Outbroke Britain 5: Winterval

According to the doom laden, worst case scenario, report released a few days ago, there could be a second spike starting in the Autumn and peaking around the new year. It predicts 120,000 (more) deaths. Of course the Prime Minister hasn't read it, neither has Boris Johnson.

This is, naturally, deeply fucking distressing. He has promised (meaning: it won't happen) three billion for the NHS. That hardly sounds liek enough. Even during normal times the NHS faced a greater shortfall. It's been a gaping wound for years; kept that way because it's politically convenient. The NHS ins't a health service, in thsi context, it's a political football. Of course it shouldn't be.

I don't think the government understands the problem that winter presents. I think this because, right now, they are pushing for people to return to work. Evne considering how effective working from home can be in general this is not the time.

In winter there will be, alongside Covid, all the usual viruses and bugs, including the latest seasonal flu. Perhaps they could start by offering everyone a free flu jab. Yeah, I know, won't happen. The problem is this: in winter people are indoors where it is less well ventilated. Outdoors, in summer, we risk lulling ourselves into a false sense of security because we're outside where it's relatively safer. When the bugs return we are inside, cooped up. Consequently everyone, in their offices and work spaces, risks spreading these diseases. Only hiding alongside these bugs, with which we have learned to live, will be Covid.

What happens when you turn up for work sniffing and sneezing? One of two things:

1. Your boss thinks "stop moaning and get to work". If homeworking isn't an option you risk spreading what could well be Covid and not the winter sniffles.
2. Your boss thinks "he could have Covid" and tells you to self isolate. You then have to manage for two weeks. Your workplace may well end up closing because everyone is in this position. Without testing your boss can't tell the difference.

There is no positive outcome here and I see nothing from the government even considering this. Fortunately there is no evidence to suggest the virus gets stronger in winter, it is just the conditions caused by cold weather forcing people indoors that is the problem, along with other viruses. Those we can deal with, not so with Covid. Hopefully a vaccine is coming, but I doubt it will be ready for this Winter. That seems highly unlikely.

Shovelling more money into the NHS isn't something I resist. But it doesn't address the underlying problem which is systemic. Given who oversees that system I'm deeply sceptical we'll be ready if - if - things get worse again.

Hopefully they won't.