[jfman]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

OK, is this better?

No, but I'll persevere.

I didn’t say that. Another twist. I said Communists like to control people.

I fail to see the distinction.

The variant we were dealing with then did, actually. It was a new variant that changed the infection rate.

Hahaha quite the straw you are clutching at there. The original Covid variant will be replaced by a worse one was clearly not the intent of your ludicrous claims.

It was always obvious that mutations could do this, and I warned about that ages ago. However, you only really know what the impact of any new mutation is when it happens. The problem with the latest variant from SA is that the scientists are leaping into control freakery before they actually know we have a problem. You seem blind to the fact that we cannot go on like this, year after year.

Yet you've denied or ignore the impact of this despite it being 'obvious' to you in retrospect.

True. No evidence it will be more so, either. However, thus far, SA infections are not leading to increased hospitalisations over other variants, so we will have to see if that changes.

However this wasn't your claim - another classic movement of goalposts from you, OB. I'd have an easier time nailing jelly to a wall.

I should imagine that the vast majority will carry on as they do now, going into work. Of course if the government continue to enforce isolation a la pingdemic, it goes without saying we will have a problem, but that is not what I am advocating.

People aren't cancelling bookings in restaurants and hotels because of a so called pingdemic, Old Boy. They don't want to catch Covid.

Except that I am not advocating enforced isolation. You are.

A question for you, however. When we have totally ruined the economy and we are all reduced to poverty, how do you propose the NHS will be funded? You’re the economist, apparently. Knock yourself out.

So you have no proposals to support the distressed sections of the economy, other than encouraging individuals to act against their own rational interests to avoid illness?

As for your last comment, people should be going to work, not staying at home unless legally required to do so. And I do not believe there is any necessity to impose such a requirement at present.

Again this isn't linked to the downturn in hospitality bookings. Answer the question as asked - given the downturn in hospitality do you propose doing anything to support this sector? Surely we must do all we can to offer financial support to these budding entrepreneurs? Who will fund the NHS if they. go under?