The lockdown isn't holding

The Scottish Government has given a clear and consistent message during the lockdown but "stay at home" now needs more details. It is important to encourage the nation by saying how well we are all doing but it is clear to many that the lockdown regulations have not been embraced by all.

I live in a cul-de-sac of 22 houses. In the first week more than half of the houses had visitors. The visits have increased week by week, and last longer. Many folk do not observe social distancing in supermarkets or when they meet friends in the street.

The daily briefings should include details of the Covid 19 regulations, an explanation of how they relate to behaviour and the penalties which they are liable to incur. Behaviour in their own homes and while out shopping or for exercise are as important as reporting upon the increase in traffic.

It is obvious that the flouting of the rules increases the risk of the disease spreading, but if this behaviour is observed by other people it can increase the fear and anxiety in other sections of the population. It is selfish and thoughtless. It prolongs the time when the compliant shielding group are confined to their homes without visitors.

Please consider giving a more detailed message about the consequences for the country and for the individuals who are effected, and spell out the penalties for those who blatantly ignore them.

Some people have to be told. Just do it.

Why the contribution is important

The lockdown is necessary in this country as it is all over the world. Some folk do not agree with the Scottish regulations simply because they are an inconvenience and they think they should be allowed to do what they want. The actions of these selfish people should be challenged. The rules are for all, and it is the most fragile in our society who rely on the actions of every one in order to make them safe.

by snail on May 10, 2020 at 10:31PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.6
Based on: 6 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Dave_H May 11, 2020 at 08:26

    This is a big concern of mine.

    People are feeling frustrated and "locked up" Their quality of life needs to improve.

    I do hope the SG respond to the many calls in this discussion to first give us some more freedom to do a bit more in our spare time. There are plenty of suggestions about allowing some outdoors sports that take place in very small groups like golf, hill walking, sailing etc.

    If people were given these extra freedoms, which can happen without extra risk of spreading the virus then it will improve peoples wellbeing and mental health and make them more likely to respect the restrictions that remain in place.

    If the SG do not implement any of the suggestions that have been discussed here, then the population will feel cheated and ignored. They will become frustrated, particularly as England now has some more freedom, so of course a lot of the Scottish population will start to flout the rules if they feel they are not being treated like grown ups.

  • Posted by MikeJohnston May 11, 2020 at 10:51

    Dead right, and Dave H. Need TTIS, now in huge numbers, by huge numbers, on huge numbers. Cost of TTIS is minute compared to cost of not doing it. Scot.gov is letting us down.

  • Posted by snail May 11, 2020 at 12:18

    The Scottish Government are making decisions to protect us all. Germany and South Korea had low rates of infection so they eased their conditions. Now they are wondering what to do because there is a rise in numbers, they are thinking they may may have to introduce stronger lockdown measures.

    Whatever measures are in place, it is the law and everyone should stick to them. It is not up to the individual to decide if they don't like the regulations and so they don't apply to them.

    Regulations are there to protect everyone. Flouting the law is causing anxiety to many. People who are shielding know that they are not getting out any time soon, and that will be longer if people don't adhere to the lockdown.

  • Posted by mina412 May 11, 2020 at 14:11

    The traffic going past at the back of my house has steadily increased since the better weather began. This surely is not all essential travel. People are also driving to other areas to exercise.

    I understand that exercise in the open air seems to be less of a threat, but the difficulty being everyone gravitates to the same places. Look at the amount of people who drive, then park and all these cars are in close proximity. In popular beauty spots people do congregate, in particular with their families. If they are then touching , climbing etc they may leave traces of the virus behind. I have read that farmers in particular have had issues with gates and people not cleaning them after they have touched them. Although this sounds over the top. This virus can live on certain surfaces for 72 hours.

     I agree about social distancing not being followed by everyone and supermarkets are fine outside, but inside it is like a 'free for all'. I have felt more at risk from the virus inside a supermarket.

    Social distancing, hand hygiene and the rules on exercise need more emphasis and clarity. I think information about how long this virus actually lives on surfaces is also needing brought to the fore. People do not know and are not clear about which surfaces it lives on and for how long. The media are adding to the confusion.
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