Blog: Wilfully sowing the seeds of masked confusion

We all want a return to our normal pre-COVID-19 lives, but only a government led by Boris Johnson could think they can just wish it, and it will happen. They appear to have tired of governing the country out of this pandemic and would rather let the people do it themselves. But responsibility goes hand in hand with leadership. It is not an optional extra. We are now back to incredibly confusing, constantly changing mixed messages – and it is left to the public to do what they think is right and our members to deal with the fallout. So, mandatory masks for care home and hospital visitors, but not on crowded buses or trains. We all know coronavirus isn’t going to stop outside our office doors in England next Monday – we are still in a global pandemic and the removal of restrictions such as mandatory face coverings is a serious concern against a backdrop of the rapid rise in cases. With more people likely to be travelling and commuting to and from work on public transport it is ludicrous to remove this measure. And talk of personal responsibility just shifts the burden onto already over-worked, tired and stressed care, NHS and other public service staff. Yes the vaccine is weakening the link between deaths and hospital admissions, but it hasn’t completely broken it. We are also concerned about the risk of long COVID, particularly in younger workers who may have only had one vaccine. And we’re also concerned about others who remain clinically vulnerable despite having t...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: General secretary's blog Christina McAnea Covid-19 health and safety Source Type: news