Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

As from 5/11/20 until 2/12/20 for those interested..... https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus- ... d-12115680

Compared to the lockdown we had here, with police observing the roads etc, I think England has got off very lightly, with their bubbles etc.

Comparing the number of infected people and the number of deaths, I wouldn't exactly say "England has got off very lightly" - thanks to the incompetence, ineptitude and denial of and by the government, together with the increasing failure of the general population to show sense and abide with the recommendations and restrictions - I'm in the UK, and am seeing it...
I've been telling friends and neighbours how the TRNC have handled it, and how many infections/deaths...
Two close friends have died from Covid in the past two weeks, and a neighbour has been diagnosed positive...

I am also in the UK and I was very impressed with how Northern Cyprus dealt with the Covid problem. They were very strict from the start, but also very quickly had organised a good procedure and informed the public exactly what would happen, but without giving dates, so there were no surprises. In the UK it is a shambles. I am also impressed with how Nicola Stergen in Scotland has been dealing with the crisis - clear and to the point. If she is wrong she will admit it as she did with the A levels.

Firstly agree the TRNC has handled the Covid crisis well. However; to compare the TRNC to the U.K. or any other European country just doesn’t wash with me. The TRNC has a small population, is relatively isolated with entry only via very few locations and overall controlling the movement of people in and out of the country is so much easier.

Look now at Europe. Whilst some have done better than others, not one country has really got it right. Most countries have done the full lockdown, slowly opened up, then regional lockdowns and are now going back to total lockdowns. Spain has just announced a six month state of emergency. Add Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and now the U.K. who are all implementing a stricter lockdown or a short circuit break. We are all following the same journey albeit we are at different stages. Even Germany with its supposed gold star track and trace system has admitted its now not working and able to identify where the virus is multiplying.

The Far East has done better especially South Korea and Taiwan. Other Far East countries have also fared better. They have experience of this type of virus, SARS being one example. Some have excellent track and trace systems in place and the culture of compliance seems to work for them. Face masks are worn as routine. What’s the answer? Does the U.K. and other European countries go like New Zealand and have very strict controls on entry, a lockdown and essentially close the country. The TRNC has followed this model but at what effect on the economy, jobs and the long term survival of businesses?

It’s a fine balance. The economy and also public opinion is a big influencer. Throw into this those that refuse to understand the rules and will try anything to get round them. They are in the minority but they are out there. Then there are those that gather in large groups with no regard for others. Towns entering lockdown have seen pubs packed on the last night before closure and at closing time people partying in the street. Hookah bar and cafe fined £10K for breaking government guidelines and then only a short time later visited again to find 150 people in after hours. People continuing to gather and socialise in mixed large non family groups. Then there is the Covid fatigue setting in where people forget to wash hands, don’t always wear a mask or forget to follow guidelines. Sadly these people have contributed to where the U.K. is now.

Criticise the U.K. and yes it hasn’t been perfect but major European countries as a whole haven’t done any better. This latest month lockdown should be used to get a grip of the test and trace system, ensure that the population comply with guidelines and if people are told to isolate, then they isolate. It’s going to be a long winter and it will be the spring before things start to look a little better. Next summer we will hopefully see progress in beating this virus but it’s going to be around for a good few years. Normal life will be interrupted for a long time yet.

sophie wrote: ↑

Sat 31 Oct 2020 8:35 pm

Compared to the lockdown we had here, with police observing the roads etc, I think England has got off very lightly, with their bubbles etc.

Tell that to the poor souls who have lost family and friends, 46,500 and counting!

I have enormous sympathy with the people in the UK who have suffered and you have totally mistaken my meaning. When I said "got off lightly" I meant that restrictions put upon the population, who in my opinion have got off very lightly. They are still allowed out, albeit with one person outside of their immediate "bubble" etc, etc., As far as I am concerned the new Lockdown does not resemble a Lockdown in any way and is still a cop out. I have just received an email in my sister in Somerset and she and thousands of others in that part of Country are now suffering because of the refusal/inability/ arrogance of many of the people in the North and Midlands refusing to go by the rules. And now there is a Lockdown which is a cop out. I say this as a Northener myself and am horrified by the behaviour in the North and the Midlands. My other two elderly sisters live in Greater Manchester and they are appalled by the apparent ignorance of a huge number of the population who have put up two fingers to the authorities and couldn't careless. One sister has not been out of her one bedroom flat since third week in March because of an underlying condition, so please Kanonier don't say I don't understand.

Unfortunately, Sophie, it is not "the refusal/inability/ arrogance of many of the people in the North and Midlands" alone - this shows the "refusal/inability/arrogance" is not limited to selected areas...

The UK is not unique in its difficulties in handling of the pandemic. Most countries have had major issues with containment, tracking and generally dealing with the poorly.
The economic damage is a big consideration as people lose their livelihood and struggle to survive. The mental effects ( negative) of lockdown have become very apparent. People are dying of non covid related illness and medical services outside of covid are under massive pressure.
You just cant get a flu jab now for example. The 11000 seasonal flu deaths is likely to go up as a result.
Certainly the second wave is here and I see a lack of effort and consideration from many as people take the view that we have got over the situation.
latest lockdown should revive the smell of the coffee.
Medical services have made big advancements in treatments, saving lives and the vaccine progress to release seems on target for next year,

I think this winter season will be very hard for many across the northern hemisphere. Loss of life is inevitable. At what cost is the very difficult decision. A decision for government , populations and attitudes. I don't think any country will be spared. It is for the people to block transmission. The virus cannot survive without a host. Provide a reservoir of host tissue and it will prevail, spread and kill.

Sophia I don’t think Bristol is in the North or Midlands, 700 people at an illegal rave Police there still since 10.30 Saturday night trying to disperse them they are getting lighted spray cans and bottle thrown at them, this lot won’t be social distancing and wearing masks, no thought for the people they could infect. We are both 82 and don’t go out except for a 1hr walk weather permitting, we have a daughter who is doing our shopping, we see her once a week when she leaves our shopping on the front door step, our Son and four grandchildren we talk to on FaceTime, this has been like this since March lockdown.

Saintsfan, yes I've just been looking at pictures of the moronic cretins in Bristol. One elderly sister lives in Frome and now they will be lumped together with the others. After all their efforts to "do the right thing".