We steer away from comparing COVID-19 policies in different parts of United States, because that’s a private matter. However, we are free to roam ‘across the pond’ in order to compare practices. The United Kingdom allows its citizens greatest discretion anywhere in Europe, despite cases rising. Is UK willing to trade some COVID-19 risks for freedom?
What Price Human Freedom in a Pandemic?
Prof Frank Furedi, a sociologist at the University of Kent explains controlling the virus is no longer the only priority. He believes people are ‘prepared to trade off some of the risks of COVID for keeping their freedoms.
‘The satisfaction people get from public life means quite a lot to them now,’ he continues. ‘And most importantly, people are realizing the damage COVID has done to the economy with shortages and supply chain issues etc.’ And that is why UK is willing to trade some COVID-19 risks now.
However, not everybody evidently agrees. Average daily infection rates rose 16% in October to more than 43,000, according to Sky News. National Health Service Confederation CEO Matthew Tailor lays it down the line. ‘The government should not wait for infections to rocket … before the panic alarm is sounded.’
How Long Should UK Be Willing to Trade Some COVID-19 Risks
Prof Frank Furedi questions the wisdom of putting libertarianism ahead of sound medical science. He suspects ‘perceived public opinion’ drives government policy compared the logic of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Dr. Chris Cocking is a social psychologist and expert in public behavior at University of Brighton. He believes the British public understands the need for community measures. ‘And when push comes to shove and things get really bad and they need to do something they are able to do that,’ he adds.
However, Dr. Layla McKay, director of National Health Service Confederation policy favors a middle line. ‘If you take some small changes now that reduce the risk of passing on the virus. It might mean more drastic actions down the line won’t be necessary’ she insists.
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