(06-15-2021, 02:53 AM)Mav date Wrote:Interesting counterpoint in the UK. The conservative Government has just extended their lockdown for 4 more weeks.

Quote:Some Covid restrictions in England will stay in place for now, the government has confirmed.

It had hoped to "remove all legal limits on social contact" from 21 June. That's been put back until 19 July - although a review will take place in two weeks.

Quote:What's been announced?

The delay is because of concerns over the Delta variant of Covid. Cases are growing by about 64% per week and in the worst affected areas are doubling, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

More time is needed to vaccinate people before remaining rules can be lifted, the PM said.

However, a few restrictions are being lifted:

    The number of guests at a wedding will no longer be limited to 30, although venues and hosts will have to do a risk assessment to ensure social distancing can take place (similar rules apply to wakes)
    Care home residents will not necessarily have to self-isolate after leaving their care homes, and they will be able to nominate an "essential care-giver" who can visit, even if they are self-isolating
    Children can go on overnight trips in groups of 30 with, for example, the Scouts or Guides, or as part of summer residential schools
    Also, large events pilots will continue, including more Euro 2020 games and a number of other sports, arts and music events

(06-15-2021, 04:44 AM)Thryleon date Wrote:Look whats happening here by contrast.  FWIW, my brother just attended a music festival this weekend in Reading.  (Outside of his LGA).

Quote:The Night Time Industries Association chief executive, Michael Kill, said the government had “switched the lights off” for the sector by extending restrictions – which include a bar on nightclubs reopening and limits on large events and performances – without offering any new help.

An NTIA survey found that one in four night-time economy firms, such as nightclubs and bars, don’t expect to survive the extra four weeks.

(06-15-2021, 05:06 AM)LP link Wrote:Does your brother get to Madejski Stadium much?

I've seen a few games there, soccer and rugby union, it's a reasonable venue for something privately owned and developed.

(06-15-2021, 05:11 AM)Mav link Wrote:Yes, the UK lockdown is different. For a start, it’s a NATIONAL lockdown that’s 4 months old and the restrictions and it’s now in Stage 4, with the earlier restrictions being harsher. And they now have 60% of their population protected by a first dose. When will we be able to claim that; maybe at the end of this year if we’re lucky? But if we were at 60% right now, I’d imagine heads would be exploding in Melbourne if we still had any lockdown.

And don’t minimise the current restrictions: the Brits certainly aren’t: Restaurants & Pubs “face collapse” during extended England lockdown, the Guardian.And we’re in our 2nd week of lockdown with a lessening of restrictions after the 1st week.