Why Are People Pushing For U.k. Lockdown To End Quickly

[calmck]

I can understand people, and especially small business and the self employed want to get back to work but at what cost. Spain, France and Italy are slowly relaxing a much longer lockdown. Here in Portugal we had 8 weeks and are now on a two weekly reopening starting with gyms, golf, hairdressers and home hairdressers but with strict guidelines as to numbers, face masks, no use of communal showers etc. Why push for a shorter lockdown and risk upsurge in infection rate and have to start over again. Judging from news reports there are more cases of non compliance in the U.K. than in the other countries. I wonder if people in the U.K. would respect a gradual reopening

[fiction-factory]

Some are because of the impact of lockdown on the economy but I think most just want a sign that the lockdown won't go on for many months in its current form. Surveys show the vast majority are nervous about too rapid a slackening but would accept a phased relaxation but in very small steps over the coming months to avoid a second wave.

[pixie374]

I think it needs to be done slowly and carefully. I'm not sure if the UK aren't complying most, or if that's just what we are hearing.
Out of interest, I just looked up the list of countries with single-member households, which may make it more difficult. But the USA was top and the UK only 15th.

[10ClarionSt]

The vast majority are nervous because they believe all the bull that comes from Boris The Black Knight. There's a hidden agenda going on. A hidden agenda, I tell you! We're all DOOMED!! DOOMED! ENTOMBED!

[tomus42]

Gradual re-opening is what will happen here, just as it is everywhere else, otherwise the country will literally go bankrupt. I think most people recognise that and are keen for it to start happening.

[Mozz71]

Becaise the care more for the economy than they do about human life.

[pixie374]

It's hard to find the balance, I think. I wasn't managing that well until we were able to go back to work. People need jobs, money, other people etc... but it's still a risk. I'm glad I don't have to decide it.

[DTCwordfan]

the thing that bothers me - 15k folk are entering the UK daily, no testing, no quarantine....this needs to change immediately. Come on Number 10, time for clamp down.

[fiction-factory]

I doubt that 15K figure DTC and whatever the figure is it includes people changing planes on route back to the US from the other side of the world.
It will happen as our R improves, mainly to be seen to be doing something to placate critics - but I've still not seen a logical case for doing it to Brits returning here from safer places than the UK as opposed to say stopping people at random here and quarantining them. Buenchico set it out very well recently on here. Simon Calder did the same.
I don't care but I don't see the point or how it will work- will we put returning Brits into detention centres?

[calmck]

I am also concerned about the apparent laxness, as reported, of people returning to the UK. I know my niece’s partner, who works in the UK, is returning here for 6 week leave. He has written permission from UK and Portugal for this and for his return to the UK. He must self isolate for two weeks before any contact with her and their children and the local council is informed of this

[bednobs]

Easing of lock down hasn't happened yet and by the time it does it will be about the same length of time

[teacake44]

Priorities and values went out the window many moons ago, and when you add to that, some government ministers giving out, imprecise,hazy,fuzzy, blurred, unclear, vague, and sometimes down right lies, and refuse to answer direct questions, then people will become nervous and uncooperative sooner or later, and do their own thing.

[douglas9401]

It has been a remarkable achievement though. I know around these parts the vast majority of the wasters and antisocial yobs have been absent and the world's been a better place for it.

Long may THAT lockdown continue.

[tomus42]

// Becaise the care more for the economy than they do about human life. //

How long do you think it should go on for Mozz - until they find a vaccine? That's the only way you can sure everyone will be safe, and that could be years away.

There's still no vaccination for the aids virus. Should we lock down for 35+ years?

[-SharonA-]

I'm not pushing. Just because other countries are ending their lockdown doesn't mean to say it is safe to do so here.
We have a testing centre nearby and I'm so annoyed that these people (no fault of their own) have to troop through our local streets, even asking for directions and there have been a lot over the last week. Although they're wearing masks and maybe be negative, I think it is disgusting to have a testing centre in a residential area.

[diddlydo]

I'm not sure about people pushing for lockdown asap. It's more a case of wanting more info and detail with regards to future strategy rather than the 5 o'clock repetition of the same mantra day after day after....It looks pretty likely that the lockdown will be extended for yet another 3 weeks without any easing - is this really what the economy and the people need?

[CrapAtCryptics]

Some people want their moneu and perks, a few older, sick people dying is collateral damage to those sort of people

[jourdain2]

Well, I think that it is essential that ways are found of easing-off as soon as possible - otherwise the eventual consequences will cost even more lives as people lose jobs and become desperate - mental health will deteriorate and various addictions and suicides will increase. Many firms will not re-open, which will mean no jobs to go back to.

There is not a bottomless money-pit and social security will gradually tighten. The NHS cannot continue to function unless people are working and paying their N.I. - so even worse medical services available and people will die of other, preventable causes. It is a fine balance and some sort of half-way house must be implemented very soon. Two weeks time will be too late for many small, family firms and when they go they will take jobs with them.

I think people in the UK would respect strict guidelines such as you describe, just to get back to work. A big problem would arise if some groups (such as the over-70's) were seen to be discriminated against and made to maintain lockdown when others were out and about.

[Mozz71]

A lot of the problem with the return to work will be folk who are reliant on public transport. It's difficult to maintain social distancing on the trains or buses, and I can't imagine extra services being laid on, especially on the trains.

[albaqwerty]

Social distancing on buses is impossible. Trains - a problem.

Isn't it this Thursday when further mention must be mentioned for continuing the lockdown and it's duration?
Some places will be allowed to re-open Monday 11th and the rest will slowly follow, no doubt staggered.
I think the relaxation will start Monday 11th.

[tomus42]

// Just because other countries are ending their lockdown doesn't mean to say it is safe to do so here. //

It doesn't even mean it's safe to do so there. They are ending it out of necessity, and we will follow suit. Every country is treading a fine line between saving lives and saving the economy. It's too simplistic to assume they're callously risking lives for the sake of money.

Things keep going as they are and eventually you reach a point where literally nobody has a job except hospital workers, and the govt has no money to pay for anything including ultimately hospital workers.