I continue to be befuddled by the UK Government’s handling of this crisis.
While the daily infection rate of those tested has now moved below 2,000, the view from the Office for National Statistics is that it hovers around 8,000 a day. And infection rates continue to vary widely across the UK, and across England. I’ve linked here to a dataset that gives indications of the rate of infection (the R value) across local authorities.
Schools are due to open tomorrow, though only certain grades.
Many of those shielding due to being high risk if they become infected with Covid-19 were sent a text last night informing them they can do go outside from tomorrow. There are 2.2 million on this list. This won’t take into account lots of people who can be considered vulnerable. This is where local authorities, health and care teams, and the Third Sector come in. Many who received the texts are confused and angry. And they have every right to be. From what I’ve seen, there was no co-ordination with local health teams, nor have they been provided with the scientific evidence as to why the advice has so radically changed overnight.
Beaches, parks, some lidos, are packed. House parties have been broken up by police. It seems for many, we’re over it.
A further 113 people have died, bringing the total to 38,489.
More members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) continue to express their concerns about the easing of lockdown restrictions despite the scientific evidence.
On top of this, the news and my Twitter feeds are full of deeply disturbing news coming out of the US. George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. This led to protests. Since then, curfews have been imposed in many cities. The national guard have been called out in some cities. There are reports of journalists being targeted by police, hit with rubber bullets. Peaceful protesters attacked by police and peaceful protests becoming destructive and violent.
There are currently peaceful protests around the UK in support of #BlackLivesMatter
It’s one of those days I want the world to stop.
Social distancing is getting more difficult. I avoid parks that I know will be busy. I avoid narrow paths. But for those of us who run, walk, cycle, sticking mainly to side roads, there’s an unspoken code. Where the footpaths are narrow, either I or they will walk into the road. We will do what we can to get out of each other’s way. I think I’ll be sticking to side roads for at least a few months to come, especially on weekends.
No news for me tonight. With that, I leave you with an image of an alpaca. I went up to the Horniman Museum gardens today for a little calm and to get away from the chaos of the world.
So that’s it for Day 69. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!