-
I hadn't heard about these. I've followed the data fairly closely and, even before any distancing was introduced, it seems outdoor events have very limited effect on infection rates. As the R number goes up this could change, but if people are being sensible then it's probably not going to cause any problems. It's why I'm never going to report or moan about a group of cyclists I see out, I'll just say that it's happening. I see much bigger groups of people stood round in the park every day.
I agree though, the look of it isn't good and it's definitely picking loopholes. I also think that sentence about stretching things out is nonsense too. Opening venues before the infection was well under control is what kick-started us towards this current lockdown. Now vaccination is underway it seems stupid to rush things through and possibly end up in another lockdown. I reckon it's probably born out of enormous worry and frustration.
Like you, I have massive sympathy for the people currently out of work and facing the loss of their jobs. The government should be paying people's wages and making sure venues aren't plunged into debt (and so should the venue owners because that's exactly how Capitalism is meant to work. you can't reap the benefits and then demand someone else solves the issue when something bad happens). Everything they say the event is about can be done either solo/small groups, for exercise, or in a distanced manner, for keeping in touch with each other. We've probably all got used to video chats etc. by now.
Skydog-
Yeah, as you say the overall risk is minimal & I suppose in a way it highlights the shortcomings in the legislation, even if it doesn't sit quite right - still, good luck to 'em & hope everyone has a good time & nobody gives them a stick to bash either cyclists or the entertainment industry with.
In other outdoor cycling related news, nurseries are back so tomorrow i'm making my debut for this year once the wee one's dropped off #daddyfunday
mcJ78
Another "tour de dance" has been given the green light on Sunday apparently - on the face of it, it's a good gesture to get people out and get some tunes on but if you can only meet up with one of your mates for a ride, how is it justifiable to organize a mass gathering with loads of folk following on behind a mobile sound system?
I can understand the frustration on having to keep venues closed & losing income (well, I can't really but it must be fucking awful) but picking holes in the legislation in order to take it to the streets instead makes me wonder whether it's more 2 fingers to the government & leaning towards the sort of lockdown sceptic thinking that are causing the problems in the first place. "We thought the end off this was near but we’ve now been told they want to stretch it out as long as they can" do they really though?