Are The Scientists Right?

[diddlydo]

For all those on here who live by what the scientists say and support Boris at the same time, what do you make of this?

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/boris-johnson-contradicts-expert-advice-to-cancel-christmas-socialising

[calmck]

Don't know but precautions in place here. From today masks as usual in all indoor public places. Vaccine proof for indoor dining and entry to gyms, care homes and hospital visits. Up to 4 free test a month available at all pharmacy. Advised to test before non family gatherings over Xmas. Jan 2 to 10 working from home mandatory where possible, all pubs, bars night clubs etc closed and schools to reopen a week later on Jan 10

[ToraToraTora]

we should do the practical precautions like they are, no need to cancel Xmas, the government is correct, even the Labour guy on Sky news said so. Nothing to see here.

[Sqad]

The function of a Politician is quite different from that of a scientist.
The Politician's main concern is for all socio- economic aspects of a community and scientist's function is to advice on the science in this case, the medical advice.

At this moment in time concerning the new variant little is known so the Politicians and scientists may give their opinions.
Both are not too far apart at this stage.

[Untitled]

I think it is looking very much like last year... they'll be forced to clamp down at the last minute because they ignored the science early on... not optimistic about my christmas plans going ahead to be honest...

[emmie]

mine are going ahead.

[emmie]

pity the poor bloody hospitality industry, more cancellations because of this latest outbreak.

[diddlydo]

Jenny Harries asks us not to do "unnecessary socialising" before Christmas and Boris says "don't cancel Christmas parties or nativity plays". These views are poles apart so are we supposed to do as an eminent scientist says or carry on obeying a buffoon with a degree in Classics?

[tomus42]

Scientists give their scientific opinion, so when they're asked what the best action to stop the spread is, they say avoid contact with other people, wear a mask, etc etc, which is true. They're not interested in the economic consequences of what that might lead to, nor should they be.

That is the govts job, to weigh all the concerns and decide what to do accordingly.

I don't think there'll be a return to the lockdowns we've seen.

[ToraToraTora]

it's a question of degree diddly, there are no absolutes here.

[diddlydo]

TTT - it most certainly is a question of "degree" - a science one or a classics one!

[emmie]

so this is from someone who is refusing to wear a mask. double talk and standards wouldn't you say diddly

[naomi24]

//These views are poles apart so are we supposed to do as an eminent scientist says or carry on obeying a buffoon with a degree in Classics? //

Why are you bothering to ask? As a 'social rebel' you'll do as you choose anyway.

[Stickybottle]

Untitled
I think it is looking very much like last year... they'll be forced to clamp down at the last minute because they ignored the science early on... not optimistic about my christmas plans going ahead to be honest...

To be fair they cannot be accused of that this time
They have acted immediately in this instance and are not taking chances

[andy-hughes]

diddly - // Jenny Harries asks us not to do "unnecessary socialising" before Christmas and Boris says "don't cancel Christmas parties or nativity plays". These views are poles apart so are we supposed to do as an eminent scientist says or carry on obeying a buffoon with a degree in Classics? //

As pointed out already, the scientist merely has to give her own personal view, the PM has to balance all the information he receives, and make the difficult decisions about how to act going forward.

As usual, no-one knows for certain, people are having to wait and see what unfolds day by day, and take each day as it comes.

An unenviable situation for all concerned, but we should not rush to support or condemn either individual at this stage, time will prove who was right and who was wrong, or both, or neither.

[Deskdiary]

I don't pretend to understand the science as it's beyond my ability to do so, and therefore tend not to comment on the science, but there's no denying the scenarios they've stated in the past have been wildly inaccurate and over-egged.

I hope there's not a knee-jerk reaction and Xmas can go ahead as planned, although if the hospitality industry is forced to shut then of course plans people have for parties, meeting up with friends etc... will be affected.

If, and I think it's a bloody big if, the Govt imposes the same as they did last Xmas with families not being able to get together on Xmas day, I wonder how many people will comply? It is very possibly my FIL's last Xmas, and there's not a law in the land that will stop us having Xmas day with him.

[emmie]

i have plans for Christmas to be with loved ones, it means a long journey but a worthwhile one, i don't plan on changing my mind any time soon.

[naomi24]

//It is very possibly my FIL's last Xmas, and there's not a law in the land that will stop us having Xmas day with him. //

Good for you, DD. I would do the same.

[emmie]

me too... ^^

[Untitled]

I can't blame you deskdiary.... it is an uncomfortable truth but sometimes some things are indeed more important than obeying the letter of the law... I hope you are not put in that position but like I say I am not optimistic...

[drmorgans]

The first most of us knew about this new variant was a few days ago. The media is still working out how to pronounce "omicron". Scientists are being cautious because they don't have much data at the moment, about how easily it spreads, how serious the symptoms are, and whether the vaccine is effective against it.

Politicians know they will be lambasted if they take too little action, or too much. So Bozo is taking some action, but not being too disruptive, to give the experts time to get the data.