Lock down blues -

[Observer II]

I think one of the worst aspects of lock down is listening to the moans of those who want it to end and the limp ideas for ending it.   With over 60% support for the lock down in various polls,  the Labour Party, Tory Grandees, media and various businessmen keep whining for "an exit strategy".   We've been told  it will last until it is considered safe to take the foot of the brake and not risk another spike in infection rates.  Jon Snow on Ch4  had a businessman (Tory Party doner) on, clearly thinking he was all for ending lock down; but when he spoke, he clarified that he wasn't calling for lock down to end, but rather that when it does, it needs to be done selective and controlled manner, that can be monitored properly.   Meanwhile, there's all sorts of ideas being floated in the media;  EG: that pubs should be limited to selling 3 pints;  now what limiting pubs to selling 3 pints has to do with social distancing in a crowded bar, I don't know !    That footy can be played behind closed doors,  now whilst footy may not be as full on as rugby,  don't players physically contact each other in a tackle ?         😷

[asperity]

There's a lot of crazy ideas being mooted, mostly by people with a financial outcome from their preferred strategy. One horrific idea I heard being suggested was that pubs should be re-opened but only for people under 65!! Outrageous, I think they should only be open for men over 68, and their lady companions of course (someone has to hold the money 🤣).

[Davy51]

Could be reminiscent of Dad's Army where  Godfrey was so called injected with embalming fluid to make him look younger.

[Observer II]

Can't really see how pubs or restaurants can be financially viable if they comply with social distancing.      😷

[Confused52]

9 hours ago, Observer II said:

Can't really see how pubs or restaurants can be financially viable if they comply with social distancing.      😷

They can only be viable if they put the prices up, expect a lot of that to be going on.

[Davy51]

Pubs will need a lot of help when this is over to compete with the new intake of home drinkers. I can't see it happening ,but there would need to be a reduction in tax to encourage people back into pubs. I have never been a home drinker till lock down but some of the canned beer on offer these days is better quality & much cheaper than than the rehashed slops that some pubs charge a fortune for.

[Observer II]

I think 50% of pubs died as a result of the smoking ban,  and most have moved on to food provision.  If, as the doom merchants predict, we're in for a massive recession following the pandemic, there may not be enough money around to sustain custom.     😷

[Davy51]

Most definitely ,Obs ,pubs are becoming a luxury that many are happy to do without. A lot will depend on the government's leaning , either to maintain the health angle or think about supporting business revival.

[Observer II]

All our previous "norms" will require modification to involve social distancing - so I would think travel by public transport will take a knock and the car will be deemed the safer option.   😷

[Davy51]

I see Trump, on last night's news , deliberately refused to call the virus a biological attack by China but suggested a leak from a laboratory had occurred that China had failed to report to the world in general.

[Observer II]

Can't see how a bio release on their home turf could be termed "an attack" Dave''.  An accidental escape from a bio lab or wet market,  into which the Chinese are refusing an independent investigation, maybe.  The lesson for the West is to abandon all sources of foreign foods, unless they conform with modern hygiene standards and start to produce (as far as possible) our own food sources.  😷  btw  US Intelligence Services have ruled out the the virus was man made, but I guess that won't stop Donald.    😷

[Davy51]

If we boycott their takeaways the Chinese may go back to opening laundries. Apparently, his top intelligence men are on the case so he should get it sorted before the November elections.

[asperity]

If I were to boycott Chinese takeaways, or any takeaways for that matter, no-one would notice as I haven't used one for many years. Home cooking is the way.

[Davy51]

Right on ,Asp !

 

[Observer II]

Don't do takeaways - especially now.😷