1021: The sudden limits of the UK lockdown. @josephsternberg, @WSJOpinion
Image: The signal flag "Quebec", also called the "Yellow Jack", is a simple yellow flag that was historically used to signal quarantine (it stands for Q), but in modern use indicates the opposite, as a signal of a ship free of disease that requests boarding and inspection. Joseph Sternberg: @josephsternberg, @WSJOpinion; Political Economics column; WSJ editorial board; in re:In the UK, the continuing lockdown seems to be causing mental health issues. “Exit strategy: ‘Ease lockdown by March 8,’ say Tory MPs.” Some MPs who were sceptics before now are worried about the new variant. Britain is successful in its vaccine distribution; we all thought that it would get us out of the lockdown. The Nudge Unit. Only 44% said they’d follow the [required behaviors—masks, distancing, no travel] after vaccination. Chancellor of the Exchequer wants to tax more to deal with the alarming deficit. People aren't even at work. His will further alienate conservative members of parliament, whom Boris is trying to [keep in the fold]. Rules are preposterously confusing. and which is a rule and which is a suggestion? Very difficult for humans. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/01/19/pressure-grows-boris-johnson-agree-plan-start-easing-lockdown/ https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/widespread-coronavirus-vaccination-risks-day-before-armistice-wave-of-infections-experts-warn-x3xsfwkbt https://www.ft.com/content/ef8d075a-17b4-45cd-bda3-aab5e59062dc https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/schools-in-london-and-southeast-could-reopen-first-b2df2l63g https://www.ft.com/content/a5442a8b-aafe-44ba-ae6e-ef5cc6dbfb99