Kit Yates

I just don't understand why you would do this (and trumpet it so proudly) at a time when covid infections are rising and we should be doing more, not less to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

RT @[email protected]

We're putting an end to compulsory mask wearing in care homes in time for Christmas.

I hope this means thousands more people in care will get to see a smile this winter: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mask-and-outbreak-guidance-updated-in-care-settings

🐦🔗: https://twitter.com/Helen_Whately/status/1603487876712390672

Mask and outbreak guidance updated in care settings

Guidance on the use of face masks in all care settings and on outbreaks in care homes has been updated.

GOV.UK
Dec 17, 2022 at 8:32amWeb
Show threadDavid Short 🇪🇺 🇵🇸 🏳️‍🌈Dec 17, 2022
@kityates perhaps she has thrown a protective ring 😕
Show threadGráinneDec 17, 2022
@kityates I find their obsession with smiling faces so creepy too. Like, even babies can tell a smile from the eyes. I'd rather not have the Grim Reaper grinning at me while infecting me, thanks.
Show threadlisteningmainlyDec 17, 2022
@kityates more deaths- less pensions bill
Show threadPaulNUKDec 17, 2022
@kityates psychopaths in the true meaning of the word.
Show threadStuzi 🐝🐝🐝Dec 17, 2022
@kityates Nobody can read the room so completely and utterly incorrectly like HW can
Show threadBen EvansDec 17, 2022

@kityates

Weird.

If you posted this on twitter, the replies would be 50-50.

50% saying, "this is probably a bad idea". The other 50% far right nutjobs. Not wearing a mask in an enclosed space with vulnerable people should be as antisocial as smoking in a lift.

Why are some twitter accounts turning effective virus mitigation measures into a political argument?

Show threadKnightSwanDec 17, 2022
@kityates
Show threadJeniParsonsDec 17, 2022
@kityates I think it’s part of “Tories save Christmas from horrid unions spoiling it and that silly Covid that’s gone away like we told it to” 🙄 and of course not funny but criminal like the first time round in care homes
Show threadLee CDec 17, 2022
@kityates And flu infections, which masks also protect against.
Show threadGabiGreenhamDec 17, 2022
@kityates This potentially leads to an increase in outbreaks in care settings, meaning no visits and no ‘smiles’ at all. Not quite the Christmas present the residents will be hoping for.
Hard to understand the logic of this at this time of year, particularly when health services are as stretched as they are.
Show threadword saladinDec 17, 2022

@kityates The notionally left state government here in Queensland Australia ran a very similar "smiles are back" campaign, before having to walk it back more or less immediately as infections surged again. They had an ad that used a strip tease / wolf whistle metaphor for masks coming off and everything.

I think it comes down to simple, basic values : for some people, even the illusion of normalcy is worth any amount of injury and fatality. Can't stop thinking about the way The Wire put it - they'd really "rather live in shit than let the world see you work a shovel".

Show threadDavid GoodlandDec 17, 2022
@kityates
Show threadJoe Pajak (Dr)Dec 17, 2022

@kityates

🚨Cold, damp, weather, more people in crowded indoor areas, with poor ventilation, very few effective masks being worn.
📈Respiratory pathogens.
@Join_ZOE UK latest
📈2,673,669 currently predicted with symptomatic #Covid19
📈236,679 estimated daily new infections.
#CovidIsNotOver

Show threadJoe Pajak (Dr)Dec 17, 2022

@kityates

The NHS managing, best it can, facing increasing incidence of #StrepA, #Covid, and the #flu - all rising, all can be very serious.
📈A&E crisis.
@Join_ZOE UK latest:
📈2,673,669 currently predicted with symptomatic Covid-19
📈236,679 estimated daily new infections
#CovidIsNotOver

Show threadClaudia KPDec 17, 2022

@kityates

I agree, that's just weird.

Show threadCuriousCatDec 17, 2022
@kityates it's as if they're creating a problem so the NHS will get so overloaded it dies. I hate this government and I've always said hate isn't good.
Show threadPhil DDec 17, 2022
@kityates
It makes perfect sense if you conclude they are quite happy for people of a certain age or vulnerability to die. It's an uncomfortable conclusion but, at this point, it's as good a theory as any. The idea they are all just idiots who are making bad decisions just doesn't wash anymore. It is so coordinated. So consistent. So awful
Show threadWill Wright ♿Dec 17, 2022
@kityates This is crazy
Show threadRuby JonesDec 17, 2022
@kityates gah, that's so distressing.