Coronavirus update - NO MORE RESTRICTIONS

[Vindec]

Re: Coronavirus update

Within the link you've replied to it states:

"On June 4 the First Minister had announced a two-phased approach to reaching the final Alert Level One easing of restrictions. Two weeks ago Mark Drakeford had warned that the Delta variant “adds a new level of uncertainty and complexity.”

Then later it says:

"In response to reports of a delay to easing restrictions, the Welsh Conservatives said: “This does not come as a surprise, particularly in light of the concerns over the delta variant. “However, I hope Labour ministers are giving consideration to easing some of the restrictions on major life events such as weddings and funerals."

The Welsh Conservatives comment perhaps highlighting that Boris had in effect created a phased approach himself after June 4th delaying "freedom day" but allowing weddings to go ahead without cap on guests//as long as there was no dancing. And I've split that up because Tories here want people to know something important could have been allowed without mentioning the bizarre conditions on it.

But isn't Drakeford proposing to make a further announcement in view of Johnson's statement last Monday? Why make an announcement if the view in Wales remains the same?

[surge]

Re: Coronavirus update

But isn't Drakeford proposing to make a further announcement in view of Johnson's statement last Monday? Why make an announcement if the view in Wales remains the same?

It might have played a role in changing content of announcement but it hasn't created a further announcement from what I can tell. I say that because a lot easier to slow easing of lockdown if England has already done so due to lack of public and press backlash and size/closeness of border, but likely that that was the desired plan for all nations regardless of what England did.

Imo, since schools went back for one day in England after Christmas Westminster has become a lot more cautious - waiting 5 weeks between stages is cautious even if shouting "freedom day" and whispering "no earlier than" was a gamble which hasn't paid off - and I think that's so most people forget how reckless Boris and his government was before that moment. Drakeford has been largely cautious throughout, sometimes painfully so, which overall means spirit of Boris' behaviour has moved to be more like Drakeford.

[Vindec]

Re: Coronavirus update

It might have played a role in changing content of announcement but it hasn't created a further announcement from what I can tell.

Sky News are reporting that Drakeford has announced today a 4 week pause in relaxing lockdown arrangements in Wales. Sounds familiar to me.

[surge]

Re: Coronavirus update

Sky News are reporting that Drakeford has announced today a 4 week pause in relaxing lockdown arrangements in Wales. Sounds familiar to me.

I see what Boris did on the 14th largely similar to what Drakeford did on the 4th and looks like any outstanding differences will be removed by Drakeford's expected announcement tomorrow. Therefore I disagree with your statement that it's simply Wales copying England, but it is probably a case of when the reviews fell in the calendar now that Delta Variant in the news.

I can say that final point because Boris has moved much closer to caution employed by devolved nations since 6th of January 2021 and, imo, that's partly because no one can criticise him for being reckless, and make it stick, if he's been so slow and cautious in recent memory. Although if things get worse (obviously I don't want them to) using "terminus date" to describe 19th of July will make people see him as reckless again.

[Des Parrot]

Re: Coronavirus update

I’m having my 25th CPR test on Monday, despite having had Covid, been vaccinated, had 2 Anti-bodies tests and numerous LFTs, another 5 due in July! Thank goodness the company is paying.

[Vindec]

Re: Coronavirus update

I see what Boris did on the 14th largely similar to what Drakeford did on the 4th and looks like any outstanding differences will be removed by Drakeford's expected announcement tomorrow. Therefore I disagree with your statement that it's simply Wales copying England, but it is probably a case of when the reviews fell in the calendar now that Delta Variant in the news.

I can say that final point because Boris has moved much closer to caution employed by devolved nations since 6th of January 2021 and, imo, that's partly because no one can criticise him for being reckless, and make it stick, if he's been so slow and cautious in recent memory. Although if things get worse (obviously I don't want them to) using "terminus date" to describe 19th of July will make people see him as reckless again.

Nice try.

[Hilts]

Re: Coronavirus update

With the Delta variant now spreading thanks to yet another balls up and no doubt being convinced by the likes of Vallance and Whitty the bufoon had little choice than follow Drakeford's cautious approach.

[Vindec]

Re: Coronavirus update

With the Delta variant now spreading thanks to yet another balls up and no doubt being convinced by the likes of Vallance and Whitty the bufoon had little choice than follow Drakeford's cautious approach.

Several people have said Drakeford follows a cautious approach and that England are following Wales. People were not saying that when Drakeford ended his unilateral firebreak last year before reinstating it as cases rose sharply. Then we saw people queuing up outside shops with no social distancing; pubs were open; places of worship were able to hold services etc while England was in lockdown. The results of Drakeford's actions were catastrophic with the Welsh figures rising rapidly. I would hardly describe that as cautious.

Now turning to the point that Wales are leading England I wonder if people on here understand how things work. I'll tell you. What happens is that Wales receives all the technical advice from England. All the individual papers to the groups affected by the lockdown such as the hospitality industry and sports venues are produced in England. All that Wales does is get a very minor civil servant to amend the documentation to include the word "Wales" where England is mentioned. There is a bit more to it than that but you get the gist. Then the hierarchy in the Welsh government decide what to do next. That is where they have a real roll but they are heavily influenced by what happens in England and I can't help concluding that the main motivation is to do things differently in order to exert their independence.

Clearly this tactic has duped the voting public but I find the conclusion reached by those on here is based more on anti Tory rhetoric than fact.

[surge]

Re: Coronavirus update

Several people have said Drakeford follows a cautious approach and that England are following Wales....

Several people have implied it's slightly more complex than that and treating it as "who is following who?" is a simplistic analysis. You've said the gist of it is that Wales changes name on document and whacks it out.

What is happening in England does have an influence partly because of size of border and how close people live to border - this makes us different to Scotland - but clearly different decisions have been made at different times. After the initial shared approach regarding potentially ill people into care homes different decisions became more clear and now they're more aligned again.

[Vindec]

Re: Coronavirus update

Several people have implied it's slightly more complex than that and treating it as "who is following who?" is a simplistic analysis. You've said the gist of it is that Wales changes name on document and whacks it out.

What is happening in England does have an influence partly because of size of border and how close people live to border - this makes us different to Scotland - but clearly different decisions have been made at different times. After the initial shared approach regarding potentially ill people into care homes different decisions became more clear and now they're more aligned again.

I was merely replying to the post I linked where it was stated the buffoon was following Drakeford's cautious approach. As for your comments they are more balanced than some but I don't entirely agree with them. Where we do agree is that the matter is complex. Let's face it whoever is in charge is likely to be criticised as we are all looking at this through our retrospective scope and it is so easy to criticise after the event. I don't think any politician, be it Drakeford or Johnson, should be blamed for taking action in order to save lives.

[surge]

Re: Coronavirus update

The delay in the easing of COVID restrictions in England has raised questions about government decisions in April as cases surged in India. This is the story of the Delta variant. In 7 mins.

https://twitter.com/BBCRosAtkins/sta...15466844983298

Latest from BBC's Ros Atkins which is really worth a watch. "We're talking about Delta and India now but in 6 months it will be a different variant" was one comment highlighted in this fantastically presented summary.

Regarding vaccines, Wales has first jabbed 88.3% of population over 18 as of 17th of June (1st, Scotland is second with 81%) and second jabbed 58.4% (2nd, England is first with 59%). It's not a race and dependent on people coming forward especially if they think they've been missed.

[xsnaggle]

Re: Coronavirus update

There is less and less justification for the continuation of lockdowns and restrictions and generally people are getting pissed off with it.
Other than people on here no one I talk to believes any of the numbers quoted to justify it. Its easy to say thing like "Infections have risen 60%" without pointing out that the actual numbers are 80 rising from 50.
I looked at the comments on the BBC report earlier and as surprised by the number of people saying it is just Drakeford
being determined to cling to control of the population. some believe it is his natural wish springing from his extreme left wing communist inspired inclination that the masses must be kept under control.

But here is the question. In Parliament the act which gives the government the powers it needs to continue lockdowns and the like is finite, and to continue it the government needs to go to parliament to get the law extended. It would have lost this latest vote had it not been supported by labour.
But in Wales we never hear anything about the Senedd having a debate on extending lockdown powers. It seems that the laws passed in Wales have no time limit on them, and I believe we passed for more things into actual laws than parliament have.
so does anyone know what the limitations are or can he keep doing this for as long as he thinks he will get away with it?

It reminds me of the Plaid member who complained last years about the Senedd not being given the opportunities to debate and vote on restrictions. She said then it was 'rule by dictat' and it seems to be still the same.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Coronavirus update

New cases have doubled to 484 in Wales with the main concentration still being in the north,, but up to 77 in Cardiff.

https://public.tableau.com/views/RapidCOVID-19virology-Mobilefriendly/Summary?%3AshowVizHome=no&%3Aembed=true&%3Amobile=true#2

[Hilts]

Re: Coronavirus update

Need those 2nd jabs in arms. I had mine a couple of hours ago.

Wise decision to delay lifting restrictions.

If only the bufoon had acted and closed the border with India sooner.