Social gatherings of more than 6 people to be banned

[Zlatan]

HUMPHREY: All right, settle down. Settle down.
[clunk]
Now, before I begin the lesson, will those of you who are playing in the match this afternoon move your clothes down onto the lower peg immediately after lunch, before you write your letter home, if you're not getting your hair cut, unless you've got a younger brother who is going out this weekend as the guest of another boy, in which case, collect his note before lunch, put it in your letter after you've had your hair cut, and make sure he moves your clothes down onto the lower peg for you. Now,--

WYMER: Sir?

HUMPHREY: Yes, Wymer?

WYMER: My younger brother's going out with Dibble this weekend, sir, but I'm not having my hair cut today, sir.

PUPILS: [chuckling]

WYMER: So, do I move my clothes down, or--

HUMPHREY: I do wish you'd listen, Wymer. It's perfectly simple. If you're not getting your hair cut, you don't have to move your brother's clothes down to the lower peg. You simply collect his note before lunch, after you've done your scripture prep, when you've written your letter home, before rest, move your own clothes onto the lower peg, greet the visitors, and report to Mr. Viney that you've had your chit signed. Now, sex. Sex, sex, sex. Where were we? [sniff] Well, had I got as far as the penis entering the vagina? [sniff]

PUPILS: Umm. Mmmm.

[Billy Balfour]

Not one for using WW2 analogies, but it's the best I can do at this time of night. For 6 years the country and most of Europe was turned in its head. Nothing was normal. It was bad. Very bad.

For 6 months we have had some inconveniences, and if you are really unfortunate you or relatives have been affected. It's been unpleasant.

Dad, what did our great granddad do during the war?

Son, he fought in North Africa against Rommel. Later on in the war he stormed a Normandy beach while a German battalion fired 1800 rounds per minute at his general direction. Many of his friends were shot to bits or drowned. When he came home the house had been bombed.

….

Sometime in the future.

Dad, what did you do during the Covid pandemic?

Son, I had to wear a face mask in the shops. Oh, and sometimes the pubs and restaurants were told to shut. I still suffer the nightmares to this day.

[Inchy]

Hospitals are in a great position right now in terms of Covid admissions, bed occupancy, ventilation capacity and deaths. But that could quickly change if a perfect storm emerges (i.e. normal winter pressures + seasonal flu + Covid second wave) as we head into winter. Other factors could also add to this such as reduced bad capacity caused by distancing and cohorting patients, and restoration of elective care e.g. cancer treatment which is crucial. That said I think we've already seen the worst of it and there are of course now more effective treatments.

I don’t think we will have much flu this year because everyone is wearing masks, some people are still social distancing, and those vulnerable to flu are (should be) shielding

[claretonthecoast1882]

Leaves everyone in the position that hopefully those who were too dumb to follow the social distancing guidelines or thought they were irrelevant to them can count to 6

[Billy Balfour]

the science was right, we could have contained this virus effectively, but the vapid public continually ignore the advice and do whatever they please. its genuinely put me right off British people. by and large they are thick and uncaring.

Same here. I've always been a bit of a patriot, but I think that's now gone. Thick and uncaring is bang on the money.

[Inchy]

Leaves everyone in the position that hopefully those who were too dumb to follow the social distancing guidelines or thought they were irrelevant to them can count to 6

I don’t think people are ignoring the rules because they are dumb. They are not following the rules because of the lack of intelligence from the government

[RingoMcCartney]

Leaves everyone in the position that hopefully those who were too dumb to follow the social distancing guidelines or thought they were irrelevant to them can count to 6

Do you genuinely believe that those arrogant enough to feel they're a law unto themselves, so far. Are going to take blind bit of notice now!? Good luck wi' that.

[Billy Balfour]

I would forced all large shopping centres and supermarkets to have security on their doors and stop anyone who doesn't wear a face mask from entering. They stepped up security during the panic buying and the March lockdown so there's no reason why they can't afford to hire door security. The supermarkets have done well out of Covid so there are no excuses.

[RingoMcCartney]

I don’t think people are ignoring the rules because they are dumb. They are not following the rules because of the lack of intelligence from the government

Yeah , forget personal responsibility. Nice one.

[Billy Balfour]

Here we go. Thread ruined.

[claretonthecoast1882]

I would forced all large shopping centres and supermarkets to have security on their doors and stop anyone who doesn't wear a face mask from entering. They stepped up security during the panic buying and the March lockdown so there's no reason why they can't afford to hire door security. The supermarkets have done well out of Covid so there are no excuses.

Agreed, and for those who can't wear a mask they have the option of home delivery.

[Granny WeatherWax]

Let’s be honest, we are screwed with regards to getting people to follow the rules. Shocking how many people in the supermarkets for example aren’t wearing masks.

People are just di*ks.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Let’s be honest, we are screwed with regards to getting people to follow the rules. Shocking how many people in the supermarkets for example aren’t wearing masks.

People are just di*ks.

Caught a couple of trams last Saturday in Manchester didn't see anybody in the section I was in without a mask on. Got a train from Piccadilly someone was being removed by the time we had got to Deansgate for refusing to stop eating a Pizza despite a sign next to him saying no food or drink on the train.

[Wile E Coyote]

if i go in local shops I wear a mask, Im struggling to think when I last saw another customer wearing one.
What is going on with these people ? might help if the shop staff refused to serve them, but not a cat in hells chance of that happening.

[nil_desperandum]

So to clarify:
(Hypothetical) My family of 6 can't visit my dad indoors or out (6+1=7), or if I'm family of 5 my son couldn't visit us with his wife. (5 +2 =7)
But: A family of 2 (husband and wife) can host 4 people for lunch every day of the week and then have 4 different people round in the evening.
So after 7 days they've had relatively close contact with 56 people.
But the family of 6 who choose to stay in all week, can't celebrate the grandad's birthday on the Sunday???
{It's just been clarified on a news programme that that is the new "law"}

[martin_p]

I don’t think people are ignoring the rules because they are dumb. They are not following the rules because of the lack of intelligence from the government

I think government makes a huge difference to people’s attitude. I spent a week in Scotland at the end of last month and it was noticeable how many more people were following the guidance and how shop staff were asking those not wearing a mask to put one on. Yes, there were still a number of idiots doing what they wanted but far fewer than I’ve seen in the uk. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that Nicola Sturgeon’s performance has been far more open, honest and visible than Boris Johnson’s. These things do make a difference.

[wickdkewlclaret]

the science was right, we could have contained this virus effectively, but the vapid public continually ignore the advice and do whatever they please. its genuinely put me right off British people. by and large they are thick and uncaring.

Blame lies with the government. Not locking down strictly or soon enough when the evidence in Europe and the world was clear months prior. PM missing vital cobra meetings, and MPs flaunting their own rules. Massive mistakes regarding PPE costing lives and millions of pounds. Latest of course everyone being encouraged to eat out on MASS Mon-Weds, everyone encouraged to commute and get back to work.

They want you to blame young people who had a couple of raves etc to deflect from their huge short comings as a government.

To add: The gove have still not made a credible track and trace system, and It is close to collapsing. Nearly 6 months into this pandemic.

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

I would forced all large shopping centres and supermarkets to have security on their doors and stop anyone who doesn't wear a face mask from entering. They stepped up security during the panic buying and the March lockdown so there's no reason why they can't afford to hire door security. The supermarkets have done well out of Covid so there are no excuses.

The problem with this is if people say they have asthma or anything else on the list that was released they don’t have to. My favourite of the woolly excuses is ‘would cause distress to wear a mask’

It makes enforcing it impossible

[Granny WeatherWax]

I agree the government have mismanaged the situation beyond any comprehension, however it doesn’t get away from the fact, like I said above, that people are just di*ks.

Wear a mask you selfish arrogant two hats.

[Jakubclaret]

But this is really nothing like WW2. Obviously war is horrible and the tragedy of death and suffering is inevitable along with rationing etc., but pretty much everything went on as usual, in fact between 1939 and 45 people were busier and more active than ever.
People went to work as normal, (often did overtime), they socialised together, children went to school as normal, they played team sports, they watched football etc., they went to scouts, cubs, swimming clubs, etc., they went to choirs and music clubs, they went to the library. They could unwind in the pubs with no social distancing. Young people partied, young people danced, young people sh**ed, etc. All these things were good for morale, in fact morale was generally good.
This is much different in the inevitable impact it's having on people's well-being and mental health.

I think he means in terms of unity & pulling together to defeat the common enemy, some of what you say above is correct in the wartime era & people still enjoyed life, if the siren sounded you certainly broke off in the open & headed for the nearest air raid shelter to avoid being trapped under rubble, people from that generation just got on with it & made the best of it, times were harder & very different, I don't think this generation could cope without being able to tweet or update the social media status every 2 mins, you can't really compare WW2 to today with what's happening things have changed so much in terms of everything.

[Quickenthetempo]

Stop whinging.

If any of us had more than 6 friends we wouldn't be on here all the time.

[Billy Balfour]

The problem with this is if people say they have asthma or anything else on the list that was released they don’t have to. My favourite of the woolly excuses is ‘would cause distress to wear a mask’

It makes enforcing it impossible

I'd make them carry an exemption note from their GP. No mask + no note = no entry.

[Billy Balfour]

Stop whinging.

If any of us had more than 6 friends we wouldn't be on here all the time.

Heh. Good one.

[Row Z]

I'd make them carry an exemption note from their GP. No mask + no note = no entry.

I don't understand why shops just don't refuse to serve people who aren't wearing a mask until the exemption is provided.

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

I'd make them carry an exemption note from their GP. No mask + no note = no entry.

That’s a simple and easy solution that you and I can come up with in 30 seconds and agree on. The question is why can’t the powers that be as this would instantly make it the easiest thing in the world to enforce??????

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

I don't understand why shops just don't refuse to serve people who aren't wearing a mask until the exemption is provided.

Because there is no exemption card there’s just a list that anyone that wants to can pick off what they like and use it as an excuse

[aggi]

Nah, anyone who doesn’t want a vaccine IS an idiot, and a selfish one at that.

Interesting goings on in the US at the moment re: vaccines. Lots of federal instructions that the states have to have their vaccination plans in place before the election with fears that they may try to rush out something with minimal testing prior to the election to win votes.

You can see why people would be wary about an unproven vaccine with no track record and no proven history that has been potentially rushed out.

[claret2018]

I don't understand why shops just don't refuse to serve people who aren't wearing a mask until the exemption is provided.

Winfields in Haslingden won't let you in the door without a mask. Some chancers tried it on when I was there, saying they had asthma, but the security guard told them where to go. At the end of the day a business has a right to not let someone in if they choose not to.

[Row Z]

Winfields in Haslingden won't let you in the door without a mask. Some chancers tried it on when I was there, saying they had asthma, but the security guard told them where to go. At the end of the day a business has a right to not let someone in if they choose not to.

Good on them - shops, bars, restaurants etc. have a responsibility to enforce, I know alot was made of the police not being able to, but it can be self-policed through policies as per the above.

I've been in a few pubs that are taking it seriously and ensuring everyone scanned the QR code for track and trace before being able to enter. Others have put the posters up but place responsibility on the individual to find and scan it themselves; inevitably some will and lots won't.

[Zlatan]

The thing is, anyone with a genuine health issue is most likely to be concerned about their health and actually won’t try and go to a shop. The advice being given is to get someone else to do your shopping. Granted, there will be a small minority who are unable to do that, but the local Covid support groups are still running and doing errands for people with health issues.

Bottom line. Wear a mask when asked to and wear it properly.

[KRBFC]

So no gatherings outside of more than 6 people but we can cram 200+ people into schools and colleges?

Right on Boris

[mkmel]

The thing is, anyone with a genuine health issue is most likely to be concerned about their health and actually won’t try and go to a shop. The advice being given is to get someone else to do your shopping. Granted, there will be a small minority who are unable to do that, but the local Covid support groups are still running and doing errands for people with health issues.

Bottom line. Wear a mask when asked to and wear it properly.

People should not be asked to wear a mask it should be mandatory whenever away from home. As long as of course they do not have severe asthma or similar

[basil6345789]

Manchester authorities just reiterated to students the need to curtail and be sensible about socialising.
The poor luvvies are going to have to concentrate on studying. Well out of order!

[Billy Balfour]

That’s a simple and easy solution that you and I can come up with in 30 seconds and agree on. The question is why can’t the powers that be as this would instantly make it the easiest thing in the world to enforce??????

I know. We are pretty rudderless.

[martin_p]

That’s a simple and easy solution that you and I can come up with in 30 seconds and agree on. The question is why can’t the powers that be as this would instantly make it the easiest thing in the world to enforce??????

Because it’s not as simple as that. It’d have to be something that wasn’t easily forgeable to be worth the paper it’s written on which means it would have to be designed, produced and then a system of application and delivery designed. It’d all cost money which probably wouldn’t be justified for the number of people trying to get out of wearing a face mask in this way.

[KRBFC]

Does anyone know why gatherings of 6 are banned but schools of 300+ are open? The whole covid thing has been a complete hypocritical mess.

I must admit I laughed when they said people shouldn’t leave their home but child minders can work and go house to house.

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

Because it’s not as simple as that. It’d have to be something that wasn’t easily forgeable to be worth the paper it’s written on which means it would have to be designed, produced and then a system of application and delivery designed. It’d all cost money which probably wouldn’t be justified for the number of people trying to get out of wearing a face mask in this way.

Or you could have it sent to your phone which everyone always has.
Or you could have a letter in the post.
Or you could go to your Drs who could provide letter headed paper.

If you want to make a fake of any of these good luck to you but I’m guessing most people couldn’t be arsed and would fall on line

[martin_p]

Or you could have it sent to your phone which everyone always has.
Or you could have a letter in the post.
Or you could go to your Drs who could provide letter headed paper.

If you want to make a fake of any of these good luck to you but I’m guessing most people couldn’t be arsed and would fall on line

It still costs time and money. Besides, wearing face masks isn’t currently the law so until that changes it’d be pointless anyway.

[tim_noone]

Manchester authorities just reiterated to students the need to curtail and be sensible about socialising.
The poor luvvies are going to have to concentrate on studying. Well out of order!

Bonus.....they'll miss the soul night crowds attended by Fossils and elderly arthritic Farts attempting Back Drops....and yawn the Vertigo Spinners.

[Zlatan]

People should not be asked to wear a mask it should be mandatory whenever away from home. As long as of course they do not have severe asthma or similar

Agree that it should be mandatory - the exception is a fallacy, wearing a mask does not affect anyone with Asthma or similar - there is a perceived issue but not a real issue.

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

It still costs time and money. Besides, wearing face masks isn’t currently the law so until that changes it’d be pointless anyway.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... e-your-own

[uni_queue]

a

It is a legal requirement to wear a covering in the prescribed locations unless exempt - transport, shops offices etc .£100 fine for non compliance

[Zlatan]

It is a legal requirement to wear a covering in the prescribed locations unless exempt - transport, shops offices etc .£100 fine for non compliance

I agree. I don’t understand why you quoted me...?

[martin_p]

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... e-your-own

Ok, fair enough. Shops just shouldn’t let people in without one then.

[uni_queue]

Zlatan- apologies if misunderstood you - i took "Agree that it should be mandatory - the exception is a fallacy, wearing a mask does not affect anyone with Asthma or similar - there is a perceived issue but not a real issue." to indicate that you believed that it wasnt mandatory to wear a covering ...
perhaps you were suggesting that there shouldnt be exceptions -

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

Ok, fair enough. Shops just shouldn’t let people in without one then.

This is proof that the general public have no idea what is and what is not allowed. No fault of yours there’s just so much confusing mixed messages

[Wile E Coyote]

if pubs remain open doesn't it make a mockery of the new guidelines?

[aggi]

Looks like there will still be 3,000 people at the horseracing at Doncaster today and potentially 6,000 at the weekend.

[nil_desperandum]

if pubs remain open doesn't it make a mockery of the new guidelines?

Yes, along with all the other places where people can mix "freely" without even having any requirement to wear face coverings.

[Burnley1989]

Looks like there will still be 3,000 people at the horseracing at Doncaster today and potentially 6,000 at the weekend.

A race course has to be the easiest sporting event to social distance