[Closed] Breaking lockdown rules - seeing a lot of it.

My neighbours (Geography lecturer and Registrar at local Hospital) had friends round for drinks last night!

Mind you, they had a Birthday party for 30 in the first lockdown, so not exactly a surprise.

Don't think a single neighbour stuck to the rules during lockdown 1 though - just the odd visitor here and there.

I was of the same opinion after my road ride on Saturday.

'Sunday best' motorcycles out for a blast in the sun, a dozen roadies all gathered together chatting and loads of traffic.

Its certainly not like the one in Spring that's for sure.

What I don't get is why people are so brazenly flaunting it? I'm seeing pics of groups of 3 or more households (presumably) all standing close to each other, arms round shoulders etc.

I don't agree with ignoring the guidelines as I think it's fairly selfish and arrogant, but if you're going to then at least don't advertise the fact! It just erodes away at general levels of compliance...

For every bell end you see breaking the rules, I'd really hope there are hundreds of others sticking to them. Unfortunately as in the example above, people will continue to flout the rules. My old neighbours were the same. People are dicks.

a dozen roadies all gathered together chatting and loads of traffic.

We've all switched to pairs riding, put up a route and head off in pairs, not meeting up....

There seems to be a lot more of this going in from what I’ve seen locally.
None of it particularly bothers me, but to see so much, from a variety of ages, so soon into the lockdown is worrying.

I think basically people don't have the energy to care any more. Staying at a constant level of stress and anxiety takes its toll.

Boris himself said, this isn't as strict as the last one. I think that in itself isn't helpful...

Also, the details around WFH this time are different. They've included an extra word.
"You must work from home if you can effectively do so." My boss, and I'm sure may others interpret "effectively" as a means to force people into the office. Here, we are expected to all be in, and if we have a problem with that we need to speak with MD, people seem fearful to do that.
SO....people might think, well, if it's safe enough for me to be in the office with 50 other dirty humans, then it's safe enough for me to meet the parents for a walk so they can see the grandkids...

If they're outside then I don't see the problem, though the hugging bit is just plain stupid. A walk in the park is the only way I'll get to see my parents this year I suspect, so I'll definitely be out with them, albeit I'll keep some distance
Kids playing outside particularly I struggle to get even slightly annoyed about, according to Whitty there have been zero cases transmitted this way so let them play
Inside, I have less sympathy with, but I suspect that's few and far between.
People are fed up, and I can't blame them.

I saw a few group bike rides over the weekend, hopefully its the minority. I guess they think they are somehow special and the rules dont apply to them or that they think they will never catch the virus.

And people wonder why we are in the situation that we are currently in. The only issue is that we could all get tarnished with the same brush!

I think basically people don’t have the energy to care any more. Staying at a constant level of stress and anxiety takes its toll.

This.

SO….people might think, well, if it’s safe enough for me to be in the office with 50 other dirty humans, then it’s safe enough for me to meet the parents for a walk so they can see the grandkids

And this.

Plus, telling kids who've been in a classroom with their mates all day they can't then go and play with them in the park is a tough message to get across.

Been telling our 13 year old to limit it to just him and another when he’s out and about on his bike etc. Then other friends then up , so quite often there might be half a dozen of them . Thing is , they are all in the same class at school , so how do you justify the logic of saying they can’t hang out together?

Amazed at how much is allowed - garden centres open, DIY places open, the street outside looks exactly as busy as normal.

– 8 or 9 older teens playing footy in the park on Saturday.

8-9 older teens who have been forced to go to school, told they may not wear masks and forced to touch each other in school....?

– A group of mums this morning, all sat down on a bench having a fag and a chat after dropping kids off at school.

A group of mums who just dropped off their virus laden bundles to pass it on

– large extended family/friends groups walking multiple dogs on my ride yesterday. One group was about 12 people with maybe 7 or 8 dogs! All walking bunched up and chatting.

The same group who were given money to go and eat out and spread the virus?

Plus, telling kids who’ve been in a classroom with their mates all day they can’t then go and play with them in the park is a tough message to get across.

I'm a big fan of the rules (not sharing cars, no one coming into the house, riding solo / in pairs only, mask on when inside plus outside where there are lots of people) but this is where I draw the line and yesterday when I went for a kickabout with my lad and a couple of his year group / class mates ambled up I quite happily let them play. I have no issue with this particularly as the organised sports has all been put on hold (which I understand as it mixes kids from lots of different areas and year groups). I'd be less keen to let them wander around for the afternoon picking up other kids which would otherwise be acceptable.

Timely thread as just reading the comments on Rachel Atherton's IG post from yesterday... 

View this post on Instagram

... including Danny

What I don’t get is why people are so brazenly flaunting it?

Dominic Cummings.

This lockdown is bugging me already. I worked all through the last lockdown (electricity transmission) and didn't see anyone outside of work, even my kids for the first half.

I'm now in a new relationship, I live alone and she lives with her son. Because she is in a bubble with her mum and dad, I cant see her indoors, which is ok when the weather is good/ok. When the weather is bad the only way I can see her is a walk in the rain! We both have jobs where COVID controls are really highly followed, and we're both trying to stick to the rules.

However, I was at her house until midnight on Wednesday, we've only been together outside since then, yet I hear about all these gatherings being broken up by the police, a local café being fined for still serving 'sit in' service, seeing huge groups out and about together and I start thinking "why bother?"

No wonder the rules seem to be less followed this time

Depends if the current, seemingly lax, guidelines are based on a solid understanding of where Covid is actually being transmitted (pubs, clubs, confined indoor social spaces) or if they're lax just to keep people happy.
Underpinning all of this will be conservative plans for the next general election - they'll be weighing up the support lost through families contracting covid vs support maintained by letting people carry on as usual.

That said, not being seen to follow the guidelines when out in public seems like an odd decision to me.

Luckily I've gone single speed so daren't risk trying to ride with anyone else.

That said, not being seen to follow the guidelines when out in public seems like an odd decision to me.

It's become a badge of honour...

Depends if the current, seemingly lax, guidelines are based on a solid understanding of where Covid is actually being transmitted (pubs, clubs, confined indoor social spaces) or if they’re lax just to keep people happy.

It's pretty simple... it has been decided we all have to catch Covid and we have 2 options... go out and catch it or have it delivered to your house.

It's pretty woman... "I so who, I say where"

Round here, we've got it absolutely nailed if it's a virus that spreads through the chin.

Whatever could you be implying Cougar? Surely everyone knows how to use a face mask by now???

Infuriating but hardly surprising is it. Working in public health it is especially so. Stuck to the rules all the way thorugh round 1 and so far this one too, cycling is now in pairs keeping necessary distance, family distance too etc. However some family members haven't given a toss when we were in Tier 2 and then Tier 3, and don't seem to care about flaunting it on their social media. There is a a significant amount of 'stuff it' out there backed up with evidence regarding compliance too. Sadly it is across the age groups and surprisingly so in the >60yrs.

There are loads of people on a Facebook group locally who are banging on about government control and how it's just a cold etc. I can't be arsed to argue it with them any longer. The same people are all Corbynites and also wanted Trump to win the election. I just don't get the human race these days

It's normally a stream of groups of riders and walkers going up our road at the weekend... this weekend I didn't see a single group larger than 2 adults, on foot or on wheels.

Based on my run on Sunday morning the problem, and I've said this before, is not the youngsters, it's those in their 60's and 70's. Loads of groups out for a stroll, or getting all to close to each other on their dog walks.
Part of me thinks that as it's that age group we're meant to be trying to save them and they're not playing the game maybe we leave them to it...

Grand, another whining thread.

The house opposite has a firewomen/person and a police women/officer living in it. They are the most obvious rule breakers in the street. Regularly having friends and family over.

Do as they say etc.

and I’ve said this before, is not the youngsters, it’s those in their 60’s and 70’s. Loads of groups out for a stroll, or getting all to close to each other on their dog walks.
Part of me thinks that as it’s that age group we’re meant to be trying to save them and they’re not playing the game maybe we leave them to it…

Don't forget, those with (already receiving) a nice hefty final salary or triple lock pension will be doing alright out of the upcoming recession too.

Timely thread as just reading the comments on Rachel Atherton’s IG post from yesterday… 

View this post on Instagram

/a>

… including Danny

I don't know what the rules are there but here in Scotland it's simple enough to become a Certified Covid Officer and then go out cycling with a group of up to 30 riders. I'm not saying that's a good idea, or that it might not be sending a big "**** you" message to folk. Just saying, it's possible and permitted.

the problem, and I’ve said this before, is not the youngsters, it’s those in their 60’s and 70’s.

To my mind, it's certain elements of both - and the selfish, entitled section of the middle-aged demographic too.

here in Scotland it’s simple enough to become a Certified Covid Officer and then go out cycling with a group of up to 30 riders.

Really? Do you have a relevant link? Seems a bit nuts.

Also, do we feel the Athertons & Danny Mac have let the side down here?

Certainly looks that way from England ATM.

Grand, another whining thread.

Not just here, but in general I've given up reading them in the main.   I'm doing what I can with our family to conform and protect them and others.  I can't control everyone else so I'm not going increase my blood pressure  or anxiety by trying to.

Back in early April / May the whole lockdown and no crowds was a shock to most I reckon, so like starting a new job - most abide by the rules until they have been there a while at least.

Now we've had this job for 7 months, complacency and old ways come back, so for a lot of folks 'another lockdown' will be now as concerning as the speed limit is to others.

Strange analogy but I've only got 10 minutes of lunch break left and can't think of another way to say it.

I don't think the Athertons and Danny are braking the law. They are professionals so entitled to be together and ride. Maybe not a good idea to shout about it though !

Grand, another whining thread.

And your contribution's fitted right in.

I think the public has lost some of it's fear: 1) The rules are perceived to be slightly arbitrary, and do not always make sense (you can sit next to them in the classroom, but not on a park bench) 2) They change a lot, and are different in different areas - again this complexity is not helpful 3) Allowing school kids and students to continue to be educated changes the atmosphere, and makes lock-down seem a little half-hearted.

Last time round it was simple and clear ('stay at home'), and people had been scared to death by the pictures from Italian intensive care wards. We know and understand more now, including that the UK governments and their advisers are not omnipotent.

Bloody mindedness is reasserting itself in British society

Back in early April / May the whole lockdown and no crowds was a shock to most I reckon, so like starting a new job – most abide by the rules until they have been there a while at least.

Now we’ve had this job for 7 months, complacency and old ways come back, so for a lot of folks ‘another lockdown’ will be now as concerning as the speed limit is to others.

That's a good take on it.

I don’t think the Athertons and Danny are braking the law. They are professionals so entitled to be together and ride. Maybe not a good idea to shout about it though !

Yep, tone deaf to say the least. Wonder if Danny Hart was just out of shot in his camper van as well.

I'm not seeing it, mostly because i've only left the house for a cycle ride once.

OTher than that... why would i be going out, it's lockdown 🙂

Urgh, the whole thing is irritating. I don’t generally care about what other people do, but their actions affect all of us.

Piss-takers are having their fun whilst the rest of us (mostly rule-abiding people) suffer AND the lockdown suffering will last longer if people take the piss. If days of liberty are a currency (it’s certainly what I live for), these people are literally taking it from the rest of us.

Plus! It’s only for a month*! Just ride solo or 1+1 for a few weekends! Group rides can surely wait?

I’m sure there are some people that are flaunting the rules because they truly think Covid is a hoax. There are many more people who just can’t be arsed and are acting selfishly.

If I was a small business that had been forced to close during lockdown 2.0, I’d be absolutely fuming about people ignoring the rules.

/Rant

The Athertons were breaking the the Welsh firebreak lockdown rules, which as I understand it are proper laws not just guidelines.

Amazing the number of people saying they are in the right on that instagram page.

Whatever could you be implying Cougar? Surely everyone knows how to use a face mask by now???

Heh.

I haven't stopped to count, but I'd estimate the number of people wearing a mask properly rather than just over their mouth or as a chinstrap (or ofc, not at all) is probably about 50%.

and I’ve said this before, is not the youngsters, it’s those in their 60’s and 70’s.

Not round here. During lockdown #1 it was mostly young Asian lads who seemed to treat the entire thing as an opportunity for an act of mass defiance. This time around it's more evenly distributed but I'd say it's still more weighted towards younger people. For the purposes of confirmation bias I'll make a mental tally next time I go shopping.

It doesn't help that there's next to no enforcement going on. The supermarkets all have segregated entrances and exits but as soon as you're through the door it's a free-for-all and no-one cares. Store employees are half-wearing masks even, which aside from anything else sets a bad example and should be trivial to enforce (wear your mask or find another job) compared to customers. One bloke on the tills a couple of weeks back took his mask off to shout across to a colleague - the one time it's more important than ever to cover up. I went to charge up gas and electricity meter cards for a friend at the weekend, one of the cards didn't read so the shop owner took it out and blew on it!

This needs to reach the same state of social unacceptance as drink driving. But we're doomed as a species because people are morons.

It's a waste of time. It's not really a lockdown at all is it.

If we'd done the stricter circuit breaker a few weeks ago maybe but this, as usual, is a too-late crap compromise that is the worst of both worlds. I'm still sticking to the rules but I can see why some people think it's a farce and can't be bothered any more.

Oh, and TV doesn't help.

Interviewing people in the street with their masks at half-mast (half-mask?) Showing inside Parliament even, people roaming the corridors wearing masks and then as soon as they're all crammed into a small office it's all "right lads, masks off!" Even if that's how they're actually conducting affairs they should at least be wearing them for the benefit of the cameras, it's just bloody irresponsible.

There is definitely a much greater sense of "nah, **** it" going on this time around.

Much of the population has the attention span of a gnat (unless it comes to petty family/friend/neighbour grievances). The prevailing attitude of a lot of people is going to be "nothing bad happened last time, even though I stockpiled all that pasta and bog roll, so I'll carry on as normal". Basically going from all-out panic to total complacency with nothing in between.

Fatigue and inherent laziness are clearly a factor now, as others have said. Though the local high street was pretty deserted when I popped in at 3pm Saturday.

No issues with my kids hanging out with other kids in their school bubbles outside of school, but they know not to mix bubbles with other kids. It's knocked all their club activities into touch again, but they seem to accept it.

Bit of trouble on our club FB page yesterday after someone called out a group of 5 riders he saw out together. Absolutely the right thing to have done, the rule of two has been repeated along with a reminder not to even stop and chat with another group of two.

Meant to be riding with a mate tomorrow night, though I'm aware that between our kids and his teacher wife we will be the intersection of 5 seperate school bubbles. To be fair, he socially distances me most of the time, especially uphill.

SportScotland rules on Performance & Professional level sport allow for managed group activity.

But we’re doomed as a species because people are morons.

Since day one. The only thing left to decide on is timescales.

I’m sure there are some people that are flaunting the rules because they truly think Covid is a hoax.

Flouting the rules. They can be flaunting their flouting of the rules by posting pictures of themselves on social media in large groups on a Welsh hillside, for example.

Don’t forget, those with (already receiving) a nice hefty final salary or triple lock pension will be doing alright out of the upcoming recession too.

I'm not quite sure how that has anything to do with this thread? but please correct me If I have missed something.

We popped to our shop and surprised to see how many shops are open.
Dry cleaners, WH Smith’s and lock shop are properly open. Other shops have a table in the door and are serving people there.
Elsewhere Hotel Chocolat are open as they “sell food”.
Garden centres are open. The roads are busy.
It’s not a lock down.

Doesn't bother me if groups are walking around outside, cycling along the road together, walking around outside in garden centres etc,. as people need to do something and the risk of spreading virus doing those things is negligible.

If people are still sitting around in each others lounges for hours or having parties that is another thing but I would guess the numbers doing the former activities far outweigh the latter and the former are the ones you see.

Forget worrying about the rules and just ask yourself if what the people are doing is high risk or negligible risk.

And your contribution’s fitted right in.

Why thank you.

I see it all the time too, if it bothers you that much, and 'boils your piss', go say something ffs. Much like Kryton, I have no wish to take on board this stuff.

I don't think the majority think it's a hoax, or are even ignorant of the virus. I just think they're "using their common sense" and weighing up their own risks.
It's been around a while, it kills a very small minority of people, and that number gets even smaller the younger you are. Yes, you may get ill, but the majority don't and those that do it's not horrendous for large numbers.
We've spent 8 months under some kind of restrictions and now people have a degree of fatigue from it. Guidance lacks logic, partly as the government refuses to release any research on what shapes their policies.
So yeah, people are going to flout it.

Doesn’t bother me if groups are walking around outside, cycling along the road together, walking around outside in garden centres etc,. as people need to do something and the risk of spreading virus doing those things is negligible.

If people are still sitting around in each others lounges for hours or having parties that is another thing but I would guess the numbers doing the former activities far outweigh the latter and the former are the ones you see.

Forget worrying about the rules and just ask yourself if what the people are doing is high risk or negligible risk

This, really.

I’m not quite sure how that has anything to do with this thread? but please correct me If I have missed something.

In a reference to the comment I replied to - that those we are supposed to be protecting (over 65s) are the ones least likely (in their anecdotal experience, and mine) to comply with rules of indoor mixing, correct mask wearing, and so on.

It was a (not entirely serious) suggestion that an ongoing pandemic and consequent economic downturn would be in their interest financially, and therefore they are deliberately attempting to prolong and exacerbate it.

Urgh, the whole thing is irritating. I don’t generally care about what other people do, but their actions affect all of us.

Piss-takers are having their fun whilst the rest of us (mostly rule-abiding people) suffer AND the lockdown suffering will last longer if people take the piss. If days of liberty are a currency (it’s certainly what I live for), these people are literally taking it from the rest of us.

A month? or less ago we were being told and paid to eat out...

Plus! It’s only for a month*! Just ride solo or 1+1 for a few weekends! Group rides can surely wait?

We missed the chance of a month ... instead we were paying people to go spread the virus until it's too late.. and now it will either be much much longer or we just wasted everything done since March

I’m sure there are some people that are flaunting the rules because they truly think Covid is a hoax. There are many more people who just can’t be arsed and are acting selfishly.

When the hoax information is way more convincing than the lies the government are releasing that's hardly surprising.

What I don’t get is why people are so brazenly flaunting it

He didn't bother, so why should anyone else

I see it all the time too, if it bothers you that much, and ‘boils your piss’, go say something ffs. Much like Kryton, I have no wish to take on board this stuff.

Don't read it then. Other threads are available.

Weird.

@BoardinBob

Two reasons:

1. Two wrongs don't make a right - as we were taught at primary school age.
2. He's a belllend

If schools are open, so my kids are mixing with approx 100 kids, my wife is a teacher so mixing with again another 100 different pupils and approx 10 adults. This is on a daily basis.
This is where I get confused to be honest. I am going to ride solo on the road, but on Sunday I was at a trail centre that was full of groups, riders and walkers (I was solo and avoided the busy areas).
I’m actually ok with the thought of outdoors adults mixing in larger numbers because we are allowing mixing in schools. Which I also agree with. But I’m still conflicted by it.
I really feel for the youngsters though. We are essentially stopping their freedom, we’ve had ours, I remember my teen and twenties and really feel for the kids. I don’t know the answers, just saying I get why people are breaking the rules.

As an aside my parents are high risk, live in Liverpool, not seen them since Feb. My uncle died of Covid in August. I can see both sides of the argument. Sorry for a messy post, which probably reflects my confusion/confliction.

Don’t read it then. Other threads are available.

Mibbe a moderator could combine all the greetin into one big tissue thread? 😉

^^^^

Oooh, just one punch, please.

Edit: Aimed at Cummings smarmy mekon mug.

I just think they’re “using their common sense” and weighing up their own risks.

The thing you have to understand with common sense is, it's not all that common.

Yes, you may get ill, but the majority don’t and those that do it’s not horrendous for large numbers.

And that in a nutshell perfectly describes the attitude of these arseholes. "I might get a bit sick, who cares?" Sure, they probably won't die, but how about when they pop round to visit their mum or grandfather and their "common sense" infects them? I mean, they probably deserve to die, right? It's their own fault for raising selfish morons who can't see past the end of their own uncovered germ-ridden nose.

I went out for a road ride yesterday and was absolutely amazed how busy it was - the country park local to my house was so busy cars were dumped on verge on the road outside, and a saw multiple large groups of walkers/Roadies and MTBers.

Its a difficult message to get across when quite a lot of retail, and all the schools are still open. It makes little sense that my Teacher wife can mix with 1400 people at work everyday, but we can't meet close family indoors.

As for why are people ignoring it - Dominic Cummings.

And that in a nutshell perfectly describes the attitude of these arseholes. “I might get a bit sick, who cares?” Sure, they probably won’t die, but how about when they pop round to visit their mum or grandfather and their “common sense” infects them? I mean, they probably deserve to die, right? It’s their own fault for raising selfish morons who can’t see past the end of their own uncovered germ-ridden nose.

And I agree, and the nature of common sense is that it's not consistent between every one.
But.
The majority of those parents/grandparents won't die either. Some will, but the vast majority won't.
And some of said grandparents will have decided that seeing their grand kids is worth the risk. And some are lonely and just want some company, irrelevant of the consequences.

As I say, I agree with a lot of what you say, but I also don't think it's as simple as saying everyone who breaks the rules is a selfish moron.

Running a village shop, this lockdown is completely different to last time around.... But I wouldn't say I've seen any rule breaking, more bending the rules.

We've a dentist in the village (cosmetic predominantly), and I was just asked where a patient could park their camper van for a couple of night.... Now dentist's are allowed to carry on working, and you can travel all over the country for dentistry. So no real rule breaking....

All of the (office based) businesses in the area are also still running this time rather than sending staff home or asking them to work from home.....

SO….people might think, well, if it’s safe enough for me to be in the office with 50 other dirty humans, then it’s safe enough for me to meet the parents for a walk so they can see the grandkids…

Basically that, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, times a lot of people.

I don’t think the majority think it’s a hoax, or are even ignorant of the virus. I just think they’re “using their common sense” and weighing up their own risks.

I know common sense for the hard of thinking is an alien concept & this is why rules and laws exist, but my approach is just that, using my common sense.

I find it hard to be offended by Rachael Atherton & a group of mates out on bikes when over the last month hundreds of riders were racing world cups together.

As I say, I agree with a lot of what you say, but I also don’t think it’s as simple as saying everyone who breaks the rules is a selfish moron.

I'm on a conference call right now listening to a colleague talking about the funeral he attended last week for his otherwise fit and healthy uncle who recently died from Covid.

And some are lonely and just want some company, irrelevant of the consequences.

And at the risk of repeating myself, it's not just about them.

Some of the points made by various posters are large parts of the problem.

-Schools/uni's still open and  "bubbles" that are pretty large, but cant then socialise with said bubble outside of school.

-a lot more shops etc still open

-Dom Cum being let off in lockdown 1

-"I'm alright Jack" attitude

-People absolutely HAVING to watch pro sport

Etc etc

The trouble is, presumably everyone has been applying their 'common sense' since the last lockdown ended (nothing changed for us), and this is where we are.

I’m on a conference call right now listening to a colleague

Same call, another colleague has just said his friend's dad died during the first lockdown.

Original colleague replied he lost his Father in law to it also.

How hard is it to wash your hands and wear a $%^&ing mask?

I suppose according to the loons they are 'crisis actors'.

Like that Cougar, feels like that sometimes!

I find it hard to be offended by Rachael Atherton & a group of mates out on bikes when over the last month hundreds of riders were racing world cups together.

The world cup had non stop covid testing for all involved. Much more controlled than a bunch of random mates riding together.

The thing you have to understand with common sense is, it’s not all that common.

Yes, you may get ill, but the majority don’t and those that do it’s not horrendous for large numbers.

And that in a nutshell perfectly describes the attitude of these arseholes. “I might get a bit sick, who cares?” Sure, they probably won’t die, but how about when they pop round to visit their mum or grandfather and their “common sense” infects them? I mean, they probably deserve to die, right? It’s their own fault for raising selfish morons who can’t see past the end of their own uncovered germ-ridden nose.

These "arseholes" are simply acting in a perfectly predictable way they have been set up to follow.
I think it's a bit unfair to class them as arseholes any more than someone who succumbs to a marketing campaign or whatever.
Effectively they are just following the programming (for want of a better word).
Any Cummingsalike should have and must have known this would be the case.

@BoardinBob

Two reasons:

1. Two wrongs don’t make a right – as we were taught at primary school age.
2. He’s a belllend

I agree, but the reality is a lot of people looked at Cummings getting off with his Tour De England and decided **** it, they're doing what they want

@BoardinBob

Yep, and Boris backed him too, making it even worse!

These “arseholes” are simply acting in a perfectly predictable way they have been set up to follow.

Oh, no arguments there, sadly it's been entirely predictable.

I think it’s a bit unfair to class them as arseholes any more than someone who succumbs to a marketing campaign or whatever.

True. They could just be a bit thick.

Sorry, but I'm through with excuses and apologists, it's pathetic. We're in the middle of a global ****ing pandemic. The more people who think the rules don't apply them, the longer this crap will be going on for and I for one would like my life back at some point.

Someone wants see Death Wish Granny then fill your boots but for gods' sake do it safely, wear a mask, wash your hands, do it outside, stop mauling stuff. There is literally no justifiable excuse not to take basic, simple, easy precautions unless you have a particular disability preventing you and - spoiler - you most likely do not.

Same call, another colleague has just said his friend’s dad died during the first lockdown.

Original colleague replied he lost his Father in law to it also.

I get it, I really do. I too lost someone very early on in this and 2 friends have lost parents. It's crap, truly crap. It doesn't take away from the fact that even so, the majority of people who catch it don't die, and are barely even ill.

But, whether it's right or not, people are weighing up the risks v's reward. And for a good few people that means bending or breaking the rules. You may not like it, but they are. And it's exactly what our good friends in The cabinet have done since March.

I still maintain that the vast majority of those people (not The Cabinet, they are) are not "selfish morons".

True. They could just be a bit thick.

Sorry, but I’m through with excuses and apologists, it’s pathetic. We’re in the middle of a global ****ing pandemic. The more people who think the rules don’t apply them, the longer this crap will be going on for and I for one would like my life back at some point.

It's not just thick.... not everyone has time or expertise or time to get expertise.
The red top papers don't help.... but its also entirely predictable that's how "people" as a group react.

It's classic Orwellian doublethink....

the ability to hold two completely contradictory thoughts simultaneously while believing both of them to be true. It also refers to deliberately choosing to forget memories and losing the ability to form independent thoughts.

Someone wants see Death Wish Granny then fill your boots but for gods’ sake do it safely, wear a mask, wash your hands, do it outside, stop mauling stuff. There is literally no justifiable excuse not to take basic, simple, easy precautions unless you have a particular disability preventing you and – spoiler – you most likely do not.

As has been clearly articulated you don't NEED to have a disability, you simply need to say yopu have and it's illegal for it to be questioned.
I'm being extremely careful... I have a biopsy next Monday I can't have if I test positive but it's beyond my control as I also can't have it if anyone in my household is told to self isolate.

1 Kid at a Covid + school
1 Teacher at a Covid + school

so my reality is what I do is almost immaterial to me getting first the biopsy and second if it turns out bad then treatment.

As I mentioned there was a group of MTBers openly discussing how they could go into the small shop at Peaslake (Makes Heptonstall look like a metropolis) without using the FREE masks and handgel.

People are just tired of contradictions and lies from the Government and instead choosing whatever version of a "truth" is convenient.