Looks Like Lancashire Could Be Next.

[Barsel]

Following on from the North East, it looks like Lancashire could be next in line for the Covid lock down. How do they know it's spreading if they are not doing the testing?

[Mamyalynne]

Presumably basing it on what figures they have.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/09/18/lockdown-north-east-local-rules-today-england-wales-newcastle-birmingham/

Every chance of all these local lockdowns joining up again.

[dannyk13]

And West Yorkshire.

[woofgang]

there are still random and test and trace tests happening. Lancashire police post on Facebook and they are getting problems with large organised rave type parties and refusal to disperse. I bet they aren't at all surprised about precaution escalation

[teacake44]

But you can still have a mad night out in Blackpool.

[Barsel]

teacake, I know! What the heck is that about?

[Barsel]

Perhaps it's because of the illuminations?

[teacake44]

Has been said on here many times, their making it up as they go. Because they've not got a clue what to do, or will even listen to anyone who does.

[dannyk13]

Teacake, that was a short trip to collect your toilet rolls,

[New Judge]

I believe that the time has come for the emergency powers being used to impose these restrictions by ministerial edict to be reviewed with the aim of restoring such matters to be determined by Parliament.

Considering the fuss that was made about Brexit (where a similar strategy of ministerial edict was considered and which ended up in the Supreme Court) the way these restrictions have been accepted and continue with no Parliamentary scrutiny is breathtaking. Brexit for most people involved comparatively minor changes to their rights and freedoms. By contrast the Covid restrictions are imposing a huge cost to the country's economy, its health and social wellbeing. Yet day by day, the drip-drip-drip of increased restrictions - with no clear strategy or end game in sight, continues unabated and unchecked by MPs.

[Barsel]

NJ How would it take though to get these things decided in Parliament?

[dannyk13]

Barsel, too long to meet the problem of spikes in Covid19.

[New Judge]

I've no idea. But Parliament can get its backside into gear when necessary. It's now necessary. These continued changes in restrictions are causing enormous costs (not solely financial) and difficulties for millions of people. There has been no proper debate in Parliament whether the country wants to continue imposing these restrictions or whether another strategy might be persued.

[dannyk13]

NJ // or whether another strategy might be persued.//
Any ideas?

[fiction-factory]

Would that apply to the devolved assemblies too, NJ? They all seem to be coming up with very similar measures. I don't see any chance of the devolved parliaments overruling Nicola etc. And Labour broadly support the restrictions- in fact many are being called for by Labour councils.
Maybe a cross party group could make the decisions but I don't see any change in direction coming from it because the science is the same and the lessons from not acting quickly enough last time and the lessons from other countries are still the same.

[New Judge]

To be clear, I'm not talking about Parliament debating all the details. What I'm suggesting is that the overall strategy that the government is adopting needs to be debated. Just as an aside, do you know what the government's aim is with these continued local lockdowns, etc.? And if you do (I don't) do you know what will signal an end to them? And if you do (again, I don't) what is the calculated cost of continuing such a "plan" and how will it be paid for?

[dannyk13]

NJ //o you know what the government's aim is with these continued local lockdowns, etc.?//
To contain the spread of Covid19.

[fiction-factory]

The key measure is infection rates. They have a R/A/G status. When a threshold is reached (is it 60 per 100000 in a week?) restrictions are put in place or at least discussed with local councils in some cases

[New Judge]

//Would that apply to the devolved assemblies too, NJ? They all seem to be coming up with very similar measures.//

No. From the very outset the devolved powers the assemblies operate under as far as these matters are concerned should have been taken back to Westminster. There is no reason why restrictions and rules should be different in Gretna to those in Carlisle, or different in Chester to those in Connahs Quay. It's part of the overall air of farce.

[fiction-factory]

And the rate is monitored to help decide whether to loosen restrictions.
I thought the purpose (as danny has said) was obvious but clearly not.
The infection rates are an indicator of future hospital admissions and deaths. The pattern is well known from across the world for those who acre to follow the details

[fiction-factory]

Well no chance of Nicola etc handing over such decisions so that's a non-starter.