The state of the UK

[Sean Hayden]

I can't figure out what everyone is fighting about. I just don't understand the problem with being asked to wear a mask and isolate, and those who have a problem aren't being very clear.

If it's just a matter of an honest inquiry into the effectiveness of masks, then the fear of big brother seems misplaced.

If it is a real concern about big brother, then please, ffs, explain why I need to be concerned.

[Sean Hayden]

...christ, I mean I think I get it. I've been in situations where I thought a series of irrational/impossible demands would make me crazy, but is that where we are?

Is that how these people feel?

Do they really feel like too much is being asked of them?

Because if it is, they need help! Their feelings are completely at odds with reality.

[Scot Dutchy]

Can you explain how "misuse of masks" could be a source of infection (except multiple people sharing the same mask)

Simple read the WHO guidelines. Touching masks then touching other surfaces or your own face. Disposable masks should be disposed of and not reused.

So, if you don't wear a mask, the stuff lands on your face directly. A lot worse

If you dont do social distancing or in an unventilated room.
Do you ever look at some of the rags people are wearing? They are disgusting and that is meant to be protection?
Do you really believe the numbers? Africa and Asia where countries have zilch medical services all of a sudden can produce precise data. Sorry the other one has bells on.

[Brian Peacock]

...christ, I mean I think I get it. I've been in situations where I thought a series of irrational/impossible demands would make me crazy, but is that where we are?

Is that how these people feel?

Do they really feel like too much is being asked of them?

Because if it is, they need help! Their feelings are completely at odds with reality.

Indeed. I think part of the resistance to masks is plain old male fragility (and I hate using that term but I can't think of an alternative atm). Somehow it seem unmanly to admit that one might be susceptible to a viral contagion, and thus a mask is touted as unconscionable because it's a kind of threat to their notions of masculinity, of being tough, strong, in control. Another factor seems to be a 'me-centred' outlook, so that the idea that masks cannot prevent you from being infected means that they're being imposed for no reason - even though the idea of public mask wearing is to limit the risk of you infecting others. Some cite the 'improper use' behavioural argument as an excuse to not participate personally in the protection of others, but this only speaks to the dearth of useful information about 'proper use' of masks. But generally I'd characterise those resisting masks to be the kind of people who fundamentally resent others telling them what to do - perhaps because they themselves are habituated to being a kind of authority in their own lunchtimes, to giving orders rather than taking them, to being listened or deferred to, to be that thing around which all else orbits.

[Scot Dutchy]

FFS JFCOAPS.

[Scot Dutchy]

What a fucking mess. Really can these cunts stop watching porn and concentrate on the real things of life.

UK ministers rushed forward France quarantine by 24 hours

Holidaymakers scramble home as it emerges No 10 changed timing after call with devolved administrations

Thousands of holidaymakers scrambled to return from France on Friday night amid chaotic scenes as it emerged ministers rushed forward the imposition of quarantine measures by 24 hours.

It is understood that Downing Street had initially planned for the rules to come into force on Sunday but it was brought ahead to 4am on Saturday after discussions with Holyrood and other devolved administrations, leaving tourists a narrower window to get home.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are said to have pushed “very firm[ly]” for an earlier deadline during talks on Thursday, and met “no resistance” from the UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps.

The move to strip France of its quarantine exemption status came after the country reported at 5pm on Thursday a post-lockdown record daily increase in new coronavirus cases of 2,669 in the previous 24 hours. France is British holidaymakers’ second-favourite destination after Spain, itself subject to quarantine measures brought in with hours’ notice last month.

FFS JFCOAPS. As if the fucking UK is so safe.

[JimC]

Can you explain how "misuse of masks" could be a source of infection (except multiple people sharing the same mask)

Simple read the WHO guidelines. Touching masks then touching other surfaces or your own face. Disposable masks should be disposed of and not reused.

And some ill-informed or stupid people will do these things. But they'd be doing it to their bare face anyway. They may have no benefit, but neither will it be worse. If the majority do the right thing with their mask wearing, then there will be some reduction in transmission rates. You seem to assume that mask proponents see it as an infallible solution. It will never eliminate transmission, but in conjunction with other measures it will have an impact, statistically speaking, on community transmission rates.

[Hermit]

[JimC]

The breathtaking ignorance of some people never ceases to amaze me. What part of the concept of "airborne respiratory pathogen" don't they comprehend?

Bron was waiting to enter a pharmacy the other day, where masks, using hand sanitiser and having a temperature check via a remote IR thermometer aimed at one's forehead were conditions of entry. The woman ahead was refusing to have her temperature checked, saying that she thought that the thermometer (a passive device, of course) would give her brain cancer...

[pErvinalia]

And these people vote.

[JimC]

At the risk of being elitist, I think that registering to vote should entail a reasonably simple test of basic citizenship and scientific awareness...

[pErvinalia]

The slight anarchist tendencies in my soul suggest that everyone should be able to vote freely, but fuck, how much better would the world be if the really ignorant and stupid were excluded from voting?

[JimC]

The downside to my proposal is that a variety of people who have been disadvantaged through their life, by race, homelessness, disabilities etc. would be unfairly excluded, because they've never had the opportunity to learn. I just want all the privileged idiots who could have, and should have learned the basics of how this world works but declined to become informed, are barred from making decisions that affect the rest of us...

[pErvinalia]

I'd just ban conservatives. Problem solved.

[JimC]

I'd just ban conservatives. Problem solved.

Work out a foolproof way of delineating them from everybody else...