Heyy Heyy,
Another week and another blow to the system as the UK announces another lockdown. And just as Mr Warehouse and I had been released from our very own personal lockdown we go into another effing one! After being forced to announcing it rather prematurely on Saturday (31st October 2020). After starting with an apology for "disturbing your Saturday evening with more news of Covid" (not that any of us was doing anything bloody fun since you stole Halloween like Mariah Carey on a Christmas power trip) Boris Johnson continued in vain to assure the public that he wouldn’t have done it unless it was absolutely necessary - Or that his plans had been rumbled by the media, hence the rushed press conference and tired look upon his ageing face.
As people struggling in the last few months throughout the spring and summer thought that things might get a little better with the prospect of Christmas being a bit more "normal" it seems as though all of that hope has been well and truly stripped away. Bring on the brink of a mammoth mental health crisis, far greater than anything I have ever experienced before, it surely would be more important than ever to try and keep people from having to self isolate from friends, family and support networks. It would seem though that the government's previous efforts of "Hands, Face, Space" and the messy and confusing three-tier lockdown system introduced to mainly Northern cities and counties including Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Nottingham.
Whilst Nicola Sturgeon (controversially maybe) is ahead of the curve, the confusion grows in Scotland as they were due to move to a five-tier system of virus alert levels from Today (Monday 2nd November) which differs still in Wales as they started a national lockdown more serious than even Lockdown number 1 and over in Northern Ireland, its devolved government have also introduced additional restrictions including an extended two-week half term for schools to reduce the spread of the disease.
The fuzzy advice and guidance from our "leader", BoJo, stared late after being postponed several times throughout the afternoon. There were a few frights to be had with our prime Minister the Halloween announce a second national lockdown which will be imposed across England on Thursday (5th November 2020) with all non-essential shops, restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities to close for at least four weeks. Under the new regulations, which will be published later on in the week, The Guardian online confirms households will be banned from mixing indoors, with the exception of for childcare and other forms of support. Support bubbles will remain in place, and children will still be able to move between homes if their parents are separated.
The drama unravels to reveal escalated the country’s response to the pandemic with ministers explaining how “we must act now to contain this autumn surge”, with these measures due to remain in place until 2nd of December 2020 (although I will state now I am doubtful that this will be the case as we are simply kicking the inevitable can down the road to further mental health issues, financial crippling and unemployment).
Yet again people have been told to “stay at home” where possible (although what that means for me and my place of work who knows), but confusingly will be allowed to leave their homes for education including schools and universities and to the workplace if they cannot work from home. Just as the furlough scheme was set to end, covering 80% of the wages of workers who are temporarily laid off due to coronavirus, the much-needed scheme will remain in place and be extended throughout November, the prime minister said.
Medical appointments, to shop for essential goods, and outdoor exercise will also be permitted but only with members of the same household or one person from another household in which you are bubbled. The Guardian online continued with the new restrictions as set out by the government that people will be allowed to leave home to care for vulnerable people, or to escape injury or harm. Whilst the restaurants, pubs and bars are all set to close from Wednesday night, takeaways and deliveries will continue to be allowed.
The prime minister explained that along with the government he would seek to end the measures in early December, but went on to say the exit strategy from the regulations would vary according to the severity of the virus transmission rates in different areas of England - Ergoproving my earlier point of it not being a hard and fast ending because let's be fair, this virus will still be here to fuck us over on December 3rd?! Finishing off the bleak and dismal outlook, Boris Johnson said he said hoped "the measures could enable families to reunite over Christmas" and that whilst "Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different it’s his sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together” something I am not holding my breath for considering the devastating blow the whole country has had to endure.
The Office for National Statistics estimated that 568,100 people were infected with the virus in the week ending 23 October alone and with that statistic in mind, sitting here babysitting the nieces and nephews, I have no idea what the next week will entail, but what I do know is that yet again life will be turned on its head and I just hope I can find my way out of the avalanche of bullshit and crappiness.
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
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