UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Discussions about serious topics, for serious people
User avatar
shpalman
Princess POW
Posts: 8241
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:53 pm
Location: One step beyond
Contact:

UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by shpalman » Mon Nov 22, 2021 2:13 pm

Who knows? ... there has been little word from the UK government about how to safely celebrate Christmas 2021. But scientists say caution remains crucial.
Prof Susan Michie of University College London, a member of the government’s Covid-19 behavioural science team and the Independent Sage group of experts wrote:“In these circumstances, my advice would be to delay planning Christmas as long as possible,”
having that swing is a necessary but not sufficient condition for it meaning a thing
@shpalman@mastodon.me.uk

User avatar
Brightonian
Dorkwood
Posts: 1429
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 3:16 pm
Location: Usually UK, often France and Ireland

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Brightonian » Mon Nov 22, 2021 2:51 pm

We should postpone Christmas 2021, like Euro 2020. And 2022, 2023,..., however long it takes, and have them all one after each other. And then Roy Wood's wish will come true.

User avatar
Trinucleus
Catbabel
Posts: 985
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 6:45 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Trinucleus » Mon Nov 22, 2021 5:11 pm

Brightonian wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 2:51 pm
We should postpone Christmas 2021, like Euro 2020. And 2022, 2023,..., however long it takes, and have them all one after each other. And then Roy Wood's wish will come true.
We should have it in January when the shops aren't so busy

User avatar
shpalman
Princess POW
Posts: 8241
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:53 pm
Location: One step beyond
Contact:

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by shpalman » Fri Nov 26, 2021 11:00 am

Cancelling it entirely would be fine by me, I'd rather not have to visit miserable grey not-mask-wearing lazy-lying-stuffed-sack-of-sh.t-prime-minister plague island. However, I've already booked flights and airport parking.

Of course I'll have to do a day-2 test, to make sure I haven't contaminated your endemic covid by showing up covid-free, but as of the current rules I'll have to do a test less than 48 hours before arriving back in Italy if I want to avoid spending 5 days in self-isolation once I get back. It can be a lateral flow rather than a PCR as long as it's done with a swab, but self tests aren't accepted and this is a problem because the whole corrupt UK testing system is based on people testing themselves at home, taking a photo of it, and getting their guaranteed negative result certificate.

The asymptomatic testing sites near where I'll be are all closed so there's no way to get a non-self test,* and PCR tests have the issue that it's practically impossible to do the test, send it to them, and have them process it all with the 48 hour window. I paid >£200 a year ago to get a negative test certificate with a 24-hour turnaround, as if anybody cared.

* - unless I lie and say I have symptoms, but then if had symptoms I shouldn't really be going to any airports anyway.
having that swing is a necessary but not sufficient condition for it meaning a thing
@shpalman@mastodon.me.uk

WFJ
Catbabel
Posts: 648
Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2021 7:54 am

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by WFJ » Fri Nov 26, 2021 11:42 am

shpalman wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 11:00 am
Cancelling it entirely would be fine by me, I'd rather not have to visit miserable grey not-mask-wearing lazy-lying-stuffed-sack-of-sh.t-prime-minister plague island. However, I've already booked flights and airport parking.

Of course I'll have to do a day-2 test, to make sure I haven't contaminated your endemic covid by showing up covid-free, but as of the current rules I'll have to do a test less than 48 hours before arriving back in Italy if I want to avoid spending 5 days in self-isolation once I get back. It can be a lateral flow rather than a PCR as long as it's done with a swab, but self tests aren't accepted and this is a problem because the whole corrupt UK testing system is based on people testing themselves at home, taking a photo of it, and getting their guaranteed negative result certificate.

The asymptomatic testing sites near where I'll be are all closed so there's no way to get a non-self test,* and PCR tests have the issue that it's practically impossible to do the test, send it to them, and have them process it all with the 48 hour window. I paid >£200 a year ago to get a negative test certificate with a 24-hour turnaround, as if anybody cared.

* - unless I lie and say I have symptoms, but then if had symptoms I shouldn't really be going to any airports anyway.
Where are you flying from? Almost all airports have test centres where you can get LF tests before boarding.

User avatar
shpalman
Princess POW
Posts: 8241
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:53 pm
Location: One step beyond
Contact:

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by shpalman » Fri Nov 26, 2021 11:45 am

Stansted. Good idea.
having that swing is a necessary but not sufficient condition for it meaning a thing
@shpalman@mastodon.me.uk

User avatar
Bird on a Fire
Princess POW
Posts: 10137
Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:05 pm
Location: Portugal

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Bird on a Fire » Fri Nov 26, 2021 1:03 pm

shpalman wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 11:00 am
Cancelling it entirely would be fine by me, I'd rather not have to visit miserable grey not-mask-wearing lazy-lying-stuffed-sack-of-sh.t-prime-minister plague island. However, I've already booked flights and airport parking.

Of course I'll have to do a day-2 test, to make sure I haven't contaminated your endemic covid by showing up covid-free,
Hahaha preach.

I'm in the same boat. I'm meant to be doing a month at my UK uni in January/Feb. My scholarship intends me to split my time 50:50, but I've not been there for nearly 2 years due obvious reasons, and I'm pretty sure that by January it'll all be locked down again.
We have the right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment.

Herainestold
After Pie
Posts: 2029
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2019 1:23 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Herainestold » Fri Nov 26, 2021 6:18 pm

Bird on a Fire wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 1:03 pm
shpalman wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 11:00 am
Cancelling it entirely would be fine by me, I'd rather not have to visit miserable grey not-mask-wearing lazy-lying-stuffed-sack-of-sh.t-prime-minister plague island. However, I've already booked flights and airport parking.

Of course I'll have to do a day-2 test, to make sure I haven't contaminated your endemic covid by showing up covid-free,
Hahaha preach.

I'm in the same boat. I'm meant to be doing a month at my UK uni in January/Feb. My scholarship intends me to split my time 50:50, but I've not been there for nearly 2 years due obvious reasons, and I'm pretty sure that by January it'll all be locked down again.
I would say by Christmas.
Masking forever
Putin is a monster.
Russian socialism will rise again

User avatar
lpm
Junior Mod
Posts: 5944
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 1:05 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by lpm » Fri Nov 26, 2021 6:52 pm

You can say by Christmas if you like, but you've already said by September, by October and by November.
⭐ Awarded gold star 4 November 2021

Herainestold
After Pie
Posts: 2029
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2019 1:23 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Herainestold » Fri Nov 26, 2021 7:17 pm

lpm wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 6:52 pm
You can say by Christmas if you like, but you've already said by September, by October and by November.
That was before new variant. Everything is different now.

We have no other options.
Masking forever
Putin is a monster.
Russian socialism will rise again

User avatar
Bird on a Fire
Princess POW
Posts: 10137
Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:05 pm
Location: Portugal

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Bird on a Fire » Fri Nov 26, 2021 11:07 pm

Herainestold wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 7:17 pm
lpm wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 6:52 pm
You can say by Christmas if you like, but you've already said by September, by October and by November.
That was before new variant. Everything is different now.

We have no other options.
It's like when I finally stop hitting snooze, and actually wake up to the alarm that's been pissing me off for the last however long and I actually do have to deal with whatever sh.t today's bringing.

Herainestold is the alarm tone on society's phone. Mine is Feelin Good by Nina Simone.
We have the right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment.

User avatar
Gfamily
Light of Blast
Posts: 5180
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 1:00 pm
Location: NW England

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Gfamily » Sat Nov 27, 2021 12:02 am

I feel mine's "I got you babe"
My avatar was a scientific result that was later found to be 'mistaken' - I rarely claim to be 100% correct
ETA 5/8/20: I've been advised that the result was correct, it was the initial interpretation that needed to be withdrawn
Meta? I'd say so!

nezumi
Dorkwood
Posts: 1164
Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2020 1:43 pm
Location: UK

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by nezumi » Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:07 am

Thankfully mine is Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb.
Non fui. Fui. Non sum. Non curo.

User avatar
Stranger Mouse
After Pie
Posts: 2347
Joined: Sat Dec 21, 2019 1:23 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Stranger Mouse » Sat Nov 27, 2021 4:05 pm

Will the new variant allow Johnson cover to bring in Plan B without it looking like a U turn?
I’ve decided I should be on the pardon list if that’s still in the works

User avatar
shpalman
Princess POW
Posts: 8241
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:53 pm
Location: One step beyond
Contact:

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by shpalman » Sat Nov 27, 2021 4:55 pm

Stranger Mouse wrote:
Sat Nov 27, 2021 4:05 pm
Will the new variant allow Johnson cover to bring in Plan B without it looking like a U turn?
New UK Covid measures to be announced apparently. Not sure if they just mean more travel bans.
having that swing is a necessary but not sufficient condition for it meaning a thing
@shpalman@mastodon.me.uk

User avatar
Stranger Mouse
After Pie
Posts: 2347
Joined: Sat Dec 21, 2019 1:23 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Stranger Mouse » Sat Nov 27, 2021 5:27 pm

shpalman wrote:
Sat Nov 27, 2021 4:55 pm
Stranger Mouse wrote:
Sat Nov 27, 2021 4:05 pm
Will the new variant allow Johnson cover to bring in Plan B without it looking like a U turn?
New UK Covid measures to be announced apparently. Not sure if they just mean more travel bans.
Masks back in retail and public transportation settings but judging by my most recent experience of both nobody will f.cking do anything. Buses and trains regularly have unmasked people coughing without even covering their f.cking mouths. I can’t see them changing their behaviour.
I’ve decided I should be on the pardon list if that’s still in the works

User avatar
Martin Y
Stummy Beige
Posts: 3080
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 1:08 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Martin Y » Sat Nov 27, 2021 7:54 pm

nezumi wrote:
Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:07 am
Thankfully mine is Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb.
While mine is 65 Days of Static's Retreat! Retreat!

FlammableFlower
Dorkwood
Posts: 1508
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 1:22 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by FlammableFlower » Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:17 pm

Stranger Mouse wrote:
Sat Nov 27, 2021 5:27 pm
shpalman wrote:
Sat Nov 27, 2021 4:55 pm
Stranger Mouse wrote:
Sat Nov 27, 2021 4:05 pm
Will the new variant allow Johnson cover to bring in Plan B without it looking like a U turn?
New UK Covid measures to be announced apparently. Not sure if they just mean more travel bans.
Masks back in retail and public transportation settings but judging by my most recent experience of both nobody will f.cking do anything. Buses and trains regularly have unmasked people coughing without even covering their f.cking mouths. I can’t see them changing their behaviour.
But not required in cinemas and theatres where people will be sitting together for 2hrs+

raven
Catbabel
Posts: 645
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 8:58 pm

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by raven » Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:56 pm

Masks back in retail & transport.... So not really 'new UK covid measures' so much as bringing England in line with Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales then?

(We were in NI last month. It was weird coming back to optional masks so no-one bothering, no signing in when you visit places, etc etc.)

User avatar
headshot
Dorkwood
Posts: 1414
Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2019 9:40 am

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by headshot » Sun Nov 28, 2021 6:30 am

To answer the OP’s question: Frau HS and my Christmas is now ruined.

Saxony is in a really bad place (over 2000 cases per 100k in the Erzgebirge region) which see no signs of changing in the short-medium term. The in-laws aren’t very keen on us travelling through Frankfurt to get there then spending full days inside their home. Our accommodation might not even be allowed to open anyway. And all the fun things we had planned (Christmas market, ice skating etc) are not possible because it’s all been cancelled.

So Christmas at home it is…

I was really looking forward to getting out of Little England for a bit too. Ugh.

User avatar
shpalman
Princess POW
Posts: 8241
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:53 pm
Location: One step beyond
Contact:

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by shpalman » Sun Nov 28, 2021 9:54 am

Herainestold wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 7:17 pm
lpm wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 6:52 pm
You can say by Christmas if you like, but you've already said by September, by October and by November.
That was before new variant. Everything is different now.
"Delta Omicron changes everything."
having that swing is a necessary but not sufficient condition for it meaning a thing
@shpalman@mastodon.me.uk

User avatar
Bird on a Fire
Princess POW
Posts: 10137
Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:05 pm
Location: Portugal

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Bird on a Fire » Sun Nov 28, 2021 1:43 pm

The PCR test on day 2 is going to be unpleasantly expensive I expect.

And i fully expect UK uni to be in lockdown by January, making over half of my PhD where I've not been able to work on campus.
We have the right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment.

User avatar
shpalman
Princess POW
Posts: 8241
Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:53 pm
Location: One step beyond
Contact:

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by shpalman » Sun Nov 28, 2021 2:59 pm

The PCR on day 2 does knacker things a bit - since I have MXP-STN booked for the 23rd it's entirely possible I'll be obliged to self isolate while I wait for the result until the 29th (the UK will get the 27th and 28th off as holidays since Christmas itself is over the weekend). Then I have STN-MXP booked for the 30th...

But it doesn't have to be on day 2 does it? It has to be "on or before". Could I get a PCR when I arrive at STN?

It seems like tests at STN can be booked up to a month in advance so that window is opening up now, I'll have a look tomorrow. I don't expect the day-2 test providers to have updated themselves yet regarding needing PCR instead of Lateral Flow.
having that swing is a necessary but not sufficient condition for it meaning a thing
@shpalman@mastodon.me.uk

WFJ
Catbabel
Posts: 648
Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2021 7:54 am

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by WFJ » Sun Nov 28, 2021 3:41 pm

shpalman wrote:
Sun Nov 28, 2021 2:59 pm
The PCR on day 2 does knacker things a bit - since I have MXP-STN booked for the 23rd it's entirely possible I'll be obliged to self isolate while I wait for the result until the 29th (the UK will get the 27th and 28th off as holidays since Christmas itself is over the weekend). Then I have STN-MXP booked for the 30th...

But it doesn't have to be on day 2 does it? It has to be "on or before". Could I get a PCR when I arrive at STN?

It seems like tests at STN can be booked up to a month in advance so that window is opening up now, I'll have a look tomorrow. I don't expect the day-2 test providers to have updated themselves yet regarding needing PCR instead of Lateral Flow.
Yes that's what I did when I visited in the spring and day 2 PCRs were required. If it is the same now, it has to be an official "Day 2 Test™" because these give you a code that you have to use on your passenger locator form that you fill in before checking in. The ones at Stansted will certainly be these though.

User avatar
Bird on a Fire
Princess POW
Posts: 10137
Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:05 pm
Location: Portugal

Re: UK Christmas 2021 is Saved/Ruined

Post by Bird on a Fire » Sun Nov 28, 2021 6:30 pm

Yes, I think I'll also do mine on arrival, as our family Christmas kneesup is two days after I arrive. I can also do a lateral flow on the morning.

Everyone's jabbed or whatever, and they're much more likely to have covid than I am based on where we live and what we do.
We have the right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment.

Post Reply