As we wake up this morning to *Freedom Day* as it’s dubbed by certain sections of the media, I bet many of our thoughts turn to getting back to the Carra and seeing how the Premier League, NCFC and the 19 other clubs are planning for August 14. Or indeed how the endlessly changing, sometimes seemingly inconsistent and at times, to me anyway, thoroughly illogical Government guidelines will be interpreted by the Premier League.
I spoke with a few City-supporting mates during the week, discussing whether we should go ahead with our pre-season meet-up in a well-known pub on the Wensum, which had decided to keep table service in place in case any of us were worried.
As the correspondence continued, one of them said that the mask and social distancing rules now to become recommendations were the most divisive issue since Brexit. Scotty, you are spot on in my opinion.
Another couple of guys in our little group decided they’d rather not risk it for very sensible reasons concerning their personal situations.
I’ve always been firmly in the *sod it, nothing’s going to happen to me* group since I was allowed to go to a game with my little mates and without adults when I was about 12. My attitude hasn’t altered in over 50 years but over the weekend I had a St Paul on the road to Damascus moment as the reality of a Carrow Road return smacked me round the chops with both palms.
Throughout this pandemic [other readers may have a different word for it] Mrs P, myself and our adult children have been what we would class as sensible. Masks in shops and the odd places I have to go to on business have been mandatory. I’m pretty sure we will continue to wear masks in these situations long after today. Not for our benefit but in order to reduce any fears for other folks out there.
Does that make us candidates for saintliness status? No of course it doesn’t but it seems like common sense as we know there are people out there who continue to be seriously concerned – and who am I to say they are wrong?
We’ve all had double jabs without fuss or fight. I have my NHS confirmation card in my wallet at all times although I have never been asked to produce it anywhere.
Which brings me back to August 14.
As I write, nobody knows what the regulations concerning the return to our living room will be. But my Biblical moment hit me when I remembered that I have muscle atrophy in the jolly old lumbar region, which means I cannot climb the multiple flights of stairs to the Upper Barclay. This means I am allowed to use the service lift instead, courtesy of Richard the adjacent steward who I always enjoy a chat with as I wait for my turn to enter the lift – along with at least half a dozen other people.
And that got me thinking. It’s sardines in that elevator, it really is. Will the service still be operating? I haven’t got a clue but if it isn’t I’m potentially in deep doo-doo. And I’d genuinely understand if the Club decided to suspend the service. The Barclay concourse would be a no-no – it’s always been like a massive can of sardines. One less pint for me before a match as I really wouldn’t fancy using the gents, masked or not.
A further problem I have is that I will not install the NHS Test and Trace app on my phone. No bar codes for me I’m afraid. I know you’re supposed to be able to get a government *Covid passport* without joining Track and Trace but to me, my bit of cardboard is quite sufficient. Maybe the club will think otherwise. I reckon Boris Johnson and his colleagues know enough about me already without my willingly aiding them to find out even more.
My back isn’t going to get any better and for that reason for the first time in something like 34 years I won’t be going to every home match this season. Luckily I will be able to pass my ticket on for games I can’t make to a fellow MFW type so nothing is wasted – except my poor old back.
When you see the prime minister, royalty and folks such as Sir Patrick Vallance maskless at Wembley and Wimbledon that tells me one thing and that is: I won’t be wearing a mask at Carrow Road. In the lift, for sure, but in the Barclay? No way. I presume none of our readers went to Eton so weren’t able to join the Bullingdon Club, but if the top folks aren’t required to wear a mask then why should we?
Unless we choose to of course, which would be a choice that I thoroughly respect.
To conclude on a brighter note I cannot wait to see the new faces on the pitch. It astonishes me that I never got to see Olly Skipp in action so I don’t want to miss out on Rashica, Gilmour, Lees-Malou and the return of the Angus.
As Gary said yesterday, whatever our individual definition of the word is: let’s be sensible.
A very liberal and commendable approach, Martin.
Now, would you be so accepting to those who are unvaccinated? It strikes me as odd that a large swathe of people are genuinely for discriminating against a huge section of others purely based on medical status. As we should all know by now, vaccination does not stop you from catching it or passing it onto others. So how can anyone be in favour of discriminating on these grounds.
It stinks of rank hypocrisy that so many fans complained about BK8 but would happily create a two tier society to suit their own ends. I would hardly call that a community club. A very dangerous slope if ever there was one.
It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this?
Hi Daniel
I struggle with this question tbh. Normally my attitude is *do whatever you like as long as it harms nobody else* but this scenario is difficult.
I had the jabs simply because I thought it proper to do so but I can really understand those who choose not to.
whether medically concerned, conspiracy theory merchant or just wanting to give Boris the finger I understand why some people don’t have the jabs.
I have no personal axe to grind but sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do to help others.
That’s how I see it – others might think differently.
Cheers
I appreciate that Martin.
I have nothing against anyone taking the vaccine. It’s their personal choice for whatever their reason.
We appear to have entered very dangerous times where people feel they can coerce and control others through intimidation. Very sad state of affairs
“We appear to have entered very dangerous times where people feel they can coerce and control others through intimidation. Very sad state of affairs”
I think your definition of ‘dangerous’ is somewhat off. I define dangerous as a disease that killed 130K in just over a year. Not to mention long Covid’s impacts on countless others. A disease that swamped the national health service. That crippled the economy. That separated families.
But sure, having the people who choose not to get vaccinated have to live with their decision, sure, that’s dangerous.
Hi Dave
I fully realise that the USA has state by state regs, many of which are different in one way or another.
Covid isn’t *dangerous* to me on a personal level but there are many people in the UK who are scared stiff, whether it’s because of instinct or perceived information.
I’m prepared to put up with a reasonable amount of hassle if it makes many vulnerable people feel more confident in themselves but equally I completely agree with you about the economic factor.
As ever there are more questions than answers.
Cheers
*We appear to have entered very dangerous times where people feel they can coerce and control others through intimidation. Very sad state of affairs*
Spot on.
“As we should all know by now, vaccination does not stop you from catching it or passing it onto others. ”
It does however reduce the severity of the virus and reduce the chances of needing hospitalisation. Perhaps you would be happy to spend a few days or weeks in an ITU, but most of us wouldn’t. And that’s before you even consider the impact on the NHS of not protecting as any people as possible.
If you have a belief that all vaccination is wrong, think we should never have developed one and would be better letting the virus take its toll, fair enough.
But if it’s just a case that you’re happy for everyone else to take steps to make life easier for other people (such as NHS staff who might have to look after them, their loving families, or even their employers) but are refusing to do so yourself then you’re just a selfish beggar.
Hi Keith
As I said in the original article we as an extended family were all prepared to be jabbed.
Of our collective four adult chidren, my two work in NHS management and children’s social services respectively and Sue’s are electrical engineers, one site-based and the other largely based offshore.
None of us actively wanted to do it but all felt we should on some kind of moral grounds so that was that.
Apart from the males [me included] feeling like $hit for 36 hours after both doses of Astra Zeneca or Pfizer there was very little to the whole process and from my experiences at Castle Mall the staff were terrific.
I still kind of get why some people don’t want a vaccination but I’m afraid that I believe many of these are making a political statement rather than a medical decision.
As my mate Scotty said, it’s quite a divisive topic.
Cheers
Like everything Keith it should be down to choice. I wouldn’t dream of forcing you to do something you didn’t want to, so why should you treat me any differently.
You are correct that it reduces the severity of the virus to the individual who takes it, so why would you need to force it on anyone else? Especially, when it doesn’t prevent transmission.
Considering it’s been nearly 18 months, it’s on the Government to ensure the NHS is well prepared for flu seasons. Instead, they are reducing staff and bed numbers. I have every sympathy for those on the front line. Attention should be on those managing the NHS. Not the people who pay for it ( i.e. You, I and everyone else).
Good Morning, Martin.
As you say it will be very interesting to see what conditions are imposed on our return to Carrow Road. Like you, I do not have an NHS App on my phone. It’s much too “Big Brother” like for my liking. (And apart from that, my phone isn’t smart enough!)
I do, however have the NHS letter that certifies that I have had both my jabs. It was easy to apply for online and arrived within two or three days. I hope that will suffice if we need to show anything.
I got the letter in order to gain entry to the Isle of Man (a visit to Spain being a bit more challenging at the moment!). The Isle of Man was a wonderful taste of freedom. There were no masks anywhere, not on public transport, nor in the shops or museums. You could even walk up to a bar and order a drink! I long for that sense of normality to return here but Project Fear has been so successful it may be sometime before we see it. Meanwhile, the usual suspects will be predicting doom and gloom.
I very much hope we both get to the Liverpool game!
Morning John
I must admit I’ve never been to the Isle of Man – dunno why not, I just haven’t.
I'[[ probably end up getting the NHS letter too, but reluctantly as I dislike bureaucracy with a vengeance – always have done. However if it genuinely is for the common good I don’t mind putting up with it every now and again.
Yeah I hope to be at the Liverpool game too – I bet I won’t be the only one ringing the Club to enquire about the service lifts!
Cheers
Hi Marty, amid all the rhetoric regarding individual freedom many people overlook the fact that very few people are self sufficient, the vast majority of us rely on the collective society. We need many others to produce and supply most of what we buy. As COVID-19 cases increase and contacts have to self isolate then supplies decrease and shelves begin to empty, panic buying follows. We are edging towards that and freedom day will probably speed it up. Stay safe Marty, lots of arrogant idiots out there and it will impact on us all.
Boris Johnson is politician which media here picture as nutcase. We dont know at all what kind of relation he wants with other countries or does he want any kind of?
Covid seems to be endless. Very bothering thing is that people who have benefit it a lot economically are those most richest people of the world. We dont know exactly what is behind covid and where and why it started? Climate change is obvious to me, it can be answer to covid too but lets be honest its not sure.
Hi 1×2
Let’s just say I agree with you 100%!
I’ve never really considered what the perception of Boris is in other countries but many of us in the UK would consider the word *nutcase* quite appropriate.
Kiitos
Hi Martin, you have from time to time referred to your NHS employed daughter who, I think, has been pretty much spot on about the timings of crowds going back to football; how does she feel this is going to go?
It’s somewhat alarming to read a reference to ‘project fear’ when it’s actually the opinion of medical experts-but the country has long been tired of listening to experts, hasn’t it? The reason the Isle of Man is able to enjoy the freedoms it does is that it was very strict in not letting people in and got it’s population vaccinated. If only we lived on an island we could have done the same…
Back to the football. Despite reservations, I can’t wait to get back to live football. The last 2 games I went to were away at Wolves and Sheffield United. neither of which were particularly enjoyable experiences. There is a massive boil that needs to be lanced!
Hi Don
I haven’t asked her about this topic yet but I’ll have to shortly I suppose.
*If only we lived on an island we could have done the same* is a phrase for consideration when it coes to the Isle of Man. I won’t take that one any further!
Wasn’t Lance de Boyle the drummer in a punk band?
Cheers
Morning Cutty
Yep you’ve summed it up pretty nicely there.
We had the jabs simply because we don’t feel we have the right to increase the risk [whether real or not] to other people.
As for the arrogant idiots you refer to I wonder if they have anybody vulnerable within their social circle – maybe they might think differently if they did, methinks.
Said the bloke who at 18 had hair halfway down his back and loved the Pink Fairies and Hawkwind!
It’s a conundrum ole pal.
Cheers
Interesting. I’m in Australia where we haven’t until recently had to worry too much about Covid. From a personal point of view I couldn’t live with the guilt of passing the virus on to someone else. Given the age profile of supporters I feel that masks are appropriate. After all, this freedom day is a step into the unknown and infections and deaths may possibly climb considerably in the coming weeks.
Hi Steve
Great to get a comment from Oz, the first one I’ve had since I wrote a bit of stuff about cricket – and that was a few years ago now!
I agree with your sentiments entirely up to the point of my having to wear a mask in the stands. That is something I’m not prepared to do while the nightclubs are heaving with punters indoors.
Mind you that would be typical of our government!
Thanks – good to hear from you.
Nail on the head regards nightclubs compared with an outside football match Martin.
The pictures I saw this morning from London, Leeds and Newcastle were shocking – and I ain’t no shrinking violet.
“my bit of cardboard is quite sufficient.”
I absolutely agree, although the fact that the volunteer at the computer forgot to write my name on it meant a frantic search for a pen that looked similar to the one he’d used to put the batch details on….
30 seconds in the lift really shouldn’t be a big risk – the chances of one of the other occupants actually having the virus to pass on is fairly low anyway – though I understand where you are coming from. Maybe you could try abseiling down afterwards.
I must admit I’m in two minds how to play it. Under the membership scheme I believe I can nominate one home game that I’m guaranteed a ticket for. I’m not sure whether to go for an early one, Leicester or Watford maybe, knowing there’s a lot of virus around still, or one towards the end of the season in the hope that things have improved, rather than got even worse again. We might be back to no crowds by then for all we know.
Hi Keith
You inspired me to check out my own card which is crystal clear with two different signatures. I think I’ll just take a screenshot of it and keep it on the phone just in case.
Actually the nurse’s assistant filled mine out on both occasions in situ. Maybe they didn’t trust me and wanted to make sure I’d definitely had the jabs!
For all my bravado I refuse to use pubic transport right now but I am sure you are right about the lifts – my only concern is that those on the journey are likely to be far more vulnerable than myself, hence the fact I would never use it unmasked.
Getting down the stairs is not a problem. I spring down them like a hungry gazelle, especially if we’ve won. I think it’s eight flights to the top of the Barclay and I tend to lose functionality after about five these days unfortunately.
Cheers as always
Hi Martin
Well living on the coast and not far from a motorway Blackpool is starting to see numbers rise at an alarming rate mainly due to the well travelled route down the M6 from SturgeonLand.
As you say common sense is the main way to combat this virus and with the group mentality that goes out the window.
Europe are shouting from the roof about numbers rising but we are the only place still doing mass testing and that causes problems in as much it flags up areas that have little or no covid-19 so everyone disregard simple safety rules and also the areas that have a large spread of covid-19.
Is there a one fit all solution to this pandemic I am not sure but when you have Stammer sitting on the Blackpool Prom with strangers shouting this is the Labour fight back you know that our so called leaders are only out for themselves or just Charletons ripping the rest of us off.
Football either EPL or EFL will find away to get full grounds again they will sprout off about safety, security and covid-19 checks but as with Wembly last weekend will they have enough staff to many the pumps for the deluge of people wanting to breech the barriers.
Will you see cordoned off roads so that checks can be made and areas where people can be held while tests are done, will the ground be open earlier to allow for supporters to get into the grounds and can we see a shut off time ie 20mins before kickoff so that everyone can get to their seats with late arrivals turned away only time will tell
“Well living on the coast and not far from a motorway Blackpool is starting to see numbers rise at an alarming rate mainly due to the well travelled route down the M6 from SturgeonLand.”
Funny that – I was on Skye last week and the issues there were caused by Liverpudlian’s (determined by accent only) marauding around Portree in packs practising zero social-distancing. Message, there are idiots all over the place and the art is to avoid them and not to disparage (with borderline racism any one group.
I do not believe in Racism as afar as I am concerned no matter you colour, religion on nationality we are all of the Human Race.
As for the remark about coming down from Scotland it has been just like the old days of Scottish weeks in Blackpool hundreds of coaches from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen and yes it was a bad casual remark as we also have had plenty of trippers from the southern end of the M6.
So please take my apologies and all my family are in the Mckay Clan my surname is BAIN
As I said somewhere else I live in Mundesley for part of the year and with the tourists 90% are wonderful but the other 10% often aren’t!
We live almost directly opposite a permanent/touring caravan park so I’d like to think I know what I’m on about.
If you live on the coast it comes with the territory. Who am I to tell the 10% to bugger off, as much as I’d occasionally like to.
It’s an emotive issue for sure. As a mate of mine who runs a Broadland pub always says: *you wait all winter for the tourists to come [take their money] and spend all summer waiting for them to go home*.
I know you ain’t no racist 🙂
Thanks Martin as I said earlier I got things wrong but that’s life some you upset others laugh at it
Apology accepted. You are much more Scottish than I though. I’ve just lived here for 30 plus years 😉
Original from Great Yarmouth
Hi ScotCan
I lived on Mallorca on and off for a few years [I’d guess 2005-2012] and believe me although the casita was in Llucmajor – think of a smaller Dereham – sometimes we ventured to Palma. A lovely City, similar but so very different to Norwich.
So cosmopolitan that the indigenous people rarely noticed the tourists.
Sometimes we went to meet friends from England in las Calas or Alcudia. These were largely German enclaves and very pleasant.
And then there was Shagaluf, which kind of proves your point.
Cheers
Hi Alex
You paint a gloomy but quite plausible picture of admission requirements at the Carra in the near futur.e.
I have a matchday ritual that always ends with me having a last gasper as I walk through Morrisons car park at almost exactly 1450. Quick chat with a steward I know near the pop-up stall, then get in the queue for the lift, talking to steward Richard while I wait. In my seat for 1457 – it’s just what I do and largely what I’ve always done.
Maybe I’m selfish but I’d hate it if I had to queue to get in like we did in the turnstile days. It was fun then but wouldn’t be now – for me anyway.
As for Blackpool it’ll be a little bit similar in Norfolk as much of the East Midlands and a fair proportion of London will be here very soon now.
Many of these will go home having put in an offer on a house rather than buying a stick of rock or whatever.
Luckily the beach we use to run the dogs on is little known and I’m sure you know the best places to go in the NW too.
Cheers mate
I have seen today referred to as ‘Freedumb’ day and I think that pretty much sums up my thoughts on the significance of today.
Yes, it’s a personal choice as to whether or not to have the vaccine, but for me, it was a ‘no-brainer’ and duly went along when it was offered. I know of one person in a group that I frequent who is a ‘Covidiot’ and I deliberately avoid getting too close to them.
I see that a popular pub in Norwich city centre has adopted the ‘no admittance if unvaccinated’ policy and a few have taken to social media deploring this – personally, I’m in complete agreement.
Will we/won’t be at the Carra on 14th Aug is anyone’s guess and I somehow don’t see the FA/PL chiefs rushing their decision.
Now onto footballing matters –
Quite a good test for the boys against KL Town on Friday and it appears that Mumba is the latest player to appear as a possible addition to the squad. TC seems to have continued where he left off last season and Idah certainly won’t be going on loan anywhere.
The Aarons rumours are rearing their ugly head again, but DF is hopeful that he may stay.
I see also see that DF is hopeful of strengthening in most areas of the pitch if the right deals can be struck, with exactly 6 weeks of the window left, but in SW and the recruitment team we trust.
Hi Alex
Yes I used the Murderers a lot during the 1990s and I knew Phil and his brother quite well at that time as well as old Ivan and young Ivan. I’ve not been in there for nearly 20 years now and as mine hosts go, Phil was pretty affable then and quite probably still is now.
I can’t comment on his stance but it’s his pub and up to him who he chooses to serve. He’s also developed quite a talent for consistent media exposure too 🙂
As for who might be incoming, I don’t take anything seriously until I see a #No Circus from Paddy Davitt.
Cheers
I meant Hi Ed of course!
Of you’re OK with discrimination when it suits just own it.
Don’t pretend it to be based on anything else.
We’ll see how you feel when your rights get taken away because you don’t agree with the (false) narrative.
A strange piece of narrative Daniel, what are you talking about?
I think that Daniel Smit wishes to limit the freedom of choice of those who run pubs to deny entry to people who have not had both vaccinations. 😉
Hi Martin,
Controversial one today, so let’s have a crystal ball gaze.
Israel pulled all restrictions and now has them back on.
Netherlands pulled all restrictions and has now had to put them back on.
So go to an early home game just in case.
Hi Bernie
Yeah I had my doubts about writing this myself. I just felt the date should be marked in some way in a NCFC context tbh.
I totally understand what you’re getting at and no, it wouldn’t surprise me if that’s how it turns out in the UK as well.
Sometimes I think I should be grateful to being older & wiser [?] because I know how my mates and myself would have reacted to government *advice* in our late teens.
Cheers
Hi Martin. The “Track and trace” app on your phone doesn’t show your “Covid passport”. That is on the NHSapp, which is different. My wife has an older iPhone 5S, and can’t get the “Track and trace” app on it because the operating system isn’t compatible, despite the government saying the app would be updated in January this year. Another broken promise, but no surprise there! She can however get the NHS app,and so has her passport on that.
When it comes back to the Carra, I hope we can go, but the way this government makes more U-turns than Wes ever did, who knows. We’re both double jabbed, so if we’re allowed, we’ll probably take the chance.
Stay safe!
Hi Jim
Thanks for that – I’ve got a pretty decent Samsung phone but only use it for what I need or want so Sue’s #2 son will have to sort it all out for me.
I’m no Luddite but the modern world leaves me behind on occasions 🙂
You might enj0y the forthcoming MFW Brighton previews – there’ll doubtless be a few references yer ‘Arlow therein.
Cheers
Excellent article as always Martin.
And you certainly have got a debate going !
Freedom Day ……mmm I don’t think so. You cannot fly to that many countries ( which is right but handled terribly at the outset of covid ), my local pub is shut due to lack of staff and it seems masks will be mandatory on public transport in many areas.
You really made me think as to how I get to the disabled section without using the lift.
It is simple I can’t and though I haven’t been able to go as regularly as I did pre the wife’s illness, through cost and health issues of my own It is a sobering thought.
I have always thought the countries who locked down early have had the far lesser deaths so I have always agreed with that policy.
However the country cannot go on forever protecting people like me. I know how full the N & N got at their peaks and the lockdowns had to happen to ensure the hospitals didn’t get to the point of collapse. And one thing is true without lockdown the health service would not have coped.
But once hospital capacity is not under threat the country must go back to normal as soon as possible, but I do feel Boris ( the only Prime Minister nominated for a comedy BAFTA) has got himself into a right mess with this so called “Freedom Day” by agreeing to everyone around him from all wings of the party !!!
People like me now have to make a choice as to what we can risk or not. I will still wear a mask as I feel it is the best way going forward for awhile yet.
As for City I hope and feel the NHS 2 jabs covid letter should be enough to gain entry to the ground. The problem is the club have a duty of care to its supporters so I will be surprised if there are not some rules imposed to gain entry.
But if we think we will still do what we want post-covid I’m afraid that is just not happening. Airlines are already asking for covid tests and some want proof of being doubly jabbed ( Quantas).
It is completely a person’s right to choose whether or not to have the vaccine but just like people like me who have had both jabs but are immunocompromised they do run the risk of serious disease and the country cannot stop for either of us once the hospitals are protected.
A pre match drink in the madness that is the Iceni is a thought for us all.
OTBC Martin
An emotive subject for sure. Please can we keep it within the boundaries, while being polite and civil at all times. Thank you.
Well said Gary.
I think using the words ” Project Fear” are upsetting to people who have lost someone close to this terrible disease.
Whatever our stands on vaccinations, for or against, lets not forget this virus is real and has killed at least 4-7 million people worldwide.
I do so long for the day when this site gets to talking about football again.
I do also hope that the Club get this planned and announced as soon as possible to give people a chance to work out what their options will be. Personally, I don’t understand the objection to having an app on their phone and I suspect that will be the main option for entry. It’s a minor inconvenience and if it means I can watch my team against Liverpool, then it’s a small price to pay.
The one to thing to remember in all of this is that things will NEVER be as they were before this. Some things may be improved, some will be more of a hassle. We will all need to make our own choices as to what is acceptable to each of us.
And football related, leave Ajer to Brentford and move on from Billing. He’s good but not that good.
Hi dp3
There’s not long to go now before the season is underway and we’ll all have some real football to write about and discuss.
*We will all need to make our own choices as to what is acceptable to each of us*.
Absolutely – good post.
Hi Tim
Please don’t feel you need to use the term *people like me* concerning any disability. If you contact the Club I am absolutely positive they would do anything to help if they can. I wouldn’t have said that 10 years ago but it is true now.
And here’s me complaining about a bad back which I’ve been told by a well-known former NCFC physio is largely due to some pretty poor lifestyle choices I’ve made previously and currently continue.
Just like you, but I guess for different reasons, I have no sympathy for myself.
So far it’s only upward flights of stairs that I struggle with. Maybe I should put yellow and green facepaint on and go back to the Lower Barclay..
Nah!
All the best and take care.
If NCFC refuse admission to supporters who have chosen not to be vaccinated, that’s up to them surely? Equally, if the ground is open to all and some don’t fancy it, that’s up to them too. Everyone has a choice and sometimes choices come with consequences.
People who moan about being excluded or “discriminated against” are just making their choice without accepting responsibility for it. Not downloading the NHS App is a choice like any other, as is going to a football match.
We are in the middle of a pandemic, not the end. It’s an unprecedented situation in the modern world of entitlement and open communication platforms. Some things that used to happen may never return – that might include pre game rituals. Personally, I consider that is not such a massive price to pay when I think of the families of the 128,000 dead and estimated 650,000 sufferers of Long Covid.
Laws are made by those we elect; people who break them are punished (hopefully) with appropriate sanctions. If you don’t like the laws, don’t re-elect the politicians. It’s not illegal to travel up and down the M6 or visit Mundesley last time I looked. I’d prefer it if we left such nonsense to the Daily Mail.
Hi Stephen
Although the rituals I have mentioned play a part in the *matchday experience* you are quite right to say they will very likely become expendable.
Of course it’s all about choice. I chose to have the jabs but not acquire the T&T app. You might have made a different choice – that’s none of my business – but the important thing is we chose and I bet neither of us went for an option that might possibly put other folks at risk.
btw my comment about Mundesley was not meant in the style of the Daily Heil but merely to illustrate that there are a few people who show no respect to their temporary environment thus spoiling things for everybody else.
There are no blue rosettes in our house I can assure you – neither related to football or politics 🙂
Good post – thanks
There is nothing Daily Heil about declaiming people travelling up or down the M6 and *then* behaving inappropriately and, indeed, illegally. Examples of the latter include refusing to wear masks in supermarkets because “You can’t make me” and not maintaining the regulated social distance.
I went to Hellesdon ASDA yesterday and Cromer Morrisons this morning and I can assure everybody that social distancing no longer exists therein.
ASDA attempts to insist on masks while Morrisons doesn’t, which seemed to upset a few folks of a certain vintage in the latter store. We both wore ours, out of perceived courtesy as much as anything else.
It’s no great imposition for us for 10 minutes or so – we don’t hang about in supermarkets 🙂
The world has gone completely mad, Martin.
The courtesy thing is exactly right. It causes the wearer no inconvenience or harm and reduces the risk for others in proximity. Really simple and why we shoud not all do it is beyond me. Thankfully masks are still compulsory in Scotland, as the train operators have just found out!
As for social distancing, I had an elderly lady getting too close to me at a hotel check-in about six weeks ago. I asked her (very politely) if she would mind moving 2m away and she replied that she was. I asked her how much she thought 2m is and she held her hands up a distance apart that I would guess was about as close to 20cm as it is possible to get!!! I explained very gently and carefully that 2m is actually my height *plus* the distance she had her hands apart.
Some shoppers were born before the concept of the supermarket was even in existence – at 63 years of age I can remember. just, when Sainsburys was a general store rather than a supermarket. Fine Fare was the first in London and the current bunch weren’t even heard of, with the possible exception of Walmart in the USA.
Your hotel reference is symptomatic of much of what we’ve all witnessed over the last 18 months and I quite believe you. Well done for being so patient, I would have been too but through gritted teeth.
With absolutely no disrespect intended if I have to queue for a reception or a till I try to evaluate which aisle to choose. I’m rarely wrong.
Hi Stephen
What I was trying to highlight was the problem everyone is having, duly elected people are using so called specialist to advice them how to proceed during a lockdown(How any one can be a specialist I don’t understand) and a minority just can’t comply with simple rules.
It seems that the doing things for the greater good is a forgotten phrase it is now a more selfish place to live and instead of earning rewards some see it as an entitlement.
Will all these apps help give us more freedom of movement only time will tell, as will following simple rules.
As a 70yr old I was told a few months back if it was the young getting hurt by the pandemic us old folk would have done everything possible to stop the spread but it’s the other way round and the younger generation seem to thing they can carry on regardless.
I must add they are a few older people that think a double jab and life is back to normal for them
As a rookie journo back in the 1980s I was told that *old people aren’t sexy* when it comes to column filling. You can’t say things like that any more of course but I think there’s still a ring of truth in there somewhere.
We all get old and sometimes even our own children struggle with the concept. They expect their forebears to be as physically and mentally able as they hopefully are themselves. So those of us with a bit of spark try and live up to their ideals 🙂
Jagger got it right with *what a drag it is, getting old*, the intro to *Mother’s Little Helper* as if you don’t know already.
Steve in Oz again. Given we have had so few cases they tend to review CCTV to work out how transmission occurs. At the MCG recently they appear to think it was toilets and areas where people congregate on entry / exit that were responsible for transmission. Maybe you divide the ground into sections for people with different risk profiles so that each can do as they choose, albeit at the expense of sitting in a different seat.
Hi Steve
The MCG is one of my bucket list places to visit – mind you once folks heard my accent I’d need to put on a stout tin hat on 🙂
A couple of my mates went there not that long ago – when Ricky Ponting was skipper anyway -and they reckoned the atmosphere could change with every delivery.
Not so sure your segregation theory – good as it is – would work in reality. A bit too time -consuming maybe?