Quote:
Originally Posted by InkyTinks
Yes sorry I keep forgetting I'm talking to people at the other side of the world sometimes..lol!
PM=Prime Minister
MP= Member of Parliament
For the first lockdown they had what they called a CV or CEV list which means Clinically Vulnerable (Diabetes, Neuro conditions etc) and Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (cancer patients with no immune system after chemo, organ transplant patients) and if a person was on it they could get prescriptions and food delivered.
As I was already mostly housebound I already get a supermarket delivery of my food and my prescriptions get delivered anyway. I don't work so only really had to worry about getting my dog out safely.
In the first one there was also a scheme for workers ..the word escapes me at the minute!..but basically meant people still got full pay even if they had to stay home.
The govt are very reluctant to bring these back cos basically it cost them a load of money...though would have cost them more if our medical system had gone down under the pressure, as some did in other countries in Europe.
In July ..I think it was? ..they scrapped the CEV lists..so apparently we don't exist anymore! ..my life hasn't changed much as I already had that stuff arranged but for those who previously worked and had then had to shield..they've had to make tough decisions...not everyone's employers have let them continue to work from home..or their job was not one they could do from home so they got sacked or had to leave...if they wanted to choose to remain shielding.
Living rurally I always make sure I have enough food in, in case a food shop can't get here (snow) or some other emergency happens..so me and doggy are fine, but many others are worse off.
I try and keep busy but I tire easily as I get chronic fatigue too and the arthritis pain affects my neck and shoulders too in winter..sometimes it's all I can manage to throw some clothes on and get my dog out once and make something to eat...and I wouldn't even manage that if I didn't have a mobility scooter for outside!
I play video games a lot cos they don't require much energy and being focused on them distracts me from the constant Tinnitus.
Sorry this is turning into an essay lol!!  |
I like your writings! No need for apologies!
Your country sounds like they are doing everything in their power to balance the economy with public safety, and it truly seems like your country cares about all its members by the way they employ and deploy equity and inclusivity.
The USA lacks such tenets, as we're more of an individualist nation with a "fend for yourself" kind of social system, political system, healthcare system, educational system, filial system (parental rights versus children's rights - both pegged against one another vis-a-vis the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system, parens patriae systems, therapeutic jurisprudence, the child welfare system, and the family court system), and our overall culture. This drives both the left and the right in terms of their definitions of "freedom" in our country. We're very far from collectivism, which is more so what countries like yours offer for the nation's well-being as a whole, as all inclusive in the struggle, and as prioritizing healthcare so that people can build into the economy. I'm really saddened to see our country fall so short, as evidenced by the Coronavirus statistics, even though our economic statistics may still reveal we are competitive in global capitalism. Here, capitalism literally "trumps" (pun intended) public safety, and individualism is seen as "patriotic," whereas collectivist public safety efforts are seen as "socialism" or "communism," which are two "dirty words" in the US-based English language.
I love my country, and I will defend it - even whilst disabled - should we get attacked by other countries, but I'm aware of our flaws, too. Our democracy is dying, and we're slowly turning into a divided fascist country with sovereign states. If it gets any worse, another civil war is likely to ensue. Just ask any historian and/or cultural anthropologist of the warning signs that occurred globally and locally before a revolutionary war broke out.