Heading for a fall?

[Workingman]

I hope not. However we have gone from "data not dates" to a whole list of dates some time in the future, but not fixed in stone. To be fair the approach is cautious, and that has to be applauded, but the dates have driven the hopes and the hype and the press has jumped in; and their reaction could cause big problems....

Midsummer's Dream - life back to normal - Metro

The Wait-Escape - Sun

Four steps to freedom - Indy

Haven't we suffered enough - Star

118 Days to freedom - Telegraph

We're on the one-way road to freedom - Express

Best Days of Our Lives - Mirror

The end is in sight - Times

All of them carry the dates when these things relaxations WILL happen: March 8 and 29; April 12; May 17 and June 21. This is all so irresponsible at the very least. The facts about what could happen on those dates and that they could be pushed back to some other time unknown has gone out the window and been replaced with hype over substance.

It is now reported that holiday bookings (overseas) are up over 600%, so are those for weddings and events. Some people are even questioning why we cannot unlock more quickly - especially pubs, clubs, gyms and restaurants. Let's make no mistake, it is the media driving all this, and it could all go ever so wrong. But who will they blame if it does - us and the government?

[medsec222]

If things go wrong I suspect the press will try to put the blame on Boris. Whether they will be successful or not is another matter as against all odds Boris has managed to weather quite a few storms. I think his plan is about right - apparently if that data permits things can be brought forward, just as they can be put back according to the data at the time. He is hedging his bets and I don't blame him.

[Suff]

I notice that the BBC article has the 4 conditions near the bottom.

It should have been right up the top with a "If you want to be a bunch of idiots we'll take away your lollipop" warning!

[Workingman]

... apparently if that data permits things can be brought forward, just as they can be put back according to the data at the time. He is hedging his bets and I don't blame him.

Nor me, and it goes with Suff's observation and what he's hinting at.

Forget the facts, just get the bunting, party hats, poppers and whistle blowers out.