reminder to be afraid. Conversely every time you see someone breaking the pointless rules, it’s a cue to self reflect on what on earth you’re doing following them.
Just a single drop in a limitless ocean maybe. But what is an ocean but a multitude of drops.
We were invited not to bother to wear a mask in a taxi the other day. We left them on anyway because we were going to a hotel where we knew from past experience that we'd only be obliged to put the evil things back on, but it was nice.
There is no legal obligation. Just don’t wear one if you think it’s silly. If challenged, just utter “exempt”.
I have thought about getting myself and husband two of those hidden disability lanyards. Indeed, he is actually entitled to one. It's dealing with other people that stays my hand. Easier to comply with the nonsense and hope it's finally over soon.
Our son is severely autistic and thus has a lanyard. We tend to try to avoid going anywhere because quite a few people assume he’s just playing the Lawrence Fox card, due to so many wankers going around lying about it.
Clip clop clip clop. There goes Andy on his moral high horse.
Fuck off, you denialist cunt. Sick and fucking tired of the denialist wankers now. I’m out.
Stay, Andy!
Your statistical analyses of Covid have been smart, detailed and absolutely invaluable: better then almost anything on MSM
Don't listen to the haters, perhaps they are having a bad day
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
He will be ignored and indeed there are less masks being worn and social distancing is disappearing
He is becoming extremely unpopular here in North Wales with local firms taking him to Court over their competitors In England which are open and he is trying to bring in a tourist tax, notwithstanding covid having decimated the industry
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
The hand gel thing is one of those that most people still unthinkingly do, the Dutch courage before going over the top in to the supermarket, even though it does almost nothing to improve your odds of remaining covid free.
I do wonder when the dust has settled whether the same will be said about mandated public use of masks. Without doubt both measures encourage people into higher risk environments than they would otherwise be comfortable with, despite neither measure probably making any discernible difference to their chances of catching it. Let’s face it, if these measures were so good, one must ask how 30-40% of the UK population caught covid, despite the end to commuting and face to face medical appointments, and the more or less continual mandating against socialising.
The hand gel thing is entirely harmless. It is no hassle and not compulsory. It is probably of marginal benefit to the spread of colds and stuff. And a sizable proportion of those who caught Covid did so from working. To keep the country going.
It is "harmless" - but my (public sector) employer is spending thousands of pounds on the things is anticipation of staff returning to the office on some level.
It's in the same category as banning free plastic bags.
It makes people feel warm and fuzzy for having done *something*.
However, once you start charging for the bags shops feel obliged to make them better quality - so you end up with bags with 4x as much plastic being produced, and a 66% fall in the number used, so that overall more plastic is being used and people are putting up with an inconvenience, all the while feeling like they've done something good for the planet rather than actually having done it.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
The hand gel thing is one of those that most people still unthinkingly do, the Dutch courage before going over the top in to the supermarket, even though it does almost nothing to improve your odds of remaining covid free.
I do wonder when the dust has settled whether the same will be said about mandated public use of masks. Without doubt both measures encourage people into higher risk environments than they would otherwise be comfortable with, despite neither measure probably making any discernible difference to their chances of catching it. Let’s face it, if these measures were so good, one must ask how 30-40% of the UK population caught covid, despite the end to commuting and face to face medical appointments, and the more or less continual mandating against socialising.
The hand gel thing is entirely harmless. It is no hassle and not compulsory. It is probably of marginal benefit to the spread of colds and stuff. And a sizable proportion of those who caught Covid did so from working. To keep the country going.
It is "harmless" - but my (public sector) employer is spending thousands of pounds on the things is anticipation of staff returning to the office on some level.
You never know. It may prove of benefit in the reduction of spread of colds. When hand shaking returns. I certainly use it at every opportunity. Not cause of Covid, just cos it is more hygienic. And free.
Greetings from (mostly) completely reopened California.
95% of people on the street aren't wearing masks 80% of people in shops aren't wearing them.
Most shops and restaurants still require their employees to wear masks, presumably because until this week it was illegal to ask if an employee had been vaccinated.
There are no Ubers.
Cannot wait for this to be the case in England, too!
In Estonia its blazing sunshine (33 today), and most restrictions lifted, masks gone even inside, shops and bars open normal hours, and infection rate lower every day (only 25 new positives today). Vaccination accelerated this week and now nearly 60% of adults done with nearly three quarters fully vaccinated. Bolt rather than Uber and no problems getting about. Not complacent, but things seem to be winding down. Might be able to get the Uk sometime if the government can get a bloody grip.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Why are hospitals incapable of controlling this infection effectively? Is the virus so hard to contain that the task is impossible?
No one working in No. 10 is obeying lockdown and covid restrictions claims Julia Harley-Brewer. They don't bother with social distancing, screens or masks and have even set up a bar for socialising:
"A furious Whitehall source alerted me to this hypocrisy. They said: 'If those in Downing Street had to wear masks all day, or tried to run a business while sticking to social-distancing rules, or were forced to sit looking at a screen at home all day, would they be slower to keep the rest of us under those restrictions?
'No wonder they don't understand why four more weeks of lockdown is a big deal for so many people, and why it may be a death-blow for countless more businesses.' "
Tbh face coverings and social distancing observation have pretty much stopped where I work.
Yes, also at my office. Ditto the pub I frequent. Compliance is very low generally now, outside of Nick Palmer’s circle of friends apparently. Real world observation supports the view that people support restrictions on other people.
Still quite high in shops and supermarkets, though, I find.
The one that gets me is the 'masks on to enter a pub/restaurant' rule. It strikes me as utterly insane and making no difference whatsoever.
It's what's been referred to elsewhere as "Covid theatre" - a useless ritual performance. Same as having to put a gag back on when you have to get out of your seat to go to the loo, or to walk through a hotel lobby on the way to your room. Like a lot of the rules, a classic example of something-must-be-done-ism.
"Covid theatre" - I like that - yes, virtue signalling as it pertains to the pandemic. Will be with us for a long time, I fear. When legal restrictions are eventually removed should one ignore or mock this tendency?
It has been a liberating feeling this weekend fucking off the pointless “mask until you sit down” rule. Noone’s challenged. Track and trace also can go and do one.
These sorts of minor protests are important. Every time you see someone wearing a mask when out and about, it’s a reminder to be afraid. Conversely every time you see someone breaking the pointless rules, it’s a cue to self reflect on what on earth you’re doing following them.
Just a single drop in a limitless ocean maybe. But what is an ocean but a multitude of drops.
We were invited not to bother to wear a mask in a taxi the other day. We left them on anyway because we were going to a hotel where we knew from past experience that we'd only be obliged to put the evil things back on, but it was nice.
There is no legal obligation. Just don’t wear one if you think it’s silly. If challenged, just utter “exempt”.
I have thought about getting myself and husband two of those hidden disability lanyards. Indeed, he is actually entitled to one. It's dealing with other people that stays my hand. Easier to comply with the nonsense and hope it's finally over soon.
Our son is severely autistic and thus has a lanyard. We tend to try to avoid going anywhere because quite a few people assume he’s just playing the Lawrence Fox card, due to so many wankers going around lying about it.
Clip clop clip clop. There goes Andy on his moral high horse.
WTAF. His son is autistic and you're sneering??
There may be some backstory I don't get, but that is well out of order. Apologise! You are a sensible poster, normally
Of course I do not sneer because his son is autistic. I sneer at his own sneering assumption that anybody else not wearing a mask is a “wanker”. Or “denialist cunt” as he later said. It makes him little better than the people he’s upset about.
It’s time to break society’s habit on these or we’re going to be stuck with them forever, when the net medical and social benefit is most likely marginal at best at this point and quite possibly worse than that.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
The hand gel thing is one of those that most people still unthinkingly do, the Dutch courage before going over the top in to the supermarket, even though it does almost nothing to improve your odds of remaining covid free.
I do wonder when the dust has settled whether the same will be said about mandated public use of masks. Without doubt both measures encourage people into higher risk environments than they would otherwise be comfortable with, despite neither measure probably making any discernible difference to their chances of catching it. Let’s face it, if these measures were so good, one must ask how 30-40% of the UK population caught covid, despite the end to commuting and face to face medical appointments, and the more or less continual mandating against socialising.
The hand gel thing is entirely harmless. It is no hassle and not compulsory. It is probably of marginal benefit to the spread of colds and stuff. And a sizable proportion of those who caught Covid did so from working. To keep the country going.
It is "harmless" - but my (public sector) employer is spending thousands of pounds on the things is anticipation of staff returning to the office on some level.
You never know. It may prove of benefit in the reduction of spread of colds. When hand shaking returns. I certainly use it at every opportunity. Not cause of Covid, just cos it is more hygienic. And free.
This is true. However, have some people have posited, these things are potentially very much swings and roundabouts. Already people are speculating about how winter pressures on the NHS may be much worse this winter because the lockdown and massive increase in general hygiene amongst the general population may actually leave some key groups (eg. young children) more vulnerable to illness and disease.
It's a twist on the old complaint that children are being "mollycoddled" and prevented from building up underlying immunity to various illnesses through exposure to bacteria and minor illnesses.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Why are hospitals incapable of controlling this infection effectively? Is the virus so hard to contain that the task is impossible?
Hospitals always meanz infections cos infections are what you get if you put lots of infectious people all in one big building.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
He will be ignored and indeed there are less masks being worn and social distancing is disappearing
He is becoming extremely unpopular here in North Wales with local firms taking him to Court over their competitors In England which are open and he is trying to bring in a tourist tax, notwithstanding covid having decimated the industry
And Wales 1 down
Drakeford can vandalize the Welsh economy as much as he pleases. All he has to do if people get poorer is follow the Scottish formula: blame the Tories and demand more money from England. Job done.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Why are hospitals incapable of controlling this infection effectively? Is the virus so hard to contain that the task is impossible?
It will be interesting to discover at the end of this whole thing quite what percentage of deaths, in particular, and possibly levels of serious illness, were actually generated in hospitals.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Why are hospitals incapable of controlling this infection effectively? Is the virus so hard to contain that the task is impossible?
In part it is that much medical and nursing care cannot be socially distanced, in part the numbers of staff moving around, the generally poor ventilation in many areas and in part the number of vulnerable patients.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Why are hospitals incapable of controlling this infection effectively? Is the virus so hard to contain that the task is impossible?
I seem to recall hearing the difference in success for hospital transmission fo SARS, between higher tech air conditioned hospitals in Singapore with distancing measures, and low tech ones in much of south east Asia that just opened the windows. Seems pretty clear that fresh air is by far the best thing for this, perhaps many of our jumbo hospitals are hampered by the number of internal rooms, lobbies and corridors with no windows. You can sanitise, distance and mask wear all you want but if there’s not clean air regularly refreshing the place it’s probably no good after a while.
Not least because, for once, the criticism comes from a smaller, weaker jurisdiction than hers. The standard catch all "evil Tories oppressing Scotland" response won't work this time.
Helpfully the Scots still run a very regular and excellent train service direct from Edinburgh to Manchester.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
He will be ignored and indeed there are less masks being worn and social distancing is disappearing
He is becoming extremely unpopular here in North Wales with local firms taking him to Court over their competitors In England which are open and he is trying to bring in a tourist tax, notwithstanding covid having decimated the industry
And Wales 1 down
Drakeford can vandalize the Welsh economy as much as he pleases. All he has to do if people get poorer is follow the Scottish formula: blame the Tories and demand more money from England. Job done.
The conservatives had their best result in the Assembly elections this year
He has absolutely nailed it here. Describes almost every avid Remainer I know (as in know on the internet)
"Here in Britain, Labour is lumped in with a “big blob” of its own. Too often a loud part of that blob sounds like either a select priesthood, speaking to itself about questions that would strike most people as abstract angels-on-a-pinhead theology, or a self-appointed police force dispensing constant, scolding judgment, wagging its finger at the latest supposed infraction of progressive standards. It’s exhausting and so unappealing that even a serially dishonest and incompetent government – but one that seems to accept you, your country and your way of life without pursed-lipped judgment – seems preferable by comparison."
Reading the grauniad comments I am struck by the wide division between those who accept the article has validity and those who absolutely refuse their reality. It rather makes Mr. Freedlands point for him.
There was a similar article in Unherd a couple of days ago, which concluded with a similar point: People will often put up with being ruled by people who cheat them, or lie to them, or who mismanage the country - as recent polls illustrate. But they won't put up with being ruled by people who openly despise them. https://unherd.com/2021/06/the-self-loathing-of-britains-elites/
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Why are hospitals incapable of controlling this infection effectively? Is the virus so hard to contain that the task is impossible?
It will be interesting to discover at the end of this whole thing quite what percentage of deaths, in particular, and possibly levels of serious illness, were actually generated in hospitals.
I think figures of 10-20% cases being hospital acquired are typical, and largely a vulnerable patient set too.
No one working in No. 10 is obeying lockdown and covid restrictions claims Julia Harley-Brewer. They don't bother with social distancing, screens or masks and have even set up a bar for socialising:
"A furious Whitehall source alerted me to this hypocrisy. They said: 'If those in Downing Street had to wear masks all day, or tried to run a business while sticking to social-distancing rules, or were forced to sit looking at a screen at home all day, would they be slower to keep the rest of us under those restrictions?
'No wonder they don't understand why four more weeks of lockdown is a big deal for so many people, and why it may be a death-blow for countless more businesses.' "
Tbh face coverings and social distancing observation have pretty much stopped where I work.
Yes, also at my office. Ditto the pub I frequent. Compliance is very low generally now, outside of Nick Palmer’s circle of friends apparently. Real world observation supports the view that people support restrictions on other people.
Still quite high in shops and supermarkets, though, I find.
The one that gets me is the 'masks on to enter a pub/restaurant' rule. It strikes me as utterly insane and making no difference whatsoever.
It's what's been referred to elsewhere as "Covid theatre" - a useless ritual performance. Same as having to put a gag back on when you have to get out of your seat to go to the loo, or to walk through a hotel lobby on the way to your room. Like a lot of the rules, a classic example of something-must-be-done-ism.
"Covid theatre" - I like that - yes, virtue signalling as it pertains to the pandemic. Will be with us for a long time, I fear. When legal restrictions are eventually removed should one ignore or mock this tendency?
It has been a liberating feeling this weekend fucking off the pointless “mask until you sit down” rule. Noone’s challenged. Track and trace also can go and do one.
These sorts of minor protests are important. Every time you see someone wearing a mask when out and about, it’s a reminder to be afraid. Conversely every time you see someone breaking the pointless rules, it’s a cue to self reflect on what on earth you’re doing following them.
Just a single drop in a limitless ocean maybe. But what is an ocean but a multitude of drops.
We were invited not to bother to wear a mask in a taxi the other day. We left them on anyway because we were going to a hotel where we knew from past experience that we'd only be obliged to put the evil things back on, but it was nice.
There is no legal obligation. Just don’t wear one if you think it’s silly. If challenged, just utter “exempt”.
I have thought about getting myself and husband two of those hidden disability lanyards. Indeed, he is actually entitled to one. It's dealing with other people that stays my hand. Easier to comply with the nonsense and hope it's finally over soon.
Our son is severely autistic and thus has a lanyard. We tend to try to avoid going anywhere because quite a few people assume he’s just playing the Lawrence Fox card, due to so many wankers going around lying about it.
Clip clop clip clop. There goes Andy on his moral high horse.
WTAF. His son is autistic and you're sneering??
There may be some backstory I don't get, but that is well out of order. Apologise! You are a sensible poster, normally
Of course I do not sneer because his son is autistic. I sneer at his own sneering assumption that anybody else not wearing a mask is a “wanker”. Or “denialist cunt” as he later said. It makes him little better than the people he’s upset about.
It’s time to break society’s habit on these or we’re going to be stuck with them forever, when the net medical and social benefit is most likely marginal at best at this point and quite possibly worse than that.
I believe you've misconstrued him, he was attacking those who have falsely claimed exemption in the past, not people who now choose to go maskless
Besides, you need a pretty good reason to attack a commenter who makes a remark about a child of theirs with a serious personal affliction, especially in your reply to that very same remark. It fails a fundamental test of good manners. Tut tut
He has absolutely nailed it here. Describes almost every avid Remainer I know (as in know on the internet)
"Here in Britain, Labour is lumped in with a “big blob” of its own. Too often a loud part of that blob sounds like either a select priesthood, speaking to itself about questions that would strike most people as abstract angels-on-a-pinhead theology, or a self-appointed police force dispensing constant, scolding judgment, wagging its finger at the latest supposed infraction of progressive standards. It’s exhausting and so unappealing that even a serially dishonest and incompetent government – but one that seems to accept you, your country and your way of life without pursed-lipped judgment – seems preferable by comparison."
Reading the grauniad comments I am struck by the wide division between those who accept the article has validity and those who absolutely refuse their reality. It rather makes Mr. Freedlands point for him.
There was a similar article in Unherd a couple of days ago, which concluded with a similar point: People will often put up with being ruled by people who cheat them, or lie to them, or who mismanage the country - as recent polls illustrate. But they won't put up with being ruled by people who openly despise them. https://unherd.com/2021/06/the-self-loathing-of-britains-elites/
Yes, I think that does explain the C and A result, people won't vote for those that despise them.
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Why are hospitals incapable of controlling this infection effectively? Is the virus so hard to contain that the task is impossible?
In part it is that much medical and nursing care cannot be socially distanced, in part the numbers of staff moving around, the generally poor ventilation in many areas and in part the number of vulnerable patients.
If large chunks of it simply CANNOT be socially distanced, is there really that much benefit in trying to maintain restrictive measures where they can - given the damage it does to wider healthcare provision?
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
While certainly the SD rules are a major drag on productivity, it is worth noting that waiting lists were growing even with normal productivity prior to the first lockdown.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
Why are hospitals incapable of controlling this infection effectively? Is the virus so hard to contain that the task is impossible?
In part it is that much medical and nursing care cannot be socially distanced, in part the numbers of staff moving around, the generally poor ventilation in many areas and in part the number of vulnerable patients.
If large chunks of it simply CANNOT be socially distanced, is there really that much benefit in trying to maintain restrictive measures where they can - given the damage it does to wider healthcare provision?
Was going to ask the same question myself: there must come a point when the costs of trying to keep a lid on the virus exceed the benefits. The only question is, how to determine when this point has been reached?
I see that nice Mr Drakeford has said that vaccinations won't be enough, and coronavirus restrictions "in some form" are going to be required for the foreseeable future to "prevent our health service being overwhelmed again". And then quotes "masks, social distancing measures and hand washing" (is there actually any evidence that hand washing and all these gel dispensers everywhere actually do anything whatsoever in relation to the spreading of Covid?).
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
He will be ignored and indeed there are less masks being worn and social distancing is disappearing
He is becoming extremely unpopular here in North Wales with local firms taking him to Court over their competitors In England which are open and he is trying to bring in a tourist tax, notwithstanding covid having decimated the industry
And Wales 1 down
Drakeford can vandalize the Welsh economy as much as he pleases. All he has to do if people get poorer is follow the Scottish formula: blame the Tories and demand more money from England. Job done.
The conservatives had their best result in the Assembly elections this year
I was, of course, talking primarily about those in power at the Evil Westminster, though FWIW the Welsh Tories are still a million miles from office.
It is interesting after 15 months of this pandemic we still aren't totally sure about transmission vectors.
"Interesting", or verging on criminal (either that this isn't reasonably certainly known to a material level, or that the Government has done such a poor job of communicating it)?
It is interesting after 15 months of this pandemic we still aren't totally sure about transmission vectors.
"Interesting", or verging on criminal (either that this isn't reasonably certainly known to a material level, or that the Government has done such a poor job of communicating it)?
No, I don't think the scientific community around the world are sure. Hence why lots of different rules and regs,.often contradictory to other places.
It is interesting after 15 months of this pandemic we still aren't totally sure about transmission vectors.
It is mostly airborne, particularly indoors, that much has been obvious for some time.
I follow the mask rules and SD rules indoors both at work and leisure, this morning in Church, at lunch with Fox Jr, and running some shopping errands.
This is not just for my protection, but those around me. Another major driver is that I have seen our HCAs and receptionists in tears from being abused by members of the public when instructing them of the rules. It is only polite and good manners to not put staff in shops and restaurants etc in a similar awkward and uncomfortable position.
The current pundits on ITV are far superior to usual idiots they have on. Not much tactics, but they can actually form coherent sentences. Bin off Ashley Cole and get Hal Robson Kanu on instead.
He has absolutely nailed it here. Describes almost every avid Remainer I know (as in know on the internet)
"Here in Britain, Labour is lumped in with a “big blob” of its own. Too often a loud part of that blob sounds like either a select priesthood, speaking to itself about questions that would strike most people as abstract angels-on-a-pinhead theology, or a self-appointed police force dispensing constant, scolding judgment, wagging its finger at the latest supposed infraction of progressive standards. It’s exhausting and so unappealing that even a serially dishonest and incompetent government – but one that seems to accept you, your country and your way of life without pursed-lipped judgment – seems preferable by comparison."
Reading the grauniad comments I am struck by the wide division between those who accept the article has validity and those who absolutely refuse their reality. It rather makes Mr. Freedlands point for him.
There was a similar article in Unherd a couple of days ago, which concluded with a similar point: People will often put up with being ruled by people who cheat them, or lie to them, or who mismanage the country - as recent polls illustrate. But they won't put up with being ruled by people who openly despise them. https://unherd.com/2021/06/the-self-loathing-of-britains-elites/
Yes, I think that does explain the C and A result, people won't vote for those that despise them.
The C&A result is an ancient type of byelection result, with little evidence that it is about being despised and loads of evidence that it's about how to vote at byelections. Massive anti governments swings are common where the circumstances are right, and are usually altered back over time or by the next election. The new trend is the government winning against the opposition. The Tories are in with a chance (less chance than the bookies say) with this yet again.
The collapse of the non big urban (London) blue wall is massively overstated. Look at the map as a whole rather than a few interesting cases.
Freedland is excellent but still manages to take for granted that Labour is the right answer to the progressive cause. Maybe it isn't. Maybe the Tories are the most progressive party around.
If Labour stood where the Tories stand about the aspirational middling sort I would vote for them in GEs as I do in local elections. But nationally they are a crowd of uncommunicating enclaves of special interest groups who patronise people like me.
Comments
I put myself through not one but two lots of two week quarantine due to suspected infection in me and household members, before Boris Johnson even announced the first lockdown. I have been wearing a mask in appropriate public settings since late January 2020, despite it exacerbating my own chronic lung condition. I bet not many of you can say that.
I’m not going to be so rudely lectured by people like Andy Cooke. Wearing a mask to walk 3 metres from the door to the table of a pub is idiotic and I refuse to now do it, especially given I’ve been a good boy and been double vaxxed, and anyone else at risk has been given the chance to be too.
https://twitter.com/WorkersPartyGB/status/1406242111394127872
'labour is the only party that will speak up for white racists like yourselves'
https://twitter.com/AndyBurnhamGM/status/1406550971786973186
"How do you know I'm not a psychopathic killer?"
To which the driver replies, without taking his eyes off the road or his hands off the wheel
"What are the chances of having two in the same car!"
1. Uber requires that drivers now put in plastic safety screens between the customers and the drivers, and a lot of the drivers have said "fuck it, why bother?"
2. The job market is red hot. And Uber simply isn't paying as well as working in a bar / restaurant.
3. People are still a little bit cautious about travelling in other peoples' vehicles.
But it's a total pain for people like me, who prefer to be driven, than to drive.
Decent odds, IMO
Public transport mask mandates are going to be the last thing to go, but even there I expect them to be gone by the end of the Summer.
Dis-mount.....
I wonder if it is worth pointing out that if you're concerned about the NHS being overwhelmed then "social distancing" is a somewhat double edged sword - given that (as we know from Dr Foxy here) social distancing rules in hospitals are a significant contributing factor to preventing hospitals clearing backlogs and returning to normal. And he particularly focussed on out-patients and the knock on effect on A&E unless it gets going to something like speed again.
Hartlepool promoted to EFL.
"Here in Britain, Labour is lumped in with a “big blob” of its own. Too often a loud part of that blob sounds like either a select priesthood, speaking to itself about questions that would strike most people as abstract angels-on-a-pinhead theology, or a self-appointed police force dispensing constant, scolding judgment, wagging its finger at the latest supposed infraction of progressive standards. It’s exhausting and so unappealing that even a serially dishonest and incompetent government – but one that seems to accept you, your country and your way of life without pursed-lipped judgment – seems preferable by comparison."
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/18/byelection-johnson-progressive-alliance-educated-middle-class
I do wonder when the dust has settled whether the same will be said about mandated public use of masks. Without doubt both measures encourage people into higher risk environments than they would otherwise be comfortable with, despite neither measure probably making any discernible difference to their chances of catching it. Let’s face it, if these measures were so good, one must ask how 30-40% of the UK population caught covid, despite the end to commuting and face to face medical appointments, and the more or less continual mandating against socialising.
I’m jealous now 😢
And a sizable proportion of those who caught Covid did so from working. To keep the country going.
I don't think that we can be rid of them though. We are seeing significant outbreaks again acquired in hospital.
There may be some backstory I don't get, but that is well out of order. Apologise! You are a sensible poster, normally
There was a council by-election in a Tory leaning ward as part of this May's round, meaning a slight complication in calculating: so as not to overweight I took the average (I know Andrew Teale and the like go with largest vote for each party)
So, 2021 council elections came to, iirc, 11410 Labour Vs 11450 Tory, a Tory lead of 0.12%. (Labour list, using the lead candidate method can up with a 0.3% Tory lead).
Whatever, the start point for this election.is neck and neck, and not a substantial Labour lead.
Your statistical analyses of Covid have been smart, detailed and absolutely invaluable: better then almost anything on MSM
Don't listen to the haters, perhaps they are having a bad day
He is becoming extremely unpopular here in North Wales with local firms taking him to Court over their competitors In England which are open and he is trying to bring in a tourist tax, notwithstanding covid having decimated the industry
And Wales 1 down
It makes people feel warm and fuzzy for having done *something*.
However, once you start charging for the bags shops feel obliged to make them better quality - so you end up with bags with 4x as much plastic being produced, and a 66% fall in the number used, so that overall more plastic is being used and people are putting up with an inconvenience, all the while feeling like they've done something good for the planet rather than actually having done it.
I certainly use it at every opportunity. Not cause of Covid, just cos it is more hygienic. And free.
Ward Con Lab LDP Grn Oth Total
Batley E 1160 3520 139 308 83 5210
Batley W 1501 2950 173 293 251 5168
Birstall 2449 1121 238 419 4227
Cleckheaton 1728 589 2422 236 4975
Heckmondwyke 1947 2095 200 391 4633
Liversedge 2801 1207 193 321 288 4810
Total 11586 11482 3365 1968 622 29023
39.9 39.6 11.6 6.8 2.1
This implies a 17% pool of votes for Labour to call on to hold the seat perhaps?
It’s time to break society’s habit on these or we’re going to be stuck with them forever, when the net medical and social benefit is most likely marginal at best at this point and quite possibly worse than that.
It's a twist on the old complaint that children are being "mollycoddled" and prevented from building up underlying immunity to various illnesses through exposure to bacteria and minor illnesses.
People will often put up with being ruled by people who cheat them, or lie to them, or who mismanage the country - as recent polls illustrate. But they won't put up with being ruled by people who openly despise them.
https://unherd.com/2021/06/the-self-loathing-of-britains-elites/
Besides, you need a pretty good reason to attack a commenter who makes a remark about a child of theirs with a serious personal affliction, especially in your reply to that very same remark. It fails a fundamental test of good manners. Tut tut
I follow the mask rules and SD rules indoors both at work and leisure, this morning in Church, at lunch with Fox Jr, and running some shopping errands.
This is not just for my protection, but those around me. Another major driver is that I have seen our HCAs and receptionists in tears from being abused by members of the public when instructing them of the rules. It is only polite and good manners to not put staff in shops and restaurants etc in a similar awkward and uncomfortable position.
The collapse of the non big urban (London) blue wall is massively overstated. Look at the map as a whole rather than a few interesting cases.
Freedland is excellent but still manages to take for granted that Labour is the right answer to the progressive cause. Maybe it isn't. Maybe the Tories are the most progressive party around.
If Labour stood where the Tories stand about the aspirational middling sort I would vote for them in GEs as I do in local elections. But nationally they are a crowd of uncommunicating enclaves of special interest groups who patronise people like me.