Don't Wear a Mask..........Wear a Mask

A couple of damselflies in my garden for you today - no idea what types they are. 

Another briefing by the PM which was unclear in messaging today. Re mask wearing it's going to be our own choice to wear one or not .........then we were told it would be advised in certain circumstances.........then we were reminded that if we wear one it's to protect others from us (not the other way round) and so we can't 'use our personal judgement' to fully protect ourselves.......then the CSA & CMO said they'd wear one indoors in a crowded area or if in close proximity, if required by authority, or if someone else feels uncomfortable if they weren't wearing one (I'd like to see the CMO ask a group of drunk lads on a train if they would kindly wear masks). Then the PM said there could be 50,000 new cases a day by 19th July when all restrictions will probably be ditched!!! I feel so sorry for all workers in  shops, public transport, taxi drivers, and surgeries - I wonder if any will go on strike or decide to retire early or change job as a result. 

I went to a physio today to get a couple of exercises to improve the strength of my arthritic left hip, he was happy with the range of movement in it. He suggested I record him on my phone doing the exercises so I'll remember what to do - what a good idea. And yes I did a lateral flow test before my appointment. 

Day 476 / Day 50 of Step 3 of Roadmap Easing (for my record only)
A big briefing today by the PM, CMO and CSA on the 5 point plan for  Step 4. The final decision on 19th July date will be made on 12th. By 19th all adults will have been offered their first jab and 2/3 will have had a second jab. Schools closing then for Summer hols is a 'natural firebreak'
1 - Reinforce the vaccine wall. The gap for all between the 1st and 2nd jab will be reduced to 8 weeks. Autumn vaccination programme (COVID and flu) for 50+ and clinically vulnerable.
2 - Move away from legal restrictions. No limits on social contacts. End of 1m plus rule except in airports. No legal requirement to wear a face covering (but guidance on where to wear one). No Govt requirement to work from home. No limits on care home visitors. No COVID cert reqd by Govt, but companies can continue with it. 
3 - Test, Trace & Isolate. Self isolate if told to do so - still a legal requirement. Looking to move fully vaccinated to a different scheme in time. Bubbles not required at schools - more to be announced tomorrow. 
4 - Tough Border Controls (as if!). Working with travel industry whereby fully vaccinated don't need to quarantine - no info given on what replaces it. 
5 - Data Monitoring. Contingency measures available if needed. Emphasis will be on stronger guidance. 

CSA / CMO - 7 day average new cases 25,447 per day with a doubling time of c9 days. c0.25m with COVID in England currently. (Scotland has the highest infection rate in Europe per the WHO). The age range of those getting COVID in this wave is rising. Vaccines have weakened but not broken the link between new cases and hospitalisations which are rising sharply in some areas. We 'need to behave accordingly in terms of transmission spread'. We don't yet know if vaccines reduce instances of Long Covid, but do decrease chances of bad cases of COVID. Modelling suggests when we see the peak of infections in this wave, the NHS will be able to cope. 

In a YouGov poll today, 71% of the British Public want face masks to be compulsory on public transport and 66% want them to remain in shops and some enclosed public spaces. 70% said they'd feel less safe if they were in a crowded or unventilated place and people were not wearing face masks. Dominic Cummings says that ending all remaining restrictions on 19th July would 'obviously not' be the right decision. Kier Starmer said the PM is 'reckless' to remove all restrictions and wants a 'balanced approach' with mitigations such as face masks and ventilation.

Great to see The Queen award the George Cross to the NHS, which is awarded for 'acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger.'