Coronavirus

[Petrushka]

Everybody I have spoken to today, and it is quite a few, have torn up cherished, and carefully thought out plans, all of which were “safety first.”

The M3 this evening was as busy as any road I have seen this year, and Fleet services had a very fair sprinkling of people exchanging presents.

Exchanged presents with friends in a car park in a nearby local town a fortnight ago. A bit earlier than most, perhaps but we did it while we could fully expecting the situation to worsen nearer to Christmas. People will be inventive and find ways round the restrictions.

[Nick Armstrong]

As may have been apparent, in my #4402, I was suffering a temporary calendar malfunction...

I didn’t even notice!

[muzzer]

I don't think you need to be now either.
A great many thought that the extent of the original Xmas plans, when announced, were unwise. They had more to do with wanting to be liked, rather than any assessment of the then current situation and possible changes.It followed the usual PM modus operandi of making large gestures and spouting grandiose promises which can never be fulfilled - it's not as if he hasn't form on that front in 'dealing' with the covid crisis. The stage is now set for massive refusal to observe the rules, coupled with a surge to the shops on Saturday, none of which is going to do much to curb the progress of the virus, whether new version or old.

The bit I find most depressing is that he literally can’t see past the next week (or indeed assignation) at any stage. This is the mark of someone who simply doesn’t understand saving up for things, deferred gratification, or having to go without, full stop. All normal parts of normal life. I knew he would be bad, but I didn’t think he’d be so disastrous. Surely the progressive left can evolve to be electable in the face of such venal incompetence?

Anyway, shortest day tomorrow. Food shop today. Wrap up presents that will be exchanged. Get stuck into (another) good book ;)

[oddoneout]

don't worry - groundhog day rules supreme here - I'm still awaiting details of the border forces to be rushed to the Anglo-Scottish border - Does Berwick on Tweed regain its special status as needing explicit mention in any Anglo-Scottish treaty - and do southbound trains stop at Gretna - if so how do they reverse without coming into Carlisle?.

Will the combination of Covid and Brexit lead to the resurrection of the Border Reivers?

[french frank]

Everybody I have spoken to today, and it is quite a few, have torn up cherished, and carefully thought out plans, all of which were “safety first.”

I just have a feeling that people who WOULD have stuck to the rules, however disappointing, if they'd been told from the start that it was necessary. But where they've booked train tickets or other reservations, many will just say, Sorry, chum - you should have mentioned that earlier. And they'll press ahead with their plans.

[Dave2002]

I just have a feeling that people who WOULD have stuck to the rules, however disappointing, if they'd been told from the start that it was necessary. But where they've booked train tickets or other reservations, many will just say, Sorry, chum - you should have mentioned that earlier. And they'll press ahead with their plans.

Seems that some trains out of London yesterday were full to bursting ..... people trying to get out before midnight.

[DracoM]

I just have a feeling that people who WOULD have stuck to the rules, however disappointing, if they'd been told from the start that it was necessary. But where they've booked train tickets or other reservations, many will just say, Sorry, chum - you should have mentioned that earlier. And they'll press ahead with their plans.

I live in a wild, beautiful rural area and judging by what happened in last lockdown -ha! - FF is dead right. WE expect to be crowded by un-masked bikers, cyclists, mobile homes from all over.

Ha!

[oddoneout]

I live in a wild, beautiful rural area and judging by what happened in last lockdown -ha! - FF is dead right. WE expect to be crowded by un-masked bikers, cyclists, mobile homes from all over.

Ha!

So a bit of deep and crisp and (un)even might be helpful? The potential for gatherings despite the weather seems high now, and the difficulties for police to decide how to deal considerable.

[Bryn]

As linked to by a certain Richard Barrett on FB, https://www.theguardian.com/technolo...uring-pandemic

[Leinster Lass]

So a bit of deep and crisp and (un)even might be helpful? The potential for gatherings despite the weather seems high now, and the difficulties for police to decide how to deal considerable.

From what I hear and read, White Christmases, and indeed snowfall in general, are likely to become increasingly rare in islands off the coast of mainland Europe, such as Great Britain and Ireland.

[Dave2002]

So a bit of deep and crisp and (un)even might be helpful? The potential for gatherings despite the weather seems high now, and the difficulties for police to decide how to deal considerable.

I can see snow right now, but it's most probably about 2000+ feet up, and a few miles away. Not going to deter the mobile home brigade trying to get into the area, though some locals have ways of dealing with interlopers.

[french frank]

Door Matt has declared the crowds at St Pancras trying to leave London before the deadline are "totally irresponsible".

[Petrushka]

Johnson's days must surely be numbered. Will no-one rid us of this turbulent man?

[DracoM]

If only.................erm.....

[Serial_Apologist]

It's highly unlikely that there would or even could be a general election in this situation, even if it were at the end of the 5-year term. The only way would be for the government to resign en masse, and say "Your turn to have a go" to Labour and the Lib Dems. Just imagine it!!!