Is concept of Social Distancing only meant for the Third World?

[MenInG]

Looking at these images, it seems that the whole idea of Social Distancing and why its necessary seems to be something no one is really bothered about.

So what message does this give to the rest of the world?

 

[MenInG]

In the UK, Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy has been asked whether she thinks people are right to attend Black Lives Matter protests given the potential risk of coronavirus spreading.

She told the BBC's Andrew Marr that she wanted people to protest safely, stressing the need for social distancing and taking other precautions, but insisted she was "very proud" of the young people coming out and "speaking up".

She described her personal experience with racism in the UK and argued people needed to take an "active stance" against it.

She said: "You cannot be silent in the face of racism and police brutality and those young people are right to raise their voices and demand change."

She criticised the "silence" from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and "the refusal of Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to comment" on the issue, saying it had "really upset people".

Asked about the small number of violent incidents during protests in London, she said it was "completely wrong" to attack police officers and urged people to stop.

She warned such incidents could "dampen" the voices of those calling for change, particularly by distracting the media attention.

 

[Shazzam]

Unfortunately that is indeed concerning in this matter. While a part of me understands where these people are coming from. The health of those unaffected could be at risk. I hope these protests slow down in the next coming days.

 

[sweep_shot]

Well, if they all get Coronavirus, they shouldn't blame anyone but themselves.

If you want to protest, at least maintain social distancing and wear masks!

 

[MenInG]

Well, if they all get Coronavirus, they shouldn't blame anyone but themselves.

If you want to protest, at least maintain social distancing and wear masks!

And what if there is no second wave etc - what then? What will that do to Govt policies and advice? People will say we want to run businesses - open eating places, no need for quarantine for foreign arrivals etc

 

[sweep_shot]

And what if there is no second wave etc - what then? What will that do to Govt policies and advice? People will say we want to run businesses - open eating places, no need for quarantine for foreign arrivals etc

If there is no second wave, that's good then. Everything can be opened.

We should find out in about a month's time.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

If black lives matter, why would so many people attend an event which might put those black lives at risk? I am not really sure I understand the reasoning, even if I have sympathy for the cause.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

This will create an unprecedented spike. In the middle of a pandemic, this happens. Councils pursuing action against social distancing prayers on Eid. This is a daily occurrence in Israel. One is a brutal state denying apartheid. The other only just apologized for it.

 

[Technics 1210]

Well this is what they asked for right? Black lives matter, sod the other lives affected by C19.

 

[Firebat]

Thailand holds Zoom protest for Black Lives Matter movement

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Some 300 Thais and foreigners in Thailand and elsewhere joined an online protest against racism on Sunday, adding their voices to global calls for justice for black American George Floyd who died in U.S. police custody in Minneapolis last month.

With coronavirus restrictions, protesters with ‘I Can’t Breathe’ messages on their arms and placards gathered on the video-meeting platform Zoom to emphasize the call in Thailand as they watched the video clip of Floyd’s last moments.

“I’ve lived in three continents now. I have best friends who are from the African community, who are also black Americans, and ... you see a stark contrast in how they are treated,” said 28-year old Natalie Bin Narkprasert, one of the event organizers.

“Everyone has hopes, everyone has dreams, everyone bleeds red, you know,” she said. “It’s crazy that they still have this in 2020 when in 1963, that was when Martin Luther King did his freedom speech.”

The group also observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence - the period that Floyd was filmed pinned under a white officer’s knee - to know “how it feels”, Natalie added.

Some said racist bias existed in Asia, although it might be more subtle, and that they hoped for gradual changes.

The death of Floyd has set off the biggest anti-racism protests seen in the United States in decades and sparked demonstrations worldwide.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...for-black-lives-matter-movement-idUSKBN23E0J0

 

[MenInG]

If there is no second wave, that's good then. Everything can be opened.

We should find out in about a month's time.

That's one way to find out, I guess.

 

[Firebat]

London, UK:

Copehagen, Denmark (who have largely defeated the virus):

 

[KingKhanWC]

People were stressed and depressed, a good excuse to get out and see other humans in numbers again.

Most of these people include blacks hold plenty of racism within their hearts too, hypocrites.

 

[Shazzam]

If black lives matter, why would so many people attend an event which might put those black lives at risk? I am not really sure I understand the reasoning, even if I have sympathy for the cause.

Because if Police brutality continues these same people might die from that than the virus itself.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Because if Police brutality continues these same people might die from that than the virus itself.

Not in the UK and not in many cities throughout the US. Not a very argument.

 

[Savak]

The govt has every right to put people behind bars for breaking social distancing rules and protocols. The same should apply in this scenario

 

[Technics 1210]

The govt has every right to put people behind bars for breaking social distancing rules and protocols. The same should apply in this scenario

Can't do that, they will be accused of racism.

 

[KingKhanWC]

The govt has every right to put people behind bars for breaking social distancing rules and protocols. The same should apply in this scenario

No cop will be brave enough to arrest anyone out protesting against this. It would cause a riot and the cops life will be in danger.

 

[MenInG]

No cop will be brave enough to arrest anyone out protesting against this. It would cause a riot and the cops life will be in danger.

My point is that a lot of people, like Cummings, will be asking this looks ok - I can also do what I like - I dont need to obey Govt rules.

 

[MenInG]

 

[KingKhanWC]

My point is that a lot of people, like Cummings, will be asking this looks ok - I can also do what I like - I dont need to obey Govt rules.

Agree, no cop will now bother to enforce social distancing, they've had enough of the double standards.

A lot of people in the UK have given up on these rules, which will bring about a second wave.

 

[pakistani pride]

LOL another way to further divide people. The group pro social distance/ pro lockdown will get heart attacks seeing these images.

The only good thing about these protests is exposing the lie we have been hearing for some time now.

 

[Sirris]

Yes, I feel like a fool after watching these pictures and thinking about how I try to keep distance when out in public like a supermarket.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Isn't the founding BLM guy white ?...

 

[Shazzam]

Not in the UK and not in many cities throughout the US. Not a very argument.

Rather sound argument or not thats what I am getting off those who are going in these protests.

 

[Rana]

And what if there is no second wave etc - what then? What will that do to Govt policies and advice? People will say we want to run businesses - open eating places, no need for quarantine for foreign arrivals etc

They are already demanding this. Why are these protesters not being arrested and fines issued? But if a restaurant opens up and allows 20 people in they would send a court notice

 

[Rana]

LOL another way to further divide people. The group pro social distance/ pro lockdown will get heart attacks seeing these images.

The only good thing about these protests is exposing the lie we have been hearing for some time now.

Spot on

 

[Rana]

Where are you hiding now [MENTION=139981]HitWicket[/MENTION]

 

[shaz619]

I saw an article that AJ was out there, the non-lineal alphabet champ truly showing all the great qualities he stands for. Maybe uncle Rupert needs to have a word with Eddie

 

[KingKhanWC]

I saw an article that AJ was out there, the non-lineal alphabet champ truly showing all the great qualities he stands for. Maybe uncle Rupert needs to have a word with Eddie

AJ has lost the plot, saw some of his comments from sc and other social media. Aggressive and foul mouthed. Please dont try to be like Ali.

 

[Technics 1210]

I can't wait for the yearly review on the news this christmas!

 

[MenInG]

Protests 'illegal' under UK social distancing rules

The UK prime minister's official spokesman has been giving his lunchtime update to reporters. Here's what we learned:

Any gathering of more than six people is illegal. Boris Johnson will encourage people not to take part in protests if they cannot do so within social distancing rules. But it would be an operational decision of the police on how to respond to each circumstance

As of midnight last night, no-one had been fined for any breach of quarantine rules. The regulations, which came into effect on Monday, require anyone entering the UK from abroad to isolate for 14 days

The prime minister does not feel the incidence of disease is as low as he would like it to be before the government can consider relaxing the rule that people must stay 2m away from anyone who is not part of their household. Asked how low the infection rate had to go to allow a change, the spokesman said there is no specific figure

 

[Firebat]

White House fears rise in Covid-19 due to massive protests

The White House Coronavirus Task Force cautioned governors this week that the massive protests sparked by George Floyd's death could cause a rise in Covid-19 cases.

"We respect the right of every American to exercise their First Amendment rights, but we want to encourage them to do so safely," Vice-President Mike Pence said in a conference call with state leaders, according to an audio recording obtained by CBS News.

Task force expert Dr Deborah Birx noted during the call that most major cities were seeing declines in new Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, but that it was unclear whether the masks used by some protesters were effective in preventing any additional spread - especially as higher-risk groups joined peaceful demonstrations.

She also said around 70 urban testing sites were damaged in some of the more violent protests.

The US is not the only nation concerned by the effect these protests may have on the pandemic. As we reported earlier, a Black Lives Matter protester in Australia has also fallen ill - a day after he attended a rally with thousands of other people in Melbourne.

The man had worn a mask, but was still potentially infectious, health officials there said.

 

[Technics 1210]

People were stressed and depressed, a good excuse to get out and see other humans in numbers again.

Most of these people include blacks hold plenty of racism within their hearts too, hypocrites.

Nailed it.

 

[Firebat]

Earlier coronavirus second wave feared in Europe after mass protests

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Europe could face a surge of COVID-19 infections in the coming weeks caused by mass protests in the continent over the last days, European Union officials and experts said on Thursday.

Tens of thousands of protesters have crowded together in Europe’s big cities in recent days to demonstrate against racism after the killing in the United States of George Floyd while in police custody.

“If you advise everybody to keep one and half meter from each other, and everybody just stands next to each other, holding each other, then I don’t have a good feeling about that,” Jozef Kesecioglu, who chairs the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, told a conference.

Asked whether there could be a surge of infections in the coming two weeks, he said: “Yes, but hopefully I’m wrong.”

Most countries in the 27-nation bloc have passed the peak of the outbreak and are gradually reopening business and borders, as infections went gingerly down in past weeks.

Before recent protests, scientists expected a second wave only after the summer. But mass gatherings might impact this positive trend.

“As for any infectious respiratory disease, mass events could be a major route of transmission,” Martin Seychell, a health official at the EU Commission told Reuters when asked about the possibility of an earlier second wave caused by demonstrations.

The virus was still circulating, although at lower rates than some weeks ago, he said.

The likelihood and size of a second wave would depend on the effective maintaining of social distancing measures and other factors, many of which are still unknown, he said.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...d-in-europe-after-mass-protests-idUSKBN23I26Q

 

[Sir-fraz]

Isn't the founding BLM guy white ?...

Yea he is, but he "claims" to be black. The whole movement is racist, its facist movement

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Yea he is, but he "claims" to be black. The whole movement is racist, its facist movement

First time I am hearing this. How is it a fascist movement?

 

[Firebat]

First time I am hearing this. How is it a fascist movement?

It's all the far-right buzzwords. The movement probably is anarchist and communist too.

 

[Technics 1210]

First time I am hearing this. How is it a fascist movement?

Simply because BLM is active and vocal, when a white attacks a black, not when a black attacks a black.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Simply because BLM is active and vocal, when a white attacks a black, not when a black attacks a black.

That means they have an agenda, not sure how you could describe it as a fascist movement.

 

[Sir-fraz]

It's all the far-right buzzwords. The movement probably is anarchist and communist too.

They are tearing down historical stautes. Mao did the same. They want to rewrite history.

When you forget the past is when you start to repeat it. Clearly these idiots havent read an ounce of history.
Even in school we were taught the good and bad of each historical figure.

These idiots are out there LARPing thinking they are revolutionaries. Majority of them come from middle to high class households.

And yeah leta give everyone the same amount of money even though they offer nothing back to society. Communism or socialism might work in theory but in reality it always fails. Corruption is most rampant when you give a few people power over the rest.

All those socialist countries these idiots like to quote are capitalist first, capitalism is the reason why they can offer those benefits.

 

[Sir-fraz]

That means they have an agenda, not sure how you could describe it as a fascist movement.

When you cant even offer these fools your own opinion thats when it becomes facist. They only want their opinions to be heard. No freedom of speech.

 

[AdamM97]

In Sweden, gatherings consisting of more than 50 people are forbidden. Yet, 8000 people here in Sweden thought it was a good idea to go out and ”protest” in Central Stockholm. Having seen videos of it online - it looked more like a carnival with people dancing and even twerking rather than protesting against police brutality.

 

[Firebat]

They are tearing down historical stautes. Mao did the same. They want to rewrite history.

When you forget the past is when you start to repeat it. Clearly these idiots havent read an ounce of history.
Even in school we were taught the good and bad of each historical figure.

These idiots are out there LARPing thinking they are revolutionaries. Majority of them come from middle to high class households.

And yeah leta give everyone the same amount of money even though they offer nothing back to society. Communism or socialism might work in theory but in reality it always fails. Corruption is most rampant when you give a few people power over the rest.

All those socialist countries these idiots like to quote are capitalist first, capitalism is the reason why they can offer those benefits.

How? The reason any person gets a statue made and put in the middle of a public place is to glorify and celebrate them. So in Bristol, every black man who walks in this public square has to be involuntarily reminded that the society he lives in are publicly celebrating a mass murderer and enslaver of black people, a practise which has economic repercussions for so many countries and communities today.

It's not erasing history in any way, there are many places where one can be educated about history and they're not being silenced at all. They're called museums and libraries. People just don't want the values that these racist figures stood for being glorified in public places, in a 21st century society that supposedly rejects those ideals. That statue had numerous complaints but nothing had ever been done, and now after doing this it's finally where it belongs: a museum.

You don't need all this fauz outrage and exaggerated comparisons to murdering dictators and authoritarians like Mao. You can just accept that it's not that big a deal.

 

[Sir-fraz]

How? The reason any person gets a statue made and put in the middle of a public place is to glorify and celebrate them. So in Bristol, every black man who walks in this public square has to be involuntarily reminded that the society he lives in are publicly celebrating a mass murderer and enslaver of black people, a practise which has economic repercussions for so many countries and communities today.

It's not erasing history in any way, there are many places where one can be educated about history and they're not being silenced at all. They're called museums and libraries. People just don't want the values that these racist figures stood for being glorified in public places, in a 21st century society that supposedly rejects those ideals. That statue had numerous complaints but nothing had ever been done, and now after doing this it's finally where it belongs: a museum.

You don't need all this fauz outrage and exaggerated comparisons to murdering dictators and authoritarians like Mao. You can just accept that it's not that big a deal.

That black man faced no slavery.
Infact any black man living today in the west never faced slavery.

Should we abolish cricket too? We were enslaved by the brits yet we play their game. Isnt that a reminder of slavery to us?

Everyone acts like the blacks were the only race ever to be enslaved.. why dont they blame their kings and queens from back then who SOLD then into the white mans hands.

This is clearly a facist movement. If you dont agree u get shut down, and its happening to many business. Either bend the knee or face consequemces.

Those statues are there to remind us what we humans were like, why we changed and how we should never repeat what happened. Not many educated people glorify statues.

The glory daya of those statues have been over for a long time. The fact that people let statues have so much power over them just show they are weak minded induviduals who are easily influenced. They are called sheeple.

 

[Firebat]

That black man faced no slavery.
Infact any black man living today in the west never faced slavery.

Should we abolish cricket too? We were enslaved by the brits yet we play their game. Isnt that a reminder of slavery to us?

Everyone acts like the blacks were the only race ever to be enslaved.. why dont they blame their kings and queens from back then who SOLD then into the white mans hands.

This is clearly a facist movement. If you dont agree u get shut down, and its happening to many business. Either bend the knee or face consequemces.

Those statues are there to remind us what we humans were like, why we changed and how we should never repeat what happened. Not many educated people glorify statues.

The glory daya of those statues have been over for a long time. The fact that people let statues have so much power over them just show they are weak minded induviduals who are easily influenced. They are called sheeple.

1) Us playing a sport that so many of us love and many of us have made careers and become legends in is not a reminder of slavery in the same way that a statue celebrating an actual slave trader is a reminder of - guess what - slavery! As I said, the effects of slavery are felt to this day for many black people, and this has been proven over and over again. Spend a few minutes on google so you can be like these "educated people" you talk of.

2) These statues are obviously there to glorify the person, that's their literal purpose, not to remind of us of what not to do. There are many many many outlets of history education on the internet, in libraries and in museums. If these statues were truly there to educate people, there would be some form of education on the statue, because when I look at a statue the only thing I am educated on is what the person looks like. Is there any sort of information about the person, who they are, the good and bad things they've done? No. If they are for what you say, we should put up statues of Hitler and Mussolini everywhere so we can remind people not to be fascist right?

3) Yes these people are sheeples and snowflakes, but the people who are so enraged that a statue of racist mass murdereres are being moved to museums aren't. Right....

 

[MenInG]

Boris Johnson has commissioned a review into the 2m (6ft) social distancing rule, following calls to scrap it.

Businesses and some of Mr Johnson's own MPs have warned that large parts of the hospitality industry will not be viable with the 2m coronavirus rule in place.

The review will aim to be completed by 4 July, when pubs and restaurants could open at the earliest in England.

But former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith questioned the need for a review, saying "the evidence is already there".

"Whether there is a review or not, it will come down to a political judgment for the prime minister to make," said Sir Iain, who has previously said the 2m rule will delay the economy recovering.

"He needs to make the decision now for the good of the economy. If there is to be a review, it should be swift."

The review, which was first reported in the Mail on Sunday, will take evidence from scientists as well as economists.

Currently, the UK government advises people to stay 2m apart from others to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

This is further than the World Health Organization's recommendation of at least 1m (just over 3ft), and some other countries like France and Denmark. But the UK government's scientific advisers say that being 1m apart carries up to 10 times the risk of being 2m apart.

However, there are widespread concerns about the impact of the rule on the UK economy, which is already suffering from the pandemic.

Some bars, restaurants and pubs say they will be unable to make a profit if the 2m guidance is still in place when they reopen. Tourism firms have also warned of tens of thousands of job losses unless the distance is shortened.

Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of the industry body UK Hospitality, says that with a 2m rule, outlets would be only able to make about 30% of normal revenues, whereas 1m would increase that to 60-75%.

Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 committee made up of backbench Conservative MPs, welcomed the review and said a move to 1m would be "essential".

It comes as the number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK increased by 181 taking the official total to 41,662, latest government figures on Saturday showed.

The 2m distance has been implemented by all nations of the UK, which have their own powers over restrictions. But so far, political leaders have rejected calls to relax the 2m rule.

Earlier this week, Scotland's chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith said the evidence was "incontrovertible" that the risk of transmitting the virus increased the closer you got to someone.

He said it was a "balanced and sensible precaution" to ensure transmission is reduced.

And Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster said the medical advice suggested 2m apart was the "safest place to be".

While pubs, bars and restaurants could open in England from 4 July, no date has been given in Scotland, Wales or NI.

What will a night out be like after lockdown?

On Saturday, millions of people in England and Northern Ireland were able to break the 2m distance with some loved ones after the government allowed people who live alone and single parents in England to form social bubbles with one other household.

Can I be in a coronavirus 'social bubble'?

Meanwhile, from Monday, all non-essential shops in England will be allowed to reopen - as long as they enforce the 2m guidance among shoppers and staff.

In Northern Ireland, all shops were allowed to open from Friday. No dates have been set for the reopening of non-essential shops in Scotland and Wales, although each country has set out its planned stages for lifting lockdown.

The UK government has repeatedly said it is constantly reviewing its coronavirus lockdown guidance.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53038255

 

[MenInG]

Living in la la land UK Gov with all these protests happening.

===

Photograph: Andrew Marr Show
Rishi Sunak has indicated the government could soon reduce the 2-metre physical distancing rule as way to help businesses, with the chancellor saying ministers would “actively review” the measure in the coming weeks.

“It will be a comprehensive review. It will be conducted very soon,” Sunak told BBC One’s The Andrew Marr Show, while stressing that the benefits of a reduced distance on shops, restaurants and others would need to be gauged against the health impact.

Pressure has been building on the government to reconsider the rule given the impact it has on the hospitality sector, and on shops, many of which are reopening on Monday, particularly after figures showing the UK economy shrank by 20.4% in April.

However, there are fears that reducing the limit to one metre could cause a resurgence in coronavirus infection rates, given the so-called R rate of infection is perilously close to one in several regions.

Sunak told Marr that a possible health trade-off involving a smaller distance but greater use of masks in public places would be part of the review, and stressed it would be up to politicians to decide, based on scientific advice.

“Ultimately it is for ministers,” he said. “We are the people who are elected to make decisions in this country. People should hold us responsible and accountable for making those decisions. I think that people are comforted and have confidence in those decisions if they know that we are taking advice from our scientists.”

In an earlier interview on Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday show, Sunak was asked if he wanted the 2-metre distance reduced.

“I can very much understand the positive impact it will have on business’s ability to open and thereby maintain the jobs that they have, and make sure all the people that work for them can come back to those jobs and remain employed, and that’s really important to me,” he said. “But at the same time, we must make sure that it’s safe to do so.”

But Sunak indicated a change was possible: “Now that we have made good progress in suppressing the virus, we’re at a different stage of this epidemic than we were at the beginning and that enables us to take a fresh look at this.

“Obviously, many other countries around the world use a different rule and indeed, we’ve seen a couple of countries recently – I think Norway and Denmark, from memory – have moved from 2 metres to something less as well. But it’s important that we look at it comprehensively in the round and that’s what we will do urgently.”

The bulk of shops, those selling non-essential goods, are able to reopen from Monday, and Sunak said he hoped people would return to them, boosting the economy.

“We have always been an economy that is driven by consumption, driven by services and the numbers of people employed in these sectors are huge whether it’s in retail or in hospitality, there are millions and millions of people who work in these sectors,” he said.

Addressing the GDP figures on the Marr show, Sunak said the figures meant the economic damage caused by Covid-19 was “starting to become more real”, stressing that there was only so much any government could do.

“There’s no way I can protect every single job and every single business through this. There is going to be hardship ahead,” he warned.

 

[MenInG]

Crowds on London's Oxford Street as Nike Town reopens

 

[Firebat]

Police call for protest ban during crisis

Rank-and-file police officers are calling for the home secretary to ban all protests in England and Wales while coronavirus remains a threat.

Police Federation chairman John Apter says the right to protest is important but "we are not in normal times", adding that officers and the public are facing an "avoidable risk".

It comes after more than 100 people were arrested in a second weekend of demonstrations - including the anti-racism rallies sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US and counter-protests involving far-right activists.

The government has been warning protesters that ignoring the guidance could lead to a fresh spike in cases of Covid-19 and Home Secretary Priti Patel is due to give a statement in the House of Commons later.

 

[MenInG]

It is "crystal clear" that drunk people are unable to socially distance, the chair of the Police Federation said as pubs reopened on Saturday.

Ministers had urged caution ahead of hospitality venues reopening in England after three months of lockdown.

John Apter dealt with "naked men, happy drunks, angry drunks, fights and more angry drunks" on shift in Southampton.

But police thanked the majority of people for acting responsibly as they enjoyed the night out.

Hundreds gathered in London's Soho district, with images showing packed streets into the early hours of Sunday.

The Metropolitan Police said that there were "no significant issues" in the capital.

Devon and Cornwall Police received more than 1,000 reports, most of which were "drink-related".

In north Nottinghamshire, four people were arrested and several pubs decided to close after alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

While people were out in droves at thousands of venues, fears emergency services could be as busy as New Year's Eve appear not to have been realised.

But Mr Apter said: "What was crystal clear is that drunk people can't/won't socially distance.

"It was a busy night but the shift managed to cope. I know other areas have had issues with officers being assaulted."

People in England are still urged to stay 2m apart, but the new "one metre plus" guidance means they can get closer if they use "mitigation" measures, such as face coverings and not sitting face-to-face.

Boris Johnson and government experts had urged people to stick to the rules to avoid creating a second wave of coronavirus, with chief medical officer for England Chris Whitty saying easing lockdown is not "risk-free".

It was a different night for Leicester where the streets were largely deserted as pubs and other venues remain closed after the city became the first to be subject to a local lockdown on Monday, following a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Restrictions on the hospitality sector remain in place in Scotland and Wales, while pubs have been able to open in Northern Ireland since Friday.

The latest figures, released on Saturday, showed a further 67 people had died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 44,198.

Despite the relaxation of restrictions, some 30% of bars, pubs and restaurants stayed shut, according to the Night-Time Industries Association, amid fears for safety and concerns over how to implement social distancing guidance.

In England, people are being allowed to stay the night away from home for the first time since lockdown started, with campsites and holiday accommodation also reopening.

Police in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall reported gridlock on the roads on Saturday - including a high volume of caravan owners heading to the coast.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53296689

 

[MenInG]

Bit sick of everyone telling third world countries about virtues of social distancing whilst in the West, its looked upon as some sort of freedom issue and some sort of white privilege

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Crowds on London's Oxford Street as Nike Town reopens

These images are very strange, makes me wonder how there hasn't been a second wave of Covid in London while there seems to have been a resurgence further north in cities like Leicester and Bradford.

 

[miandadrules]

These images are very strange, makes me wonder how there hasn't been a second wave of Covid in London while there seems to have been a resurgence further north in cities like Leicester and Bradford.

Wait two weeks and you’ll see it.

I think a second lockdown especially closer to winter is inevitable.

 

[MenInG]

A further 27,000 excess deaths are "likely" between now and next April under the current approach to tackling the coronavirus pandemic, a former government chief scientific adviser says.

Sir David King, who has been critical of the easing of lockdown measures, told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday, "we need to look at the fastest route out of COVID-19" and the current one "is not right".

He said it looked as though Downing Street's policy was to "maintain" the current level of about 3,000 new infections per day across England.

Catch up on everything that happened in Sophy Ridge On Sunday here

Sir David said: "What we are saying is 27,000 excess deaths are likely between now and next April if the expectation by the chief medical officer is that he would be surprised and delighted if the UK is in the same place next spring.

"If he's correct we would still have about 2,000 to 3,000 new infections in England per day and that is the number of deaths that would follow from that."

He said the rate of new infections is "almost entirely preventable and absolutely unacceptable and immoral" and said the group has called for a "zero COVID UK" and published a new report on Sunday.

His comments come as pubs, restaurants, cafes and hair salons reopened across England on Saturday amid reports of some people apparently flouting social distancing guidelines.

Sir David, who was chief scientific adviser between 2000 and 2007, is the chairman of Independent SAGE - a rival group that is separate to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies which advises Downing Street.

He told Ridge: "The quicker we can get down to zero COVID UK the quicker we can get a full economic opening of our economies right across the United Kingdom."

Asked how that could be achieved, he suggested pubs should open up areas outdoors for punters where social distancing could be maintained.

"There are means for achieving these objectives, but we have to be patient, and if we are not patient, it's not just a second wave, but if it bumps along at 3,000 per day, that is what produces this additional 27,000 deaths.

"If we want to return to full economic growth as quickly as possible - get rid of the COVID virus."

In its report, Independent SAGE analysed the combined data from the government's daily figures, the Office for National Statistics, Public Health England and the government's report on NHS Test and Trace.

The group concluded:

We don't know if declines in positive confirmed cases are because of fewer people getting tested or fewer people having COVID-19, or a combination of both
ONS continues to report that a steady decline in new infections has stopped
None of the nations mention contact tracing as a key part of their COVID response and only Scotland encourages testing
NHS Test and Trace is not reaching enough newly symptomatic people with COVID-19
Fewer than half of contacts are reached within three days of a person being tested (from what data is available)
Crucial data on how many contacts are actually isolating or go on to develop symptoms is not there
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the coronavirus lockdown changes from 4 July, England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, warned they were not "risk free" and that he would be "surprised and delighted" if the current situation was over by the winter.

Professor Whitty and the chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, both at the time declined to say they personally supported the easing of measures in England.

Sir David said he didn't think there is "any difference between the scientists on SAGE and Independent SAGE".

"I think the difference is that we are in the public domain. You are talking to me and not the chair people of SAGE, precisely because they are not free to come and be cross-examined by the media," he told Ridge.

"Frankly, that is the way to gain the trust of the public in the policies that the government wants to lay down. The whole issue is extraordinarily challenging.

"We are not providing an alternative to SAGE, we are providing an independent voice for the public and the government to listen to.

"When I was chief scientific adviser, whenever I could, I was out in the public domain explaining my advice to government, and then explaining that it was government that made the policy and the decisions," he added.

The scientific community is split on the government's reopening of the economy.

Last week, Sir Mark Walport, who was chief scientific adviser between 2013 and 2017, said he understood the government's decision to ease lockdown further.

"The economy is as critical for health as anything else," he said, adding it's been a "fine balancing act all along".

"There are health harms from a damaged economy, from people being out of work, so one has got to balance managing the coronavirus pandemic and controlling it, but also keeping the economy going," he said.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Ridge the vast majority of people who went out on Saturday did the right thing, but added: "Of course we'll take action when we need to when... if the minority break the rules."

"You've seen for instance in Leicester but also in other places that we don't shirk from bringing in more drastic measures if that is what's needed to control the virus."

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...pril-warns-former-government-adviser-12021625

 

[sweep_shot]

Many people are unlikely to listen. Doesn't matter whether first world or third world.

Just take care of yourself to the best of your ability. Take necessary precaution and leave the rest to God.

 

[MenInG]

Seems UK doesnt believe in any precautions - had a TV delivered - guys came in without masks, gloves, touched tv controls etc - spent 30 mins disinfecting!

 

[MenInG]

Leeds fans celebrate promotion - despite plea to stay home

Leeds supporters gathered outside the club's stadium to celebrate their return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.

Leeds' owner Andrea Radrizzani and the police had urged fans to stay at home.

Under social distancing guidelines, people in England should keep a distance of at least 1m while observing precautions to reduce the risk of coronavirus.

 

[The Viper]

So much people ignoring restrictions, would not be surprised to see a second wave soon.

 

[MenInG]

More than 2,500 people have attended an illegal rave in France, clashing with police who attempted to stop the event.

The rave, held in a disused warehouse at Lieuron near Rennes in Brittany, started on New Year's Eve and came to an end on Saturday morning.

Mass gatherings are not allowed under French COVID-19 restrictions - and a nationwide 8pm to 6am curfew is in force.

Police said they tried to "prevent this event but faced fierce hostility from many party-goers" who set one of their cars on fire and threw bottles and stones.

People from France, the UK, Spain and other countries attended the event, authorities said.

One of the ravers, who identified himself as "Jo" from the Alsace region of eastern France, said they had all met at a designated spot on Thursday evening in the car park of a shopping centre.

The group then headed for Lieuron.

Jo admitted "very few had respected social distancing" at the event, where most did not wear masks.

A number of people slept in their cars before returning to dance, Le Monde reported.

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19...l-rave-in-france-12177274?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter

 

[pakistani pride]

LOL there is 0 social distance application in Pakistan. In fact there is no pandemic in Pakistan. It seems the west is more obsessed with the lockdowns etc..

 

[guna]

If black lives matter, why would so many people attend an event which might put those black lives at risk? I am not really sure I understand the reasoning, even if I have sympathy for the cause.

Trump is out. So BL does not matter anymore to Americans I guess. I Have not seen a single protest since Trump lost the elections.

 

[saeedhk]

LOL there is 0 social distance application in Pakistan. In fact there is no pandemic in Pakistan. It seems the west is more obsessed with the lockdowns etc..

Zaid Hamid would be proud of this post.

 

[Suleiman]

Social distancing and mask wearing in the Far East countries puts America to shame. At least in the South. People going to beaches, nightclubs, malls, parks without masks or social distancing in full force through all of last year and even now despite the thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year surges except when the government had to close all the places down.

I’m in a city where if you wear a mask people look at you like “wow, how interesting, he has a mask on!”

 

[saeedhk]

Government should make wearing masks mandatory if they are to save lives. Those who do not wear a mask, should be fined.

 

[pakistani pride]

Zaid Hamid would be proud of this post.

Can you come up with facts?
Have you not seen the images of all the protests in Pakistan?

Besides that there is no lockdown in major parts of pakistan and people just get on with their lives.

 

[pakistani pride]

Government should make wearing masks mandatory if they are to save lives. Those who do not wear a mask, should be fined.

Do you have one single proof / data that shows masks prevent a virus?

 

[saeedhk]

Can you come up with facts?
Have you not seen the images of all the protests in Pakistan?

Besides that there is no lockdown in major parts of pakistan and people just get on with their lives.

I disagreed when you said COVID-19 is not a pandemic in Pakistan. In fact, Pakistan is one of the worst hit countries but due to no testing and a lack of proper health infrastructure, hundreds of thousands of cases go unreported.

 

[saeedhk]

Do you have one single proof / data that shows masks prevent a virus?

They prevent the spread of viruses. This is a fact; there are hundreds of studies that back this up. Also, Hong Kong is a prime example of how masks prevent the spread of viruses. Wearing a mask here is compulsory for all except children under the age of two. This is the reason, despite being one of the most crowded cities, we have had only 140 fatalities.

Also, the HK government never enforced a lockdown because 100% of the public wears a mask unlike Americans and Europeans.