Government’s plan recklessly exposes millions in the UK to infection when they could be vaccinated

[2greys]

In allowing mass infection, Boris Johnson’s government is pursuing a strategy that will lead to avoidable deaths and long term illness, say this group of authors

The statement from the prime minister, Boris Johnson, on 12 July leaves little doubt that the government’s latest pandemic plan involves recklessly exposing millions of people to the acute and long term effects of mass infection. We believe this is a terrible mistake. This strategy is already putting intense pressure on struggling healthcare services and will lead to many avoidable deaths and long term illness.

The narrative of “caution, vigilance, and personal responsibility” is an abdication of the government’s fundamental duty to protect public health. “Personal responsibility” does not work in the face of an airborne, highly contagious infectious disease. Infectious diseases are a matter of collective, rather than individual, responsibility. The government’s strategy will place around 48% of the population (children included) who are not yet fully vaccinated, including the clinically vulnerable and immunosuppressed, at unacceptable risk.

More than 1000 scientists have signed a letter to the Lancet setting out why allowing mass infection this summer is a “dangerous and unethical experiment.” The government is following an apparent strategy of achieving herd immunity through mass infection, rather than the much safer (and more predictable) path of vaccination. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, called a strategy of letting infection spread through a population “moral emptiness and epidemiological stupidity.” The British Medical Association, Association of Directors of Public Health, SAGE, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Royal College of Nursing, and NHS leaders have all highlighted the dangers inherent in allowing mass infection. If the government is following “data not dates,” it has not made an evidence based case for this, and the scientific consensus is firmly against its approach.

The British Medical Journal Opinion goes on:

blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/07/1...

[Jaybird19]

Have already had two messages 're restarting group meetings again . One saying she has been told that one person will not attend if masks have to worn and me saying the opposite. The leader saying she believes she cannot insist on masks being worn. The second is classed as vulnerable and is so lothe to start classes again but is expected to do so by some members.

The damage has already been done by the so called Freedom Day announcement . Not exactly helping the aim of opening the economy . Already Nissan unable to operate fully a s staff isolated by contact with Covid and this morning meat processers warning some might have to close due to staff shortages for same reason.

Maybe food shortages might start to hit home .

[sassy59 in reply to Jaybird19]

And so it begins Jaybird. Such a worrying time. Xxx

[sassy59]

It’s totally deplorable and I believe this haphazard government will one day be held to account. That will, of course, be too late for those who have needlessly lost their lives or face long covid.

I urge everyone to stay as safe as they possibly can. At least we on HU know what to do. Xxxx👍🤗

[CDPO16]

While so very many across the board of health clinicians and industry among others sound the warning bell, our government sticks it's fingers in it's ears singing "la,la,la". All that and soaring temperatures too, beam me up Scottie!

[hypercat54 in reply to CDPO16]

Too late as the dilithium crystals have already been destroyed. x

[CDPO16 in reply to hypercat54]

Just my flippin luck!

[hypercat54 in reply to CDPO16]

Kirk and Spock will save the day as they always do. Beam me up too Scotty. 😁 x

[2greys in reply to hypercat54]

Not forgetting Michael Burnham (Star Trek: Discovery)

[hypercat54 in reply to 2greys]

Oh only watch the original series, not the spin offs.

[Angelagone in reply to hypercat54]

Discovery is worth a watch. Kind of Star Trek all grown up and on steroids.

[hypercat54 in reply to Angelagone]

Ah but do they have a gorgeous Captain Kirk in it? Haha.

[CDPO16 in reply to hypercat54]

I have watched other series but for me there is only the one with James T. Never took himself too seriously in the role.

[CDPO16 in reply to hypercat54]

Let's hope Kirk and Spock get on with it soon xx

[Angelagone in reply to CDPO16]

Never felt quite the same about him after he was in that cop show wearing a corset and a wig....

[CDPO16 in reply to Angelagone]

Don't recall that. I just like Bill Shatner's sense of humour and never taking himself too seriously in any role.

[2greys in reply to Angelagone]

T.J, Hooker? 90 episodes • 1982–1986

imdb.com/title/tt0083486/?r...

[Angelagone in reply to 2greys]

That's the one 😂

[sassy59 in reply to hypercat54]

Me too xxxx😀

[CDPO16]

Read this morning that Sage have found that the AZ vaccine offers less protection than Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. I can't post a reference to this unfortunately, lack the know how. It just adds to my concerns although I am aware that no vaccine is 'foolproof' and some protection is better than none.

[2greys in reply to CDPO16]

Just to say that, this is only in reference to antibodies generated, not to do with B & T-cell production. I have already posted about T cells with the AZ vaccine as of yet there is no quantitative information with the Pfizer vaccine and it's efficacy in producing T-cells. It is still my opinion that B & T cells are more important than antibodies alone, until I find evidence to the contrary.

[CDPO16 in reply to 2greys]

Unfortunately I am very good at worrying so thank you for that reminder 2greys.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

This government will have to answer Why sooner or later, but I think personally that they don't care. I bet their families are vaccinated. They urge caution be they themselves aren't doing so. Like Sassy said at least we know what to do. Have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Alberta56]

Why do people continue to vote for the b****** and his toadying minions?

[Bluenotes]

There won't be anyone working soon , as so many being told to isolate already , and that's following the rules . Chaos will undoubtedly follow , good job some people have some sense . Glad I'm in this group 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[Carnival567]

I wonder how many people have got Covid-19 from football crowds, and attendees at other similar events. I am, fortunately, retired so do not have to worry about work. It must be difficult for those who do, but I have to say that I do not fancy being shut in until the end of my life. I might feel differently if I lived in a large town, but otherwise wear a mask, gloves if you think they help, wash your hands frequently and get on with life. Many blessings to everyone at this difficult time xx