While the latest confusing changes to the lockdown arrangements seem minor, the government's change of emphasis is significant. 'Stay at home' was a clear instruction from above, which people to a remarkable extent followed. 'Stay Alert' seems vague and meaningless, but it intentionally puts the responsibility on the individual. If you catch something, it's your fault for not being 'alert' enough. 'Control the virus' is equally meaningless. I thought scientists and other government experts were trying to do this, but now they're expecting US to control the virus! So it'll be our fault again. You'll notice that the new pressure on people to go back to work will impact mostly on the lower paid and most precarious, who are expected to go to potentially unsafe workplaces, with social distancing in place only 'if possible', using dangerous public transport, and with no childcare in place as schools are yet to open. Any resistance to going back to work will be countered by reducing the financial support presently being provided. And if your working conditions are unsatisfactory, Johnson suggests 'talking to your employer', rather than relying on the Health and Safety at Work Act. So again, it's being made our responsibility to ensure our own safety. Of course we want the economy to be up and running again and for us to be able to socialise with friends and family and to get back to work. But for that to happen the government has to provide a safe environment - and they're nowhere near doing that yet. So here's a slogan for Johnson - KEEP US SAFE, SAVE OUR LIVES, MAKE BRITAIN BETTER.
Peter Evans ● 2368d