Forum Topic

None of us will ever know whether lockdowns have been instrumental in shaping the rate of infection.  South Korea hasn't had a full lockdown, has done more testing than the UK and yet their infection and death rate is 1/6 that of the UK.  Sweden is slightly worse off than its neighbours (and almost 1/3 that of Ireland) in terms of infections per million population, but considerably higher to its neighbours (and slightly higher than Ireland) in terms of its death rate, but the authorities there acknowledge that 1/3rd of all deaths have occurred in care homes and that's been the key failing of their strategy.I see nothing that robustly demonstrates that the lockdown was essential or has been successful (and yes I do know someone who died from Covid-19 and someone who has recovered).  It could be that, as with any living organism, the virus has a natural lifespan before it starts to die off.  The economic effects of this will be felt for years to come and the government is going to have us over a barrel for years to come saying "look at all that money we handed out in 2020, that's why tax is going up by x amount, even for those of you who didn't claim/weren't eligible for a penny of government support".And, whatever your views, its hard to deny that the mainstream media has given the Government a very easy ride in terms of its support for the lockdown.Personally, whilst I don't go quite as far as Michael, to me there have been elements of a 1984 type world in this since the outset.Also I'm curious as to how many people would willingly have a vaccine if one was developed and it seemed to be safe ?.  Because I'll have to be dragged kicking and screaming to take any vaccine, I'd much rather take my chance.

Adam Beamish ● 2388d