The first signs of civil unrest are beginning to show in the north. It seems that a Mayor objects to being used as a kind of government experiment to test out their '3 tier' theory. As if we don't already know by now. We are always, only ever in, a moment of time. Whether the government puts its people into lockdown or form of restraint now, or later, it will represent a consequence just for that moment. The virus doesn't go; it just re-surfaces when the restraint(s) is lifted. But we know all that. That's not news.
For the first time that I've seen as these miserable months have passed, a doctor on a daytime news channel was prepared to provide some perspective to the nation about the adverse consequences of the government strategy. She has been brave because up until now the government has justified all of its actions by taking the lead from SAGE (comprising of representatives from public health, science and academia). A little chink of reason, critical thinking, perspective and rationale is creeping into the arena. A lone voice that speaks against the notion that we must do, what we have previously done, but just more. A strategy that hasn't served our younger generation well in education for decades.
The DVSA has announced that it currently is taking no action on testing centres within these three tiers across the UK. Test slots are becoming very difficult to come by. One of my test centres is now providing test slots for February 2021.
It is appreciating how this pandemic fits into our history, and the enormous sacrifices that are being made, in order to accommodate this aversion to any level of death. This has been missing throughout mainstream media and opposition benches. It probably goes some way to explaining the high levels of unhappiness and dis-satisfaction within society in general. People generally don't appreciate what a remarkable period in time right now, it is to be living. The fear of infection and death this SAGE group has managed to stoke up, and reinforced, of course by a more than willing Health Secretary who is desperate to keep his job. "Let's all cover our arses, assume the worst, tolerate no disease or death and therefore, whatever happens, it can't be our fault."
There is no end game to this strategy, of course. The only way you stand any chance of achieving no excess death due to a disease is to continue putting everyone, everyone in house arrest. The prospect of ending up there again is beginning to show to be unbearable it seems.
How long will the test centres continue to run for? I think what isn't a good sign is the illegality of refusing to provide shelter, warmth and basic toilet facilities when a public service such as a driving test is being operated. That goes some way to demonstrating how fragile a situation we are in; I don't think it would take much to just tip the scales towards "risk aversion" once again. Re-stock your bookshelves, pre-order your garden project materials, it looks like we are going for another deep dive.
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