I’m afraid to say that there is not a cat in Hell’s chance of people remaining locked down in any meaningful way for much longer.
Initially the country was told it was necessary to “protect the NHS”. Did that. Then it was to “buy time for a vaccine to be developed.” Did that. Then it was necessary until the most vulnerable have been vaccinated. Near enough done that. Half the adult population has received at least one dose including all the most vulnerable. By July all adults should have been offered at least one shot and the most vulnerable will have had two shots. Now we’re being told that the problems in Europe may delay the lockdown ending.
//I heard that Police retreated to thier vans to avoid confrontation,.//
Yes, strange. They didn't do that on Clapham Common last week when they didn't have bottles thrown at them. Still, they did find the time to pop round to this 82 year old at 9:45pm to tear her off a strip for having a cup of tea in the garden with her neighbour:
https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/coronavirus-police-pensioner-warning-socially-distanced-tea-090647804.html
That should make us all sleep sounder at night.
Summer is coming. If people cannot go to the pub or for a coffee they will meet in each other’s houses, gardens, in parks or simply in the street. Little old ladies may even venture into their garden for a cup of tea with a neighbour. They’ve protected the NHS, they’ve bought time for the vaccine development, they’ve waited for the vulnerable to be protected. They are not going to wait for the rest of the world to catch up. If you insist on shouting “madness” every time you see a few people together in the street you’d better get used to it because it’s going to happen more and more. There’s more to living than simply remaining alive and you don’t have to join in if you don’t want to.
//No night boat to Cairo for me then.//
Your quip was not lost on me, roy. I've already got my baggy trousers out ready for my holiday.