[Cherie]

I think I probably will for a while anyway especially in busy places.

We used to laugh at tourists wearing masks in London pre-pandemic, who is laughing now

[Niamh.]

Is it ever going to be over?

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Is it ever going to be over?

I think so but we have a way to go yet

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I think so but we have a way to go yet

Yeah, I was saying to Gav last night, did we ever think we'd still be in the middle of all this **** last March when everything began

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Is it ever going to be over?

News from the last few days (not being trumpeted loudly even though its important... But I guess the reason is obvious) is that catching & recovering from Covid, even with very mild symptoms, is just as effective as the vaccines at giving lasting immunity (90%) so one way or another yes it will be over... Really the vaccines vs infections race is now about what damage is done in the meantime in terms of avoidable deaths, swamped health services, etc.

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

News from the last few days (not being trumpeted loudly even though its important... But I guess the reason is obvious) is that catching & recovering from Covid, even with very mild symptoms, is just as effective as the vaccines at giving lasting immunity (90%) so one way or another yes it will be over... Really the vaccines vs infections race is now about what damage is done in the meantime in terms of avoidable deaths, swamped health services, etc.

I mean that's good if you get over it but the vaccine might stop people who would get it badly/fatally from getting it (or getting as bad a case) maybe? and yeah the health service is a big worry for us in Ireland too atm, it's bad here right now, 13 counties are at full capacity in ICU now (Cork included)

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

I mean that's good if you get over it but the vaccine might stop people who would get it badly/fatally from getting it (or getting as bad a case) maybe? and yeah the health service is a big worry for us in Ireland too atm, it's bad here right now, 13 counties are at full capacity in ICU now (Cork included)

Well yes that's why I think it's not being announced particularly loudly - if the message in the media is "catching it and recovering is as good as the vaccine" then a lot of reckless younger people will decide that they might as well just do that, being at low risk, which would obviously be an absolute disaster for health services and the vulnerable.

In theory though, if it does "get away from us", it makes a very strong case for vaccinating the elderly and vulnerable first which I think is indeed what most places are doing.

Also immunity doesn't mean a "Covid passport" because I believe they think that immune people who are exposed (both vaccinated and natural immunity) can still potentially pass it on to others... So social distancing measures etc. can't really end until we're sure that there's a high level of immunity in the population.


The major benefit with this though, is that we can still achieve the levels needed for herd immunity even if there's a large percentage who refuse the vaccine, which was a worry before.

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Well yes that's why I think it's not being announced particularly loudly - if the message in the media is "catching it and recovering is as good as the vaccine" then a lot of reckless younger people will decide that they might as well just do that, being at low risk, which would obviously be an absolute disaster for health services and the vulnerable.

In theory though, if it does "get away from us", it makes a very strong case for vaccinating the elderly and vulnerable first which I think is indeed what most places are doing.

Also immunity doesn't mean a "Covid passport" because I believe they think that immune people who are exposed (both vaccinated and natural immunity) can still potentially pass it on to others... So social distancing measures etc. can't really end until we're sure that there's a high level of immunity in the population.


The major benefit with this though, is that we can still achieve the levels needed for herd immunity even if there's a large percentage who refuse the vaccine, which was a worry before.

Yeah and I suppose people who do refuse the vaccine will probably be younger people with no underlying conditions so hopefully the elderly and vulnerable and health care workers will all be protected, I couldn't see many of the more at risk groups refusing it

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

News from the last few days (not being trumpeted loudly even though its important... But I guess the reason is obvious) is that catching & recovering from Covid, even with very mild symptoms, is just as effective as the vaccines at giving lasting immunity (90%) so one way or another yes it will be over... Really the vaccines vs infections race is now about what damage is done in the meantime in terms of avoidable deaths, swamped health services, etc.

I read that immunity was 5 months only?

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I read that immunity was 5 months only?

My brother and his family had it and he was told 12 weeks. How long does the vaccine give you

[bots]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I read that immunity was 5 months only?

i think it was at least 5 months. I think there will be a large variation person to person, so it will just be a guide

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I read that immunity was 5 months only?

At least 6 months in the study they've done but that's because the study started 6 months ago - levels of antibodies present at 6 months suggest they are likely to still be high enough to prevent infection after years. This has been (quietly) breaking over thale last 48 hours or so. Like I said, I very much understand the reason it's not the big bold front page headline.

Its also just after initial study but very promising results.

[UserSince2005]

no.
i will never go back to shaking strangers hands though, dirty as.

[AnnieK]

I think I will. It will be so strange when the restrictions end but it will take me a long time to trust the hygiene of others

I'm not a hugger so quite happy to maintain the 2m rule for strangers for ever

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by AnnieK

I think I will. It will be so strange when the restrictions end but it will take me a long time to trust the hygiene of others

I'm not a hugger so quite happy to maintain the 2m rule for strangers for ever

Same, I love atm when you go to shops or where ever everyone is moving out each others way and space invaders are a thing of the past (or if someone does get too close you have a good reason to move away)

[bots]

I don't think we will view social interactions the same again. I can certainly see me wearing a mask if im in a confined space like a plane or the tube

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by bitontheslide

I don't think we will view social interactions the same again. I can certainly see me wearing a mask if im in a confined space like a plane or the tube

I would love to wear one on planes actually. I hate it when someone near you starts coughing and now it's acceptable to wear a mask I might just do that

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

I would love to wear one on planes actually. I hate it when someone near you starts coughing and now it's acceptable to wear a mask I might just do that

I remember being on a plane during the swine flu pandemic and someone wearing a mask, think it will become common place for a while anyway

[joeysteele]

If it ever really is, yes I think so in certain places.

[Tom4784]

If it became the norm to wear masks when we're ill with the regular type of illnesses, it would do a lot to halt the spread of things like cold and flu, nevermind stuff like Covid.

I will probably try to wear a mask whenever I'm feeling rough when all this is said and done and i'll probably keep to the same habits of wearing a mask for a while after the pandemic comes to an end just to be safe.

[GoldHeart]

I don't this this pandemic will ever be over , even when things get back to normality we'll still be hearing about Covid kicking around . And I think people well most people will be cautious still .

[rusticgal]

Nope...as soon as we get the 'all clear' its coming off.

[AnnieK]

I've liked it as well whilst its been cold. The mask keeps my face warm too

[Nicky91]

voted yes for a long time in the poll, my mom told me she'll continue to wear a mask and gloves in supermarket for a very long time after the pandemic is over

[Calderyon]

Maybe.