People left 'punchy' drunk

THERE are growing signs people are reeling under the constant combination of blows taken in the apparent mismatch against heavyweight slugger Covid-19.

Those watching ringside are seeing defensive actions against the killer virus lose points as mixed messages are shouted from the trainer in the red corner - too often causing resistance to coronavirus lose its way...and, ultimately, risk crashing to the canvas.

Governments across Europe are juggling tactics and how to balance the new normality against the urgent need to control any comeback by the disease and to prevent a second wave of the pandemic.

However, there are worrying signs that it is all getting too much for too many and some people are preparing to throw in the towel after months of disruption. Lose the good will of the population and lose the bout.

Major overnight decisions taken by governments do not endear politicians to the masses because of the major impact they suddenly have on lives and lifestyles; affecting people who largely have stood up to the mark so far but actually make plans in line with the guidelines only to see them dashed.

In the UK, Boris Johnson came out fighting with a new slogan after being criticised for his trigger finger over quarantine from those returning from Spain and local lockdowns in the north west of England.

The prime minister gave the world his new ‘punchy’ slogan last week; stressing the leadership wanted to keep ‘things as simple as we can’ after causing chaos with its changes to the rules.

So the public was given a new mantra: “Hands, Face, Space”. It actually sends a signal of good sense - as the PM said, wash hands, cover faces and keep your distance. From the get go, people were being reminded over the essential importance of hygiene and social distancing.

REVOLT

But signs the peasants could soon be revolting were all over social media as a result. It was swiftly compared to the children’s action song ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’, the wedding reception favourite ‘The Hokey Cokey’ - possibly penned by a soon-to-tie-the-knot couple who have seen plans wrecked - and pleas to stop treating the population as a kindergarten crowd.

Then there is the Chancellor’s ‘Rishi Dishy’ and the temptation to get out and enjoy some cut price eats at a bargain price all of course, aimed at increasing the appetite for eating out again and boosting the economy.

Fair enough, but the fare on offer is not necessarily in line with another message from Westminster to keep one’s guard up against coronavirus’ ally Mr Obesity and the call to ‘get on yer bike’ and exercise. Perhaps Mr Sunak just wants people to enjoy a treat (and will hand out bicycle repair vouchers afterwards...oops, he already has!).

When Valencia and all the Spanish regions declared wearing a mask was mandatory, most people once again took notice. Some parts of the local laws can be confusing - for example, when to mask-up on the terrace of a bar or restaurant. ‘When consuming’ say the regulations; does that mean in between sips and forkfuls or for smokers in between drags and coughs?

Easing lockdown was always going to risk an increase in infection. The best available defence continues to be hygiene and social distancing; at least there are effective test and trace measures, best in the world or not, and let’s all hope sooner rather than later, the Holy Grail, a vaccine.

Staycation or travel, summer is here and people are on the move; the challenge for governments is to restore confidence and encourage good citizens to keep the faith; to be sensible and remember to stay alert to the dangers of Covid.

And it does mean taking action. The gloves have to be off when it comes down to handling those who selfishly put everyone at risk - typified by the 24 hour party people taking to street parties in the UK, villa parties here on the Costa Blanca...all attended by raving covidiots.

There might not be Marquess of Queensberry rules for this health contest but we all need to clean up our act.