We were never on the shielding list to start with though, unless these new rumours suggest that might change?
It certainly seems to feel more chaotic by the day. I must admit for the past week I only turn on tv/ radio in the early evening. I check a few sources that seem the most reliable only. Plus this thread
. I must admit my sense of wellbeing has gone through the roof.
Even the guidelines on gov.uk are so open to interpretation its laughable. I did see a post mocking them saying you can now meet a goth in your garden shed every other Wednesday as long as it is Chers birthday. Space hoppers are the recommended form of transport. It was very funny but also quite terrifying as the government are so inept it might as well be policy.
I imagine any competent government, which we havent got,would be daunted with how to deal with this complex and terrible situation.
In the early days the shielding list was hastily drawn up with people added that needn't be and vice versa. Even in a few short months we have more insight in to how this affects people .
I doubt Boris knows much about those who are shielded and to be honest apart from lip service to their situation I'm certain he cares even less. The whole idea of shielding was to stop the NHS being overwhelmed and nothing to do with wellbeing of those individuals.
We now know more about the groups that are affected. It's down to age,ethnicity,underlying health conditions with social deprivation and BMI with level of exposure thrown in. I would say that's a large amount of frontline/low paid/disenfranchised people.
To lockdown those people is probably complex. Maybe a preferable option is to put in legislation to protect people who want it. I think we all know of people who despite being at risk are determined to carry on regardless, maybe that should be their choice. For those that are high risk and increase that risk by having to use public transport/frontline jobs with high exposure etc offer them financial protection from being forced into work
As for the wider population I think the long term affects of the virus are not widely understood or documented enough.
I dont think you can blame a particular age group etc for not complying. Within every group there are those who consider others and those who think the rules dont apply to them.
I dont think this government can catch up with their initial mistakes,partly because they are incompetent and also as each wild announcement is U turned on the public are becoming increasingly disengaged. I dont even think it matters if what they do is the right thing,too many people have lost trust and respect.
I hope Boris makes an announcement on shielding. He tends to do things in a reactive way when he has no choice,not because of any compassion or genuine concerns.
Not quite sure where the country will go in next few months. Total lockdown? Boris flinging his arms in the air and allowing a total free for all? Social unrest? I do feel the only person we can rely is ourselves, if support does come from the government it will probably be too little and to late,as it was with care homes.
. We can only hope that something better comes out of this,and we all stay healthy in meantime. I agree with pensions. A decade ago I would have retired at 60. I dont want to wish my life away but 67 seems very distant. !
. I must admit my sense of wellbeing has gone through the roof.