"Back to normal by Christmas"

[HughC]

In case anyone was wondering, groundhogs (alias woodchucks) are North American marmots.

In reply to another post, I've had very few slugs this year, but think the reason is the extremely dry April and May -- only about a quarter of the average rainfall for those months.  Snails are better protected from drought, and I was collecting quite a lot on my early morning rounds of the garden.  Their numbers have also fallen off, so it seems to be worth the trouble of getting up at sunrise and struggling out before the first coffee has taken effect.

Covid-19 deaths are again rising at an increasing rate, and I think the world-wide total will reach 1 million by mid-September and 2 million before Christmas.  There's been a lot of complacency and wrong decisions, not just by Boris (and the Trumpeter with all his trumpery).

[Gadget]

A headline in The Times today:

Boris Johnson: We’ll still be fighting coronavirus next summer

[groom]

A headline in The Times today:

Boris Johnson: We’ll still be fighting coronavirus next summer

So 17th July "significant return to normality" by Christmas, Boris Johnson has announced.

Then  24th July " Britain will be fighting coronavirus until the middle of next year, Boris Johnson said today as he warned of “tough times ahead”."

No wonder we are confused.

[louisa maud]

In all honesty  does anyone know what the future is or what the outcome of Civid 19 will be,
 I  think not
LM

[jillruss]

Along with notification from RC of the latest post on this thread, I received an email from the local council to renew my electoral register entry.

Of course, I shall do it but I do ask myself what's the point? We just seem to go from one lame duck to another: a nincompoop preceded by a lady with absolutely no self knowledge; preceded by yet another in a long line of oily old Etonians etc etc.

I didn't vote for any of them! In the constituency I live in, my vote is pointless. Actually, in the country I live in, my vote is pointless!! Can we please have another referendum on proportional representation? Fat chance!!! 

[IgorStrav]

A headline in The Times today:

Boris Johnson: We’ll still be fighting coronavirus next summer

So 17th July "significant return to normality" by Christmas, Boris Johnson has announced.

Then  24th July " Britain will be fighting coronavirus until the middle of next year, Boris Johnson said today as he warned of “tough times ahead”."

No wonder we are confused.

I think therefore it is better that politicians should confirm the uncertainty, and give reasons why it is difficult to say what exactly is expected to happen.

This would actually be more helpful than slogans which simply cause confusion and doubt and are then - as indicated here - contradicted afterwards.

[Gadget]

I'm now a little concerned about the flu jabs for over 50s, etc. They may have enough of the vaccine but have they got enough nurses/staff to administer them. Each Sept/Oct in our practice, we usually have to make appointments and then we're allocated 1 min slots!

[jillruss]

My practice usually has certain dates when everyone who wants a jab just goes in and waits their turn! Imagine how popular they're (not) going to be this year!

I get one if I have a scheduled check up but I refuse to go and sit in a small, stiflingly hot (CH usually turned up to full at that time of year) waiting room with loads of other people. When interrogated as to why I haven't had the jab, I always say that I can think of no better way of catching the flu (or, this year, something far worse) than sitting in a room full of people, face mask or no face mask (as I'm still not convinced they make a ha'pence of difference).

 I feel, once you reach what is classed as old age, its your duty to be as awkward and curmudgeonly as possible and not to just bow and scrape to anyone with what they think is a little bit of power.

[IgorStrav]

My practice usually has certain dates when everyone who wants a jab just goes in and waits their turn! Imagine how popular they're (not) going to be this year!

I get one if I have a scheduled check up but I refuse to go and sit in a small, stiflingly hot (CH usually turned up to full at that time of year) waiting room with loads of other people. When interrogated as to why I haven't had the jab, I always say that I can think of no better way of catching the flu (or, this year, something far worse) than sitting in a room full of people, face mask or no face mask (as I'm still not convinced they make a ha'pence of difference).

 I feel, once you reach what is classed as old age, its your duty to be as awkward and curmudgeonly as possible and not to just bow and scrape to anyone with what they think is a little bit of power.

Having had a blood test recently at my own GP practice, I think you will find that there are very different arrangements now operating.

I had to a) wear a mask, obviously b) come to a different door c) not be more than 5 minutes ahead of my appointment time d) sanitise my hands on arrival ahead of ringing the doorbell and e) after being allowed to enter f) answer a question about whether I had experienced any C-19 symptoms and have my temperature taken g) be attended to by a nurse also wearing protective gear and h) sanitise my hands after leaving.

All this takes not much longer to do than to write and I certainly felt very safe and looked after.  I wish not to put the health team at any risk, or be at risk myself.