Here’s a surprise – some media outlets are reporting on the huge increase in public transport use today. Some are saying that people are using public transport despite government advice. Queue the moral outrage.
Yes, we have been advised as part of the easing of lockdown to only use public transport if absolutely necessary. We’ve been told where possible, to drive, walk, or cycle to limit the risk of infection. People in some industries such as building and manufacturing will be going into work today for the first time since lockdown began, as per government advice. Many essential workers will also be using public transport as they have done so over the last 7 weeks.
Again I’m confused. Perhaps it’s because we just have to rely on the great British common sense which doesn’t make much sense at all.
Yes, it’s common sense to return to work if required and can’t work from home.
Yes, it’s common sense to find a way to get to work.
But here’s the issue – at least in London, only about 50% of people own or use a car. I’m not sure on the figures for bicycles. Walking is a great option if you live a mile or two from work, if you’re physically able, and if your route is safe to walk. In London, I don’t know anyone who lives within a mile or two of work. And I suspect it’s the case for many folks across England. And yes, at present, this is an England issue as Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, are taking a more cautious approach.
Surely before the easing of lockdown, there would have been a robust risks and issues analysis done and all these issues would have been flagged. Surely Transport for London would have been consulted, the Highways Agency and so on. I can’t imagine how stressful it must be to have to sometimes take a very long commute on crowded tubes, trains and buses in these strange times.
And while I think the UK is very much on the forefront with supporting businesses and workers with initiatives like the furlough scheme, some outstanding issues about how this is all being handled, remain. How accurate is the data when there’s no widespread community testing? Do we really have a grip on what’s happening in care homes and in homes?
On top of all of this, reports suggest that test results are falling into a ‘black hole’ meaning that information about testing is not reaching where it needs to, namely to local Directors of Public Health. And the timing… yesterday I published a post on responding to Covid-19 and the importance of data for local resilience and recovery. I can’t say it enough, you’ve got to get the data right, it’s essential to shape how we respond.
And on the figures, 229,705 have tested positive, and a further 494 deaths bringing the total to 33,186. The real figures are likely to be much higher.
On the plus side with a slight easing of the lockdown restrictions, I’ve now been out for three short walks today on quiet streets near home. Before this, it was only once a day for exercise and for essential shopping (once or twice a week). Three short walks feels liberating. Also on the plus side, with no street sweepers etc, nature is making a comeback! Some very nice flowers emerging through cracks in walls and footpaths.
So that’s it for Day 51. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!
I’m glad you’ve got some more walks in, that’s lovely and a real bonus for you. I’ve only been out once a day yesterday and today, amusingly. The back to work thing is a farce and awful – a friend of mine’s husband was forced to go in even though he was working on most of his stuff from home, and had to get the bus, which he was really stressed about. However, he has a (hayfever-related, annually occurring) slight cough so … they sent him straight home again!
Cheers Liz. And your poor friend’s husband…and of course he was stressed, the only normal response there it. But yes, I find lots of short walks are the way to go for me, plus longer ones of course when I have the time 🙂