I appreciate that NZ has a more sparse population, but point being if it doesn't get into the country to begin with or is spotted extremely early it's possible to keep deaths extremely low while having a mostly functional society. Certainly not the worst combination going. A few countries have managed that, as acting early is a major factor. Putting aside arguments about having lockdowns at all, the later they occur the less they achieve.

Also, with regard to 'it's not like for like' we should be sure to also apply that to Sweden too, with its staggering number of single occupancy households, which limits spread somewhat. Though it looks like they're on the verge of a lockdown now anyway.

You can compare New Zealand with Iceland, not with us and mainland EU countries. Just look at New Zealand. Hundreds and thousands of miles away from anyone.

They had their hard rules on immigration compared to us to start with. I agree that we should’ve cancelled Cheltenham and Atletico Madrid fans etc and cancelled all inbound flights apart from repatriation to take stock of what was happening, but we couldn’t have kept Covid out. I seem to remember some freedom of movement voices opposing locking people out.

The country in Europe to always look up to for being organised is Germany. Did well to begin with, with tests and test kit manufacturing, plus, by their own admission, a bit of luck. But even they had problems this autumn and winter.

If you asked me if I wanted to go to an authoritarian country because it’s safer, I think I’d decline, in case infections kick off again, and so do the police state. But it would be a memorable travel experience. A bit like visiting 1980’s East Germany. Interesting, but glad you’re not part of them.

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COYP

And failing to take advantage when we took the right choice investing in undiscovered vaccines. Not only that but many want to give our vaccines away before we’ve vaccinated our own people. That is unsurprising. I like Stirling’s trenches comparisons, so the comparison I’d make is you’d find yourself going over the top, only to look round and find that half of your fellow soldiers stayed in the trenches.

COYP

This extension to furlough should be dependent on the application, taking industry and situation into consideration. Just making it available to any who ask for it sends out the wrong message to people of all ages, job levels and company owners in the country. The way this is going there will be continual furlough for many throughout the spring, summer, autumn and winter.

COYP

Yes, but it’s too easily available. And if they introduce more furlough in October then my god we have a problem. That’ll then run into March 2022 at least and 2 years of it.

Ah, what does it matter? Money is a fantasy apparently. Still haven’t heard about the printing money solution. Just debates over how it’s going to be paid back not printed money making it not matter.

COYP

I’m well aware you don’t need to repay printed money. It’s the effects of printing money that are of concern.

COYP