"Big" announcement day .....

My money is on some bizarre kind of "alert system" - cleft sticks with messages perhaps? Dowsing for infections?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52602635

R.

Following the 'wisdom of crowds'? 

The lockdown seemed to have been driven by an ultimatum from Macron (see posts on here in March); now the 'unlockdown' appears to be driven by public activity. Why is this government always behind the curve?

ST is saying some of the easing measures have been put on hold for several weeks. Advisors are concerned the infection rate remains too high. They're warning of 100,000 deaths by the end of the year.

Edit: Apparently the target was 4000 infections per day but we're still running at 18000. Seems like we're heading for further disasters in the UK. 

18000 new cases a day? Let me guess the number is from “a source”?

The rate of decline was always expected to be very gradual and we’re, as you say, not at the level where anything more than a token easing is merited.  Unfortunately too many, although still a minority, have decided to disobey the current rules.

The threshold of 100,000 deaths only needs 300 per day from here and we’re still above that level.  That’s supported by your quoted 18,000 (identified) cases per day; given the CFR that’s also around 300 deaths.

 If the R value ticks above 1, as is almost inevitable as more people are out and about and interacting, I still expect another period of harsher constraints.

Obama’s description of the Trump administration’s woeful efforts could be repeated here. 

Johnson is very well educated and he will understand the word ‘gravitas’ but he seems incapable of linking the word with either his thinking, demeanour of words.

Someone posted on Facebook:  

Remember, if Boris lifts lockdown restrictions today, it’s not because this is over!  It’s because there’s space for you in ICU!

Whatever the media has been reporting from their ‘unnamed sources’ I don’t think we’ll see much lifting!  No doubt the media will say the experts have changed their minds.  

The published figure must be the number of positive tests (confirmed cases)

No one has ever been able to determine how many cases go untested as they are very mild or asymptomatic. There was a plan to use the antigen test to do a random survey to try and get a handle on this figure but AFAIK this is still ongoing and nothing has been published

An "unnamed source" is as useful as a chocolate fireguard, Caz. Information/disinformation is leaked by untrustworthy or indiscreet people to someone equally irresponsible in order to undermine those in authority by bewildering someone gullible. Malice may be intended at any stage.

"Protecting our sources" might as well read "Freedom to lie".  Whistleblowers are not automatically public spirited heroes.

R.

Yesterday's UK data was 3896 new cases 

Fairly typical of this forum to blame the messenger. This govt's press strategy is based upon briefings by advisors who are unnamed. It is a condition of admittance to what today passes for the 'Lobby' that you agree not to name the three or four advisors who dish out these gems. Take the fiasco last week over the lifting of restrictions supposedly scheduled for tomorrow. That was not 'made up' by the press but briefed in advance by one or other of these advisors. 

The Sunday papers is the first I’ve seen of the PM’s new slogan. It is of course for him to decide what’s most appropriate for England, but given the critical point we are at in tackling the virus, #StayHomeSaveLives remains my clear message to Scotland at this stage. https://t.co/zrnEgTC15H

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 10, 2020

A timeline of events that list the catastrophic decisions made by HMG and Boris in particular from the turn of the year. Scandalous, criminal and maddening. The fact that some on here still defend this government and refuse to lay any blame at their door is mind-boggling.

How Boris Johnson refused to fight the virus

Don't read if you want to greet your Sunday in a good mood.

Exactly, and then HMG can come out and say that it was never policy. 

I also think there is a culture of fear amongst the lobby journos. We have a government that will remove access of they get asked the difficult questions.

The problem with “unnamed” is that is equates to “unaccountable”. Who cares if 90% turns out to be nonsense as no one can be held to account for confusing leaks, conflicting opinions, random statistics?

It’s not the messenger that is the problem it is the system that allows such influential stories to be released with no consequences to those responsible when they turn out to be garbage. I guess responsibility is something that needs to apply only to “us”.

I agree with her. The message will be interpreted as: no need to stay home, do what I like, but maybe wash my hands every now and then. 

The green colouring is also an odd choice - why not keep it red unless they’re deliberately trying to persuade us to think the danger is passing?

No - you’re wrong because Facebook says so. 

https://www.facebook.com/722370783/posts/10157368704805784/?d=n

[quote=Joe Bloggs;1213977]

No - you’re wrong because Facebook says so. 

https://www.facebook.com/722370783/posts/10157368704805784/?d=n

[/quote It is a valid point.