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 passed a group of 7 MTBers on my solo ride yesterday.
- 8 or 9 older teens playing footy in the park on Saturday.
- A group of mums this morning, all sat down on a bench having a fag and a chat after dropping kids off at school.
- 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.
- elderly neighbours opposite had son, grandson, and grandson's girlfriend round for lunch yesterday.
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...
... 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…
/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.
