when you say nobody is obeying the stupid government tier rules and laws; the truly shattering aspect of Covid has not been the inflation of this trivial virus into a media hyped killer plague but that, spotting how shallow and wrong government was getting it, everyone from the very top now ignores the rules. The rule of law is over.

Whether it is for political or public health reasons, if cases don't go down then nothing can open up again. Personally I miss gyms, cinemas, and theatres so this is why I observe social distancing rules. Also I don't want to catch covid, even it it is just like a bad cold. I have been to the cinema about 6 times in the small windows when they have been open, and the theatre twice and it has been a joy overall. I have never been even 4 metres from anyone whilst it was open, and yet they still have to close. I don't think that anyone is getting covid from going to the shops, mainly from sharing cars and houses with others.

Perhaps it is where I live and who I know, but my impression is that most people are trying to stick to the rules. And this is pretty remarkable given the thread-bare evidence for their effectiveness.

On a walk yesterday I saw many people wearing masks driving their cars alone with the windows up. Surely an act of insanity...

Even the youngsters around here don't seem to be congregating...Could all be going on in houses I suppose. But do we seriously wish to live in a country where Police can check your home at random? And, anyway, the snappy new slogan "Covid loves a Crowd" will sort the young rebels out on NYE for sure!

But it isn't a trivial virus and it is a killer plague and the figures do not lie (and I don't believe the statisticians do either).

Whether it's been handled the right way.. I do not know (yes I know- that's a first !)

Now I'm bloody old (but look young and gorgeous) and the various "lockdown" stuff doesn't hit me..as NSW goes into yet another one- and I really do feel for all those it affects.

I live at Bondi Beach and it's awful to see 100s of young people in service industries, bars restaurants etc lose their jobs yet the bills still roll in and whilst they all received a boosted government supplement that's been stopped and Heaven Help You if you have to apply for the dole and spend 4 hours in a queue.

I think a major correction in shops though was always coming..we are over supplied and have everything. Covid has just quicken that.

I cannot see how this problem could not have been handled any other way (despite Boris' inadequate actions) but I'm open to offers.

And I reckon there are more plagues to come. Too many people on a small planet which they won;t take care of.

Yes Blair was pushing for this approach a week or two ago. Gosh his reign now seems like a golden, halcyon age. Like Augustus before Nero. Forgetting those Middle East invasions; of course. But you can't have everything...

robbiex wrote:
Whether it is for political or public health reasons, if cases don't go down then nothing can open up again. Personally I miss gyms, cinemas, and theatres so this is why I observe social distancing rules. Also I don't want to catch covid, even it it is just like a bad cold. I have been to the cinema about 6 times in the small windows when they have been open, and the theatre twice and it has been a joy overall. I have never been even 4 metres from anyone whilst it was open, and yet they still have to close. I don't think that anyone is getting covid from going to the shops, mainly from sharing cars and houses with others.

You might have had Covid without even knowing.

All the supermarkets I have been to I see very little social distancing compared to the non-essential shops.

I don't care about cinemas, haven't been to one for years, I can't even remember the last movie I saw - however I do want to go to USA to see my daughters. I do miss seeing live bands also and holidays - hopefully things might get better next year but I doubt it very much.

hedda wrote:
But it isn't a trivial virus and it is a killer plague and the figures do not lie (and I don't believe the statisticians do either).


The figures don't lie Hedda but over reaction results when they are not read with other figures. To take the UK a predicted 200 000 to die because of lockdown. 2017-18 UK flu season - bout the same numbers dead as from C19. It isn't trivial, but needs to be put in context and a grown up debate had as to whether c19 deaths are somehow worse than lockdown deaths; or other established ways to die that don't excite this reaction.