If the government takes a step of this kind it also needs to be clear about a plan B to activiate a re-boot of lockdown if it proves to be going wrong. Second time round it would need to be "for real" - no numpties making up their own rules to suit themselves. Best to do the job properly now rather that have to try again, I'd say.

R.

A late update from yesterday's cases

Pillar 1 - 1,888
Pillar 2 - 2,188 

Total - 4,076

Do you know how many were tested in each pillar? This information was available last week but I couldn't find it last night.

I agree that it is past the time to relax some restrictions. However, I don't think "all elective surgery" can possibly be restarted - they need to prioritise the more serious cases which have been in abeyance first. As for family members mixing again, anecdotally I have seen no evidence round here of it happening unofficially yet - again, there will clearly be difficulties when it comes to allowing the more vulnerable family members (the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions) to mix with their other family members.

However, most businesses should be allowed to reopen, but with social distancing enforced. Some restaurants and takeaways could also reopen in my view, if they have the possibility to distance customers from each other and also from staff. Pubs are a harder ask, since after a few beers people tend to relax their guard. Cinemas and theatres - no chance until something changes.

I would addendum that with a law stating that once pubs generally are allowed to reopen, pubs in the Wetherspoon Group must serve a further 6 month closure because Tim Martin is a total git. 

I'm a little sceptical about the merits of easing the lockdown now. Our position on the curve here in Ireland is similar to the UK's. I am fully aware of the enormous economic problems that we are storing up. However, any immediate relaxation is likely to be minor. Tinkering around the edges with a lockdown(e.g. opening up DIY shops) is not really going to improve the economy and it risks reversing the gains that we have made against the virus. I would prefer to see the lockdown maintained until well into May in the hope that we can go faster in relaxing the restrictions later on.

Trump's official spokeswoman on Radio 4 the other evening not only defended his remarks but went on to suggest that swallowing hydrogen peroxide was a good idea.

DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME OR ANYWHERE ELSE!

Yes, one benefit of the lockdown is that it has further delayed the proposed opening of a first Wetherspoons near me. Perhaps it won't go ahead at all now.

I visit my mum & dad a once or twice a week to drop off shopping for them. I go into the house and, maintaining distance, we chat for 20-30 mins, and sometimes I'll fix something for them. I'll sometimes take the girls and the dog (the dog doesn't maintain distancing)

Once or twice a week they'll come here and park on the front. I'll put their shopping in the boot. We chat on the front at a distance for 20-30 mins (they tend to take the dog back with them for a few hours)

The government restrictions wouldn't stop me or the girls giving them a hug; fear of passing on CV does.

Progress is clearly being made - now is not the time to let R0 rise above 1. Indeed, the Govt/health service aim for the future has to be to keep it well below 1.

Life can return to something close to 'normal' IF wearing masks (mouth covering scarves even) and social distancing is implemented in public - masks markedly reduce how much carriers propel viruses everywhere, and SD keep people apart so they don't catch it so easily. Can't adult live with that minor infringement to their liberty for a while? Most can, some can't (though for some of them washing hands is probably too much to ask...). People who can't do two simple things for the benefit of general public health really do need to be treated as children - that's humans not mature enough to understand and use a simple, science based and effective, concept.

Thing is groups like 'spoons are better placed to function with social distancing in place than your small stand alone local. The pubs are bigger, the app technology that was already in place means Wetherspoons could operate with no counter service. Tables could be reduced and spread out, and either bookable via the app for a period or a physical limit on numbers in each premises put in place and the load factor could be added to the app so people could see whether they'd get into the pub before they arrive. Even moderately priced IP cameras now have automatic people counting capacity so that side of it could even be automated.

Time to get the nit situation sorted while the kids are off. Often why the 6 weeks summer holiday never done the trick I never know. Perhaps some families just let the little buggers infest the whole family and do the rounds.

It looks like HMG has got its act together with regards to PPE and is now buying from companies in the UK.  We have an order for 3.2 million visors. 

Yuck!!

A short thread from Boris. Looks like the lockdown is here to stay any changes at next weeks review will be very small.

How long would it take to produce that amount?

Same here except in reverse - daughter drops off shopping, sometimes grandchildren come for a wave. Other daughter locked down in London.

We're doomed, aren't we?

KFC reopens for delivery in Broadstairs - sparking huge queues and police response

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/huge-queues-at-kfc-spark-police-call-out-226501/

"But it was a wasted trip as the outlet is not open to the public and is only operating to cater for deliveries.

The disruption, which left shoppers trying to get to the nearby Asda stuck in the traffic jam, sparked a police call-out as officers tried to ease the congestion"

Excellent news.

It's taken what seems like an age but in reality is actually quite quick given the regulatory hurdles and the nature of 'safety first' procurement processes.

I think that's why at a surface level some of the rules don't seem to quite add up. But if they are too refined they will be even more abused by the "children". The classic " give them an inch and they'll take a mile".

I do so hope he catches it.

Are people really that desperate for a KFC? Lord almighty. 

Both make a point of keeping their distance.  It was really strange and upsetting, not hugging them to begin with but we’re used to it now, even though I still really want to hug them.  I think I’m lucky not to have grandchildren because that would be an impossible situation and I really feel for those of you who do!