Our “dear leader” Jacinda Ardern tells us the restrictions she put in place to control coronavirus are the strongest in the world, a statement which only goes to show how unaware she is of the constraints other countries have implemented. Some are more far-reaching than ours. Hers was nothing more than an assertion designed to hopefully make global headlines. I am aware of some here on The BFD who support her actions, feeling this is a necessary attempt to stem the spread of the virus. There are others who say it’s too little to late and some think it’s OTT. Whatever your feelings are, it is the reality that matters.
So what is the reality? For a start, some people calling Healthline are waiting up to three hours to get through and then are getting disconnected. According to an article on Stuff you might either get an automated message or simply be told to call back. There is little point in telling people to call Healthline if there are not enough staff to man the phones.
Previously the prime minister said that at the airport, customs-like forms would be filled out and then handed to airport nurses who would then talk passengers through the process of self-isolation. One passenger said all he did was fill in a form giving his address and he was free to go, no questions asked and nothing explained. Some people were even joking about not complying.
Then we read that travellers who can’t convince border officials they have adequate plans for self-isolation could be sent home. The reality appears to be that if you scribble any old address on a piece of paper you’re on your way. Healthline will do a spot check to see if you are at the address and complying. If you’re not there no one knows where you are. End of story. If you are there and not complying, I’m not sure how they will know of your non-compliance. I assume Mr Plod will be sent along to guard your place of abode. What an horrendous waste of police time and manpower. Honestly, this is the stuff of comedy. Healthline by the sounds of it are so bogged down with incoming calls that spot checks are the stuff of fantasy. In reality that’s exactly what they are.
Having banned all events likely to attract over five hundred people the prime minister is turning her sights on weddings and funerals. How are these numbers going to be policed? Will Mr Plod be at the gate or church door counting the numbers of attendees? This is seriously becoming farcical. As with climate change the frighteners are being put on the younger generation who appear not to be able to cope with much at all. Some are stressing about death and what might happen to their grandparents.
This Government needs a dose of reality itself. It appears, after weeks of doing nothing, to have gone all-in, never mind the consequences. And the consequences are huge in all manner of ways. Having created the situation my pick is they’ll now be at a loss as to how to manage it. Their economic management has already proven to be woeful. If you’re going to have restrictions they at least have to be workable with sufficient personnel in place to ensure they achieve their aims.
Here’s the real reality. The number of deaths globally from this virus will pale in comparison to the numbers who have died from the ordinary flu this year. And there’s a vaccine for that.
I say, keep calm and carry on.
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